Inter-Tribal Beauty was founded in 2017 in order to bridge the gap between the base (skin) and a flawless makeup application. I focus on progressive and corrective skincare for anyone who wants better skin.
Octavia Lewis got her first taste of entrepreneurship in the sixth grade. On the weekends, she’d venture to the local 7-Eleven and stock up on Pop Rocks and Atomic Fireball candies, then sell them to her classmates for a small profit.
Growing up in a predominately white neighborhood was not always easy. Her dad was black and her mom was native, and Octavia would spend summers on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Her parents helped her navigate the subtle yet powerful currents of racism, which made her strong and resilient.
One thing her parents would not allow was makeup. At that time, long dangly earrings and bold blue eyeshadow were all the rage. Octavia longed to try those styles for herself, but it wasn’t until she was living on
her own, she began to apply techniques she learned before by watching Bobbi Brown on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
“I’ve never thought of myself as less than,” said Octavia. “Anything I’ve wanted in life, I just go out and get it.”
After spending 11 years as a social worker, Octavia followed her heart and began her career as a freelance makeup artist in 2012.
It was fast-paced and exciting working on photo shoots and film productions, but Octavia soon noticed a disconnect.
The makeup application was not as smooth and flawless as it should be because the base – a person’s skin – was not given the same level of care. That sparked her decision to go back to school and become an esthetician.
She fell in love with skincare and the opportunity to help people beyond just makeup, whether it’s clearing up their acne or giving them glowing skin for days. “I love to serve people – that’s been my whole life’s journey,” she said.
In 2017, Octavia opened Inter-Tribal Beauty, now located on the Northside of Spokane at 59 E Queen. Directly across from Northtown Mall. She focuses on progressive and corrective skincare, everything from Chemical Peels, Microchanneling, relaxing European Facials to age-defying facials using Red Light Therapy.
Coming up with the name “Inter-Tribal Beauty” was easy. During powwows on the reservation, there are all kinds of special dances for different groups, but it’s the Intertribal Dance that always spoke to Octavia’s spirit.
Why? Because it’s the only dance that’s for EVERYONE. Octavia explained, “It doesn’t matter who you are or what tribe you’re from, it’s for all of us to come together, feel accepted, and celebrate life together.”
“Being from the Spokane Tribe, the whole area is where my ancestors roamed. It’s where they lived, where they hunted, where they fished. So it’s where I feel most connected,” she shared.
Like it was for many small business owners, 2020 was a struggle, but Octavia is still standing and ready to take on the new year with a vengeance.
https://downtownspokane.org/2021/02/26/octavia-lewis-of-inter-tribal-beauty-proud-to-be-a-person-of-colorand-thriving/
