Taraji P. Henson is a true force of nature, recognized globally for her award-winning acting and fierce advocacy for mental health. But behind the scenes, the star of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is a savvy entrepreneur and brand builder. She’s the founder of her namesake hair and body-care line, TPH by Taraji, and a new vintner with her wine brand, Seven Daughters Moscato. For Taraji, all of her ventures are rooted in a deep sense of authenticity, a belief that consumers can always tell when a brand is a “money grab.” Her holistic approach to life is an inspiring blend of creative hustle, spiritual grounding, and a firm commitment to putting herself first. Here, she shares the essentials that keep her feeling centered, from a beloved hand soap to her secret to a beautiful soul.
From Passion to Powerhouse
When Taraji P. Henson decides to put her name on a brand, it’s because it’s a genuine part of her life. She believes in building trust with her audience and says she has to be “excited about the product” to sell it. This philosophy is the foundation of her hair and body line, TPH by Taraji, which she personally formulates and uses. The brand is a reflection of her dedication to creating products that work, offering everything from scalp shampoos to hydrating body washes.
Her entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. Taraji recently launched her wine brand, Seven Daughters Moscato, a natural extension of her love for community, culture, and travel. Inspired by the empowering feeling of the women closest to her, the wine is sourced from family farms in the Veneto region of northern Italy. For her, it’s a fun and easy-to-drink wine that’s perfect for new drinkers and can be paired with anything. She sees it as a great way to “introduce new drinkers to wine” and to foster the same sense of connection that inspired the brand’s name.
A Ritual for Hair and Body
Taraji P. Henson has a strong message for anyone who sees hair washing as a chore. For her, it is the “epitome of self-care.” She encourages people, especially women, to stop putting themselves last and to see this simple act as a chance to “pour into myself so I have something to pour into you.” As a true advocate for Black-owned businesses, she lives by her own products from her TPH by Taraji line but also makes a point to support other “girlies” in the industry. Her go-to products include those from Fenty Beauty, Pattern, Flawless by Gabrielle Union, and Carol’s Daughter, which she sees as an investment in her community.
Her commitment to self-care also extends to her love for fragrances. She’s a true “connoisseur of scents,” so much so that she bought 30 bottles of perfume and oils on a recent trip to Dubai. She’s known for always smelling good, often creating her own unique blend of five to seven different scents in a single atomizer. Her love for scent is also a testament to her past as a hustler; she once had a candle business called Light My Fire when she was a struggling temp, a passion that she has now incorporated into the TPH brand.
Scent, Soul, and Solitude
Taraji’s self-care is a practice of nourishing her soul as much as her body. She finds peace and strength in her faith, regularly reading the Bible and listening to sermons. She is also a huge music lover and is currently focused on the artist Tems, who she describes as having an “unbelievable” voice. She was so moved by the singer that she went backstage to meet her at a festival in Dubai, where their emotional embrace went viral. This balance between spiritual reflection and a deep appreciation for art and culture is a core part of how she stays grounded.
She believes in taking the time to care for yourself in every aspect. While she has a complex perfume ritual, she also appreciates the simple luxury of a good soap. She is a big fan of Aesop’s Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, so much so that she makes a point to use it every time she goes to her L.A. gym. For her, these small moments of luxury and scent are a form of decompression that helps her “take the edge off.”
The Ultimate Workout
When it comes to fitness, Taraji P. Henson is a powerhouse. She trains with her trainer, Mike T. at Force Fitness, up to eight times a week, including two-a-days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For her, this rigorous routine is less about aesthetics and more about her mental health. She says that while looking good is a benefit, she is “a better version of myself when I work out.” Her commitment to fitness is a perfect example of her “chameleon” approach to life, where she can embrace bold makeup one day and a strict workout routine the next, depending on her needs.
In fact, the actress says she has found a sense of peace in the hustle, and one of her new ways of winding down from work fatigue is with a glass of her Seven Daughters Moscato. It’s the perfect light, refreshing drink for a moment of quiet reflection, proving that her products are genuinely integrated into her life and her self-care practices.
