Episodes
Tarek Ali is no stranger to sharing his healing and trauma with the world. Tarek has been creating content online for over a decade as a YouTuber, advocate, author, writer, and healer. In a radically vulnerable approach to engaging online, Tarek’s audience has journeyed with him as he healed relationships with others and himself. This week we sat down to discuss how his initial goal of being seen, heard, and loved online blossomed into a career of healing and artistic expression. Tune in to...
Published 04/22/24
Published 04/22/24
Kendra Bracken-Ferguson knows that Black beauty brands and their founders need capital and community to circumvent systemic racism at the heart of venture capital funding. As the Founder and CEO of Braintrust Founders Studio Kendra uses her experience identifying talent and innovation to provide companies the support they require to succeed. In this episode, Karen and I explore how her legacy of building digital communities guided her toward her professional “North Star” and how we might do...
Published 04/15/24
During our initial conversation, Erica Chidi shared so much knowledge about intimacy, wellness, and how to develop positive sexual experiences with our partners and ourselves. That conversation led us to discuss some common myths about sex and vaginal health. Tune in as we discuss: Why she believes “sex is food and food is sex”How to prioritize comfort during sexThe differences between water-based and silicone lubricantsWhy our vaginas don’t need to smell like fruit Vote for Naked Beauty for...
Published 04/08/24
“Our culture isn’t designed for intimacy or time with your partner…it’s about capitalism.” To have positive experiences with sex and intimacy Erica Chidi knows that we have to “keep in contact” with our bodies. Erica is a Wellbeing Guide and the CEO & Founder of Loom, an app that provides reliable information about women’s reproductive health. It was so interesting to learn about how our sex education never really stops and where we can turn for more information.  Tune in to learn more...
Published 04/01/24
Exploring beyond the limits of topical beauty treatments, and into the world of cosmetic technology can often feel daunting, or even deceptive in today’s social media landscape. So, I wanted to use this episode to break through the clutter and take you all on an audio tour of an increasingly popular treatment: PRFM or PRP. For those who may not be familiar, PRFM stands for Platelet -Rich Fibrin Matrix. It, along with PRP (Platlet-Rich Plasma) - referenced by Dr. Nanaa Boakye - have been...
Published 03/25/24
"My Skin Didn't Start To Change Until I Changed The Energy Around Me." - Alicia Keys, Grammy-award winning artist, beauty entrepreneur and today's Naked Beauty podcast guest! I could not have been more excited for this interview! With braids and makeup choices that have influenced beauty culture for decades, I had the opportunity to go deep with Alicia about her own self-care practice. Tune in as we dive deep into: Growing up in Hell’s Kitchen and how her surroundings influenced her beauty...
Published 03/18/24
So often, what we define as “wellness” in today’s world, can end up feeling like an expensive and unnecessary set of demands that leave us drained rather than fulfilled. Fortunately, health coach Daphne Javitch is here for real talk on how to feel more (as she puts it) “resourced”. After a long and painful journey with endometriosis, Daphne was inspired to better understand her body and how to thrive in hectic conditions that are far from ideal. Tune in to hear how she navigated and continues...
Published 03/11/24
Before there was a “clean” beauty movement, there was Indigenous beauty. Before sustainability and naturally-derived ingredients were cool, there was Indigenous beauty. Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is here to remind us that Indigenous culture’s contributions to beauty have always been and continue to be at the center of this industry. Tune in as we discuss her:  Anishinaabe rootsFounder storyApproach to product development Healing from the historical traumas that have...
Published 03/04/24
After months of eager anticipation, Beyoncé, Ms.Tina Knowles and a team of hardworking experts have delivered on arguably one of the most important celebrity beauty ventures that we’ve seen in a long time: Cécred (pronounced “sacred”). Having received an invite to attend the debut of this haircare line and going home with all of the products, tune in hear me break down:   Why this is the perfect moment for Beyoncé to establish a haircare line and the deeply rooted intention behind it...
Published 02/26/24
“It feels like love is being stitched into your head” When it comes to Black beauty culture, braiding is arguably one of the most important rituals that we can participate in. Not only is it a form of wearable art, but it’s a way to build relationship and community with others. Tune in as I sit down with Naked Beauty producer Mbiye Kasonga and soon-to-be Douse founder Utibe Mbagwu to discuss their favorite braiding styles, what makes for an incredible braiding experience, braiding etiquette,...
Published 02/19/24
“I had been waiting for her to 36 years…there was a lot to say.” - Crystal Anderson The relationship between love and beauty is an inseparable one. Whether it is self-love or love for another human being, beauty is almost always the end result. Producer Crystal Anderson and her partner Kiesh Herman couldn’t be a more exemplary model of this truth. Tune in as we discuss the evolution of their relationship, from meeting on Instagram to motherhood with a newborn; learning to embrace their...
Published 02/12/24
One of my favorite things about traveling is exploring another culture or society through the lens of beauty. As founder of global and evergrowing makeup brand Violette FR, I knew that Violette would also have a rich perspective on this topic. Tune in as we discuss her favorite cities, how to protect your skin while traveling and how she derives inspiration from the countries that she visits.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 02/05/24
As the beauty industry continues to overload the market with new products and new “problems”, dermatologists like Dr. Naana Boakye are becoming even more essential to the skincare conversation. Having coined the term “lifestyle dermatology”, Dr. Boakye strongly believes that stress, diet, exercise, and all of our daily habits show up on the skin. Tune in as we discuss how to optimize your nutritional and emotional habits, combatting Alopecia, serving as the chief medical officer for A-Frame...
Published 01/29/24
MUA, creator, and  businesswoman Violette has built a reputation as one of the most hardworking and dedicated women in the beauty industry - and for good reason. Despite having no formal training, at just 19 years old, Violette had the vision to create one-of-a-kind pigments and to build a career on her own terms. Today, the red lipsticks, blue eyeshadows, and serums found within her eponymous brand are unlike anything I have ever seen. Tune in to hear how she fell in love with color and art...
Published 01/22/24
Episode Description: As many of us jump into the new year with high hopes of reevaluating and shifting our daily habits, my relationship with alcohol has been top of mind. While drinking has always been in the background of my social and professional life, its side effects have never been particularly enjoyable. And after moving to LA, now more than ever, I’m questioning its necessity. If you find yourself in a similar boat, this conversation with three women navigating their relationship to...
Published 01/15/24
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting a number of world-renowned dermatologists that can speak to the common skincare issues that we all face. From addressing hyperpigmentation to creating a solid routine with products that work for your skin type, we discuss it all. Tune in as we tune back to interviews with: Dr. Elena Jones on hyperpigmentation, Botox and fillersDr. Ranella Hirsch on the danger of demonizing certain skincare ingredients Dr. Elyse Love on the importance of...
Published 01/08/24
The conversation continues with Telsha Anderson-Boone, who discusses how she manifested her perfect cool bride look. As we step into 2024, what vision of your elevated self do you want to achieve in the new year?  Naked Beauty x Garin RobeLessons in Style & Motherhood ft. Telsha Anderson-Boone, TATelsha Anderson-Boone Wore a Dance-Ready Danielle Frankel Design for Her Miami Wedding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 01/01/24
Episode Description: While many can easily identify Sir John as makeup artist to some of the most influential women in the world, few know exactly how he got there and - perhaps even more interestingly - how he’s managed to stay grounded through it all. With a name that’s fit for a king, one could argue that Sir John was destined for a career focused on highlighting the power and the beauty that surrounds him. Tune in for an incredibly intimate interview where we discuss:  His mother’s...
Published 12/25/23
Fashion founder, owner and buyer Telsha Anderson-Boone wasn’t what the industry expected. But as it turns out, she was exactly what it needed. After seeing a lack of curated brick and mortar experiences for up-and-coming labels, Telsha opened T.a. down in New York’s Meatpacking district. Now, three years later, Telsha is a mom, wife and LA transplant ready to expand her brand in new and refreshing ways. Tune in as we discuss being one of very few Black women within her profession, how dating...
Published 12/18/23
Sarah Brown, Executive Director of Violet Grey and former Vogue Beauty Editor, has been a staple in the world of beauty editorial and brand curation. Even when I was an intern at Vogue, I was truly in awe of her work and sense of style. Tune in to hear us discuss growing up in New York, her journey to the beauty industry , her infamous article “What’s My Era?”, what goes into the Violet Code behind Violet Grey, what brands she’s falling in love with these days and more.  Hosted on Acast. See...
Published 12/11/23
After falling in love with a luxurious candle on a trip to a Paris, Kudzi Chikumbu’s love for the story and thought behind candles was born. Now, through his social media persona of “Sir Candle Man”, Kudzi is considered an expert within the candle and fragrance space, sharing his tips and tricks for finding the perfect product with the world. Tune in as we discuss how he has used social media as a creative outlet how to optimize your candle’s usage, diversity within the fragrance industry,...
Published 12/04/23
Fresh from my trip back in New York, I reflect on all that’s happened this week. My very first Naked Beauty product has launched! I designed the ultimate cashmere robe for self-care with Garin. Designing this robe with my good friend Negarin has been many months in the making and every little detail was considered to make this piece a true luxury. I’m happy to share we’re offering international shipping on this limited-edition item and a handful of discount codes are still active if you enter...
Published 11/27/23
After seven years of telling incredible beauty stories and building a passionate community of beauty fanatics, I’ve watched this show evolve beyond my wildest dreams. P.S. As I recorded this episode, I was wearing my new Naked Beauty cashmere robe that I designed with Garin. The first 20 orders will get 15% off with Brooke15! With such brand evolution comes the need for innovation. Which is exactly why I turned to my dear friend Madison Utendahl of Utendahl Creative to help with an official...
Published 11/20/23
Episode Description: Camille Darby, Global Vice President of Brand Marketing at Condé Nast, is the woman responsible for bringing all of your favorite editorial brands to life! Whether it’s Architectural Digest, Allure, Glamour, or Self, Camille’s north star is storytelling. Tune in as we discuss her background as a playwright, growing up as a Jamaican in New York, grounding brand events in Black culture, remaining determined to uphold diversity within corporate settings, serving as a liaison...
Published 11/13/23