On paper, Zuri Marley seems like your average 20-year-old college senior. College dorm, check; 300-level classes, check; and of course the nerve-wracking impending graduation, check. With dreams of making it in the Big Apple she moved to New York City after finishing high school. “I always had an obsession with this place and its history as most do,” she says when asked why she landed on NYC. And while she comes across as nothing but totally sweet and humble, a double-take at her last name, Marley (yes, that Marley!), and you’ll soon realize she’s not quite like every other senior on campus.
In between juggling group projects and studying for midterms, Zuri’s also busy lending her vocals to artists like Blood Orange (which should come as no surprise considering her dad is Ziggy Marley and her grandfather is none other than the music legend Bob Marley) and working on tons of other creative projects. We caught up with the busy beauty to talk college, her family, and of course get the lowdown on all of her beauty secrets.
Teen Vogue: “Okay, so first things first your dad is Ziggy Marley and your grandfather is Bob Marley. How do people typically react when they find out?”
Zuri Marley: “They’re either like OMG! or completely play it off. I’m not particularly affected by either, though it is nice when I meet people who really respect my family because it reminds me of the values I have and where I come from. Love and respect are huge and of course standing up for what you believe in.”
TV: “Speaking of your family, you’re pretty far from home (Jamaica) which must be hard. How do you do it?”
ZM: “I always talk to my mom — always. That’s a necessity. But I’ve also found a home away from home at places like Miss Lily’s where I can get a taste of the Caribbean without flying home or in Brooklyn by the BK Museum I feel really comfortable there. I was surprised by the level of isolation that you can experience here even when being around so many people. You can stay entertained though if you have a camera or a book; there are so many personal places to zen out.”
TV: “Like you, a lot of our readers are either living on their own for the first time or about to. What’s one piece of advice you have for helping them get through it?”
ZM: “You will start finding your second family and it will be great but always stay in touch with the people you love because having a support system is so important during this time in your life. Also, get involved in things either by yourself or with friends — and you don’t have to call yourself a photographer but I like always having a disposable camera so I can document the good times. Try to find your home away from home, make your dorm room your sanctuary!”
TV: “Okay, now let’s talk about beauty! We absolutely love your eclectic style and that you aren’t afraid to experiment when it comes to beauty. What influences your beauty looks?”
ZM: “I think that comes from Jamaican dancehall culture and seeing that growing up. I wear wig caps regularly, that’s my style and I love it. Wearing wig caps also allows me to switch it up with a wig from my collection. I have about 12 wigs now and it’s growing, they all have names! You can do whatever you want with your appearance until you find what’s comfortable for you and maybe what’s comfortable for you is a new look biweekly — I support that.”
TV: “It seems like the approach to beauty on an island like Jamaica is bit more laid back and natural, as compared to here in the states. Is this something you noticed coming here?”
ZM: “The pressure to look a certain way is more present here. It is constantly in your face in the media and it’s pretty saddening. However, there is a creative aspect of beauty that exists here that is so incredible. I love makeup and always have. I think it’s like my weird superpower to be able to transform my look constantly with that tool even if it’s in a subtle way.”
TV: “Speaking of makeup, are there any products you buy here that are maybe harder to get at home?”
ZM: “I can get most things in Jamaica but it’s super expensive. If anything there are things I want to bring from Jamaica back to the states. The natural remedies are pure and easily accessible there. In terms of beauty I can’t get the more niche products back home like eye gloss but we do have a MAC now so I’m basically set for my routine!”
TV: “Any products you’re currently obsessing over?”
ZM: “Essential oils are everything! Bergamot and rose are my favorites right now. You can make rosewater which is awesome for your skin and uplifts me if I spray it throughout the day!”
TV: “You obviously like to experiment and switch up your beauty looks. Can you share any tips/tricks you’ve picked up along the way?”
ZM: “Pamper yourself, that’s you time — I make my own coffee scrubs and sugar scrubs and I feel so great afterwards. I realized that if you can feel it, you can be it which sounds corny but sometimes that’s just how it is, feel beautiful to be beautiful — it’s a done deal.”
TV: “Feel beautiful to be beautiful is a great way to look at it…”
ZM: “Yeah, I always feel most beautiful when I’m by a lake or in the middle of nowhere. I wouldn’t consider myself one with the great outdoors but something about the serenity makes me accept every part of myself and that makes me feel wonderful. Also, good energy and good music!”
TV: “You’re clearly really busy and constantly working on various projects. What can we expect next from Zuri?”
ZM: “I’m a huge Sailor Moon fan, so something involving that is on the way. I have a theater background so I’m very keen on live performance. I’m producing a show that will go up next year so feel free to get involved!”
This post was originally published on Teen Vogue.
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