STEPHANIE TAYLOR-THOMPSON

For Stephanie Taylor-Thompson, beauty extends beyond physical appearances. It includes qualities such as kindness, authenticity, and resilience. 

As a young woman departing from the correctional system, Stephanie embraced these qualities in a fight to transform her life from one of addiction to advocacy. At Workbay, an acclaimed interactive career development platform that links recruitment, skill building, and career navigation into one comprehensive system, Stephanie directs Reentry Services — aligning the quality of opportunity for formerly incarcerated people to thrive in the workforce.

Today, Stephanie shares how hygiene shaped her time incarcerated and reminds us that “inner beauty can thrive in unexpected places.”

Defining beauty

“True beauty, in my opinion, is when a person radiates a sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence that comes from within. In the context of prison walls, beauty might be found in the resilience and strength of individuals who are incarcerated. Even in challenging circumstances, the beauty of the human spirit can shine through in acts of kindness, creativity, and personal growth. Beauty behind prison walls is a reminder that external circumstances do not define a person's worth, and that inner beauty can thrive in unexpected places.”

HYGIENE WHILE INCARCERATED

“Access to hygiene in the prison was through the prison commissary. It was very expensive. Often times products were products that you could obtain from the dollar store but the commissary charged triple ten six times the amount. Oftentimes times products were also expired. The only products that were offered for feminine hygiene were pads, and each time you had to access these you had to request them from the mail officer three pats were given to you at a time. There was no access to tampons or any other types of feminine products.

This created embarrassment and shame. Another form of period poverty. It is very apparent what a resident does not have an access to any other forms of hygiene with the Prison balls if they are indigent. The products that are given are from the Prison and they are usually miniature travel-size products that are from a certain company. They are harsh products and smell badly.

There were times when the environment was hostile due to inadequate access to hygiene products or theft of another resident’s hygiene products.”

STEPHANIE’S IMPACT TODAY

“My passion for improving the conditions for incarcerated women is a relentless passion. Access to feminine hygiene products and other basic necessities is not just a matter of dignity but also a fundamental human right. It's essential for creating a safer and more humane environment within the prison system and for supporting the successful reintegration of women into their communities after incarceration. My lived experience as a formerly incarcerated individual adds a unique perspective to this important cause. Advocating for equal access to hygiene and other resources not only promotes self-worth and dignity but also contributes to rehabilitation and reduces the likelihood of recidivism. My dedication to this work can make a significant impact in the lives of many women.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FROM BEAUTY BEYOND BARS NEXT?

“An important point regarding individualized access to hygiene products. Recognizing the uniqueness of each woman's needs, especially when it comes to menstruation, is crucial for ensuring their comfort and well-being during their time in prison. Providing both pads and tampons, as well as other menstrual hygiene options, allows for choice and personal preference. Furthermore, considering cultural needs and preferences for hygiene products like shampoos and conditioners is a thoughtful approach. This acknowledges that cultural diversity and individual differences should be respected and accommodated within the prison system. Such measures not only promote physical well-being but also contribute to the overall mental and emotional health of incarcerated women, helping them maintain their dignity and self-esteem during their time behind bars.”