Ines Tazi

With a mixed cultural background of half French and half Moroccan, Ines Tazi has always had a unique perspective on the different inequalities women face. At just 15 years old, she embarked on her first mission with NGOs to support single mothers in Morocco, a cause that she still actively supports today. From creating awareness to developing professional reinsertion programs, Ines has been a driving force behind many initiatives aimed at empowering women.
Whilst questioning her own privileges, Ines developed a passion for geopolitics and went on to complete a degree in political economy in London. She spent eight years in the English capital before following her heart and moving to Paris to pursue her first love: acting. She proudly describes herself as an empowered feminist who cherishes her roots and traditions.

But Ines is more than just an actress. She is also a content creator and TV personality, with two Netflix shows already under her belt. Her latest venture, Perfect Match, is set to air globally on Valentine’s Day 2023. Ines is a woman of many passions, from fashion and beauty to soccer and boxing. She is also a beauty-tech entrepreneur, an accredited facialist, and a jewellery designer.

Ines believes that women can wear many hats and tick many boxes without having to fit into one. She is a powerful advocate for breaking down traditional stereotypes and empowering women to pursue their dreams. Now settled in LA, Ines is determined to expand her acting skills and engage more deeply with content creation.
For Ines, fashion is a powerful medium that embodies major environmental, social, and cultural issues. With her family having been in the fashion industry for four generations, Ines understands the power of fashion to connect her roots with her country of birth (France) and her country of adoption (USA). Through her social media presence, Ines is committed to creating smarter and bolder content that showcases the power of humour and the beauty of vulnerability as positive cultural driving forces.

In addition to her many talents, Ines also runs her own business, Skulpt. This personal care product platform sells everyday essentials designed to make life easier for busy women. With her unwavering commitment to empowering women and her many talents, Ines Tazi is a true inspiration and a rising star in Hollywood.

What inspired you to pursue a career in activism and social work, particularly with single mothers in Morocco, at such a young age?

Growing up in Morocco, I was born into a family of strong women for whom many were involved in social work. It has given me a unique perspective on the power of advocacy and the importance of speaking up for what is right. I owe my passion to the badass women who have always inspired me and pushed me to speak up and stay grounded. Despite this support, I have often felt overwhelmed and unsure about how to use my voice effectively to make a difference. There have been times when I felt like an outsider, wanting to take action but unsure of how to best do it. Working with the non-governmental organisation INSAF has truly been a life-changing experience for me. I am deeply inspired by their tireless efforts to empower women and ensure that children can enjoy their childhood without the burden of societal pressures.

Your background is quite diverse, spanning the political economy, acting, beauty-tech entrepreneurship, and more. How do you balance these different interests and passions in your career?

I try to combine all these passions and interests together as much as I can. I believe that everything is interconnected and that ultimately to create a change, action is often triggered by emotions rather than intellect. This is why working in mass media, and fashion but being political makes complete sense to me. It is not easy to navigate but having a higher purpose allows me to create that balance between those different universes. Ultimately I prioritise taking time to reconnect with the physical world and the present moment which to me, is the source of all my creativity and energy.

How has your mixed cultural background influenced your perspectives on feminism and activism, and how do you incorporate these perspectives into your work as a content creator and TV personality?

Having a mixed cultural background has allowed me to challenge the norms of my education. I have learnt early on that not everything is set in stone, and a lot of things are socially constructed. I have been pushed to be critical and to think critically about my own country, my own position in society and the place of women in society. I am a proud intersectional feminist who has the privilege to work alongside like-minded individuals through the organisation INSAF fighting for women’s rights and single mothers. Trying to find my own place and the right way to discuss this topic and my passion for human rights on a digital platform is not easy and sensitive. It’s tough, but there are ways to make it work. I use articles, speaking engagements, and even humour and fashion to share my views with the world. I strive to produce content that reflects my true self, whether it’s fun, sexy, or serious.

Can you tell us more about your business Skulpt and how it aligns with your personal values and passions?

Skult’s launch was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and we are now working on the last details. As such, I can’t reveal too much but Skult is my baby and a passion project which was born out of my love for beauty and self-care. My skin drastically changed after I moved to London and I then started to question my own self-care routine and rethink how I took care of my skin. Drawing inspiration from my Moroccan upbringing and a trip to Japan, where I discovered their simplified and scientifically-backed approach to holistic beauty, I combined the two methods to create Skult – a user-friendly, innovative tool for everyday cleansing and a line of affordable, eco-friendly, and effective skincare products. I wanted to change the way people think about their skin and care for it. Skult is a reflection of my deepest thoughts and in a way an extension of myself, my views of the world and the self-care industry. I truly believe in operating with a profit-with-purpose mindset, making high-quality self-care accessible to everyone. We are committed to maintaining ethical and sustainable practices throughout our entire production process, and although recent global changes have caused some setbacks, we refuse to compromise on our values and ethics and that is why you still have to wait a bit longer to know more.

You recently moved to LA to expand your acting skills and engage deeper with content creation. What are your goals for your career in the entertainment industry, and how do you hope to use your platform to make a positive impact?

My career goals in the entertainment industry are multiple. I admire personalities who do not fit into one box, are multifaceted, and versatile and have skills in various areas that do not limit them to a certain role. I aspire to explore different areas throughout my career while working towards improving the representation of women. I am driven to make a positive impact on the world and to personally challenge myself by experiencing and understanding the challenges that women face in their lives. Using my platform, I aim to amplify the voices of those who I admire and those who have not had the opportunity to share their perspectives. I am grateful to the previous generation of women who fought for my rights and want to be a part of the current generation empowering and inspiring the younger generation to feel confident and self-assured in their abilities. In today’s world where women’s rights are not guaranteed, I am committed to being a part of the solution and making a positive difference. I’m making this my own way and I am proud of where I am today.

As someone who is passionate about fashion and beauty, how do you think these industries can play a role in promoting environmental, social, and cultural issues?

The fashion and beauty industries have a core role to play here without a doubt! These industries undeniably have an impact on the environment as well as social implications. Corporations and individuals have to take responsibility to promote positive and sustainable change. I think that there is work to be done on transparency and supply chain accountability and I really value the brand that makes that effort. I also believe that there is a cultural challenge that we sometimes overlook, about putting more appreciation into what we consume. Vivienne Westwood summarised it perfectly very well ‘ Buy less, choose well, make it last’.

Your social media presence is known for its bold and creative content. How do you approach content creation and what are your goals for the messages you share with your audience?

I believe in using humour to provoke constructive thought and inspire my audience. I aim to create content that is bold, creative, and cheeky, yet impactful. I want to ensure that my social media content retains a human aspect, making it relatable and enjoyable for my audience. I view myself as the creative director of my social media platform, constantly asking myself how I can push myself out of my comfort zone while maintaining a sense of intimacy with my followers. My goal is to create content that adds value to my audience’s lives, inspires them, and uplifts them. I strive to strike a balance between being informative and entertaining, while also staying true to my personal brand. I draw inspiration from everything and everyone around me, and while there are moments where I feel like I may be pushing the envelope too far, stepping out of my comfort zone is something that I am getting better at because I know that I have learnt so much by doing so and that it can push people to try new things.

Can you tell us more about your experience as the protagonist of two Netflix shows, and how it has influenced your career and personal life?

It has been an unbelievable experience in every possible way! It is not every day that you get to date in front of the world, especially Netflix celebrities! I never thought my dating life would be so relatable to the audience. It definitely gave me more exposure and made me known to the American public which has been important for me and allowed me to meet so many incredible people since the show. But mostly to show that you can have a ‘main character energy’ by being yourself, a nuanced, proudly vulnerable person. Especially in the entertainment/ Reality TV industry, which can be pretty homogenous at times. I’m all about bringing a fresh perspective to the table and showing that there’s more than one way to do things.

What challenges have you faced as a woman with a mixed cultural background in your career, and how have you overcome them?

Growing up in a culture where the power of femininity is sometimes overlooked, I felt like I always had to compromise to achieve my goals. I struggled with the idea that to be taken seriously as an entrepreneur, I had to suppress my feminine side or compromise my work-life balance to be present for my family. I often felt like I had to conform to certain gender expectations in terms of humour and leadership and even in how I had to present myself in society. But it’s this very mixed cultural background and the power of culture that also allowed me to realize that not everything has to be binary and that I did not have to fit boxes to be respected and be who I wanted to be. Thanks to the digital culture, I was able to find a community of like-minded individuals who supported and encouraged me to be my authentic self. By owning my unique background and perspective, I have been able to overcome these challenges and carve out a successful career path for myself. I am not ashamed of celebrating what I consider my own little successes and who I am anymore.

Looking to the future, what are your plans for your personal and professional development, and what impact do you hope to make in the world?

I have a lot of exciting projects in the works: podcasts, films, business projects… I love working in different industries and stepping out of my comfort zone. I want to be a part of a movement that encourages younger generations to be bold, to break down societal norms and expectations, and to make choices for themselves and celebrate their achievements and each other’s achievements without compromising who they are, on their kindness and empathy. This is all possible. If you just have to break those barriers and norms that society has imposed upon us and deconstruct a lot of things. It is not easy and I fully acknowledge my own positionality and position of privilege here. Ultimately, I hope to make a positive impact on the world by contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society for women.

Ines’s Holiday Rules

You’ve lived in several different countries throughout your life, including Morocco, England, France, and the United States. How have these different cultures influenced your approach to travel?

From a young age, I’ve had the privilege of exploring different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures. My multicultural background has made me naturally curious about the world around me and eager to learn about new ways of life. Over the years, I’ve travelled both for leisure and for work, and I’ve come to realise that I’m quite comfortable with solitude. Travelling solo has taught me a lot about myself and given me a sense of independence that I wouldn’t have developed otherwise.

What are some of your favourite travel destinations?

When it comes to travel destinations, I have to say that the French countryside holds a special place in my heart. I find myself returning time and time again to places like Vendee and Iles de Ré, where I can soak in the serene atmosphere and take in the stunning scenery. And let’s not forget about the mouth-watering oysters! But what really draws me in is the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and connect more deeply with myself and my loved ones. It’s something I crave at least once a year. As for my all-time favourite travel destination, it has to be Morocco. From the food to the diverse landscapes, the vibrant cities to the mystical south, there’s just so much to explore and discover. I may have grown up there, but there’s always something new to see and experience. Whether I’m wandering through the vibrant streets of Marrakech or looking at the eternal beauty of Akchour, I always feel at home yet simultaneously excited to discover more of the country’s cultural riches.

Why do you think travel is important?

Travelling helps me grow by allowing me to learn about myself. It’s also the opportunity to see the world’s paradoxes. Every place has its unique blend of contradictions and surprises, and it’s these paradoxes that make each destination so fascinating to me. Whether it’s the bustling energy of a city that coexists with pockets of serenity, or the ancient traditions that persist alongside modern innovations. I believe that travel is a transformative experience that opens our eyes to new perspectives, challenges our assumptions, and expands our horizons.

How do you share your travel experiences with your audience?

I live for those secret travel gems that nobody talks about. My social media feeds are my holy grail of travel inspiration, and I strive to be that kind of source for others. I keep it real and share my honest thoughts and opinions, even if it means admitting that I didn’t quite “get” the appeal of a particular spot. I also make an effort to showcase local creators and cultural traditions. I always keep in mind what I would want to see on someone else’s feed while trying to share my travel journey. I usually do not share too much, but I try to capture the energy that I get in a specific place and the little details that bring me daily small pleasures (which often involve coffee or olive oil!).

You’re a multi-talented activist making waves in Hollywood. How do you balance your busy schedule with your love of travel and exploration?

I am still trying to figure out how to balance it all, but I try to make both travelling and working happen at the same time! Often my travel time is used wisely for working and I have an incredible team who also helps me coordinate all of this. This is something that many people don’t know and what you don’t see on social media. You can do it all but not alone!

PHOTOGRAPHER:
Kelsey Hale
@kelsey_hale

GROOMING:
Erika Vanessa
@erikavanessa

MAKEUP:
Audur Jónsdóttir
@audurs

STYLIST:
Hannah Canon
@hanncan__