Ep. 428: Lynn Whitfield and Grace Gibson on Beauty, Legacy, & Love | Mother’s Day 2026
In this very special Mother’s Day Episode, I am joined by two creative powerhouses, Lynn Whitfield and Grace Gibson. Lynn Whitfield is an award-winning and internationally recognized actress with a career spanning decades. Her incredible artistry has consistently championed the experiences of complicated and powerful women whose stories deserved to be told with the depth and care that only Lynn could provide. Grace Gibson is a Rock ’n’ Roll artist forging her own distinct path in the music industry. Grace has had the privilege of gracing stages at Paisley Park and the Apollo Theater with her incredible voice and unique approach to rock. During our conversation, we discussed what it was like for both women to grow up in a family with such strong beauty and creative aesthetic sensibilities. And how they have relied on each other in their pursuit of greatness in their respective careers.
Lynn detailed how her mother and aunts provided her earliest expressions of beauty in Louisiana. We learned about how attending Howard University and being exposed to the Black art scene upended her initially conservative approach to self-expression, and how it challenged what her mother had taught her. Of course, Grace details what it was like to grow up with a mother who is well known for being glamorous, on and offscreen. The pair offered a beautiful look inside their relationship and how they have cultivated a friendship that many mothers and daughters would love to have. In fact, Lynn gushes when she explains that having Grace inspired a more ambitious approach to her personal and professional pursuits. As an ambitious working mother, Lynn talked about the women who modeled the mother-daughter relationship she could have as a successful actress. Grace credits Lynn with showing her the result of true artistic commitment and demanding that she pursue her artistic dream with complete seriousness.
Grace and Lynn offer a beautiful example of what it means to lead by creative example and live a life filled with love.
Tune in as we discuss:
(5:35) Lynn and Grace’s Introduction To Beauty
(13:45) Lynn’s Experience In A Freshly Integrated High School
(33:35) Behind The Scenes of The Josephine Baker Story Filming
(40:55) Why Grace Didn’t Watch The Josephine Baker Story Until College
(43:55) Lynn’s Parents Weren’t Supportive of Her Creative Careers, Despite Inspiring It
(55:15) Why They Are Best Friends
(57:20) On Being A Busy Working Mother
(58:45) How Josephine Premice and Her Daughter Susan Fales-Hill Supported Her
(1:05:00) Helping Your Children Understand Their Mixed-Race Identity
(1:06:20) How Lynn’s Radical Honesty and Work Ethic Inspire Grace
(1:11:45) Their Favorite Beauty Products and Services
(1:20:00) When They Feel The Most Beautiful
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Ep. 427: Atiya Walcott On How to Be Intentional, Cool, and Incredibly Fashionable
Atiya Walcott is one of the most distinctive voices in fashion content, known for the cinematic quality of her videos, her mastery of silhouette and layering, and an approach to getting dressed that is equal parts intention and joy. In this episode, we get into all of it: her film school background, her relationship to beauty, what quiet luxury really signals, and why the way you dress is one of the most consequential creative decisions you make every single day.
Our conversation begins with Atiya's early relationship with fashion. We talk about what it was like to grow up as a dark-skinned Black girl at predominantly white institutions, and the journey toward finally seeing herself as beautiful. Atiya shares how she builds a look from feeling first, why tailoring is the single biggest unlock for anyone who wants to dress better, and what her favorite fashion films reveal about the kind of creative she is. She also gives us her full skincare routine, her favorite lip combo, and the one piece of advice she'd give anyone who wants to develop personal style.
Products Mentioned: Skincare: Sofie Pavitt Face (Mandelic Serum, SPF, face mist), Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser, Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum
Makeup: Haus Labs (foundation, foundation brush, contour stick), Nars (lip gloss)
Fashion Films Mentioned
Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) — French musical with the most beautiful color palette you've ever seen
Daughters of the Dust (1991) — Julie Dash's landmark film; required viewing for Black beauty and style
How to Steal a Million (1966) — Audrey Hepburn at her most impeccably dressed
Do the Right Thing (1989) — Spike Lee's visual masterpiece
Atonement (2007) — that green dress
Book Recommendation: How to Dress for Success by Edith Head
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Ep. 426: How to Build an Empire Without Losing Yourself ft Cyndi Ramirez
Since Cyndi Ramirez Fulton opened Chill House on New York's Lower East Side in 2017, the brand has grown from a cult downtown spa into a nationwide product line, culminating in a 2025 acquisition by Kiss Beauty Group, with Cyndi still at the helm. On today's episode, Cyndi takes us back to growing up in Queens as the daughter of a Colombian esthetician and how that environment shaped her relationship with beauty and her entrepreneurial instincts. She opens up about her years in New York nightlife, the scrappy blog that helped her find her voice, and how she landed on the idea for Chill House after not being able to find a spa that was right for her.
Cyndi is refreshingly honest about the parts that don't make it onto the glossy Instagram grid: the economics of the spa business that were "always a little broken," the fundraising struggles that led to the Kiss deal, and the very real guilt and joy of building a business alongside a family. We also get into the pivot to Chill Tips press-on nails, why press-ons have genuinely changed her life, and her favorite beauty products for navigating two very different climates.
Cyndi’s Favorites:
Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner
Chill House bestsellers: Sea Siren, Bougie Butter, and Acid Wash
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Ep. 425: Bozoma Saint John on Trusting Your Destiny
This episode is sponsored by smartwater®
During the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, I spoke with the indomitable Bozoma Saint John live. Bozoma grew up between Ghana, Kenya, Washington DC, and Colorado Springs, a childhood of constant reinvention that taught her to read rooms fast and never apologize for taking up space. At 14, she wasn't crying because she didn't feel beautiful. She was crying because her classmates didn't recognize her beauty. That clarity and fierce, unshakable self-knowing have followed her everywhere. Her confidence carried her into boardrooms where she was the only Black woman, onto the cover of the New York Times with her cornrows, and through the grief of losing her husband, Peter. Later, it carried her into the unexpected joy of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which led directly to On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. And, eventually, into the decision to sell her corporate stock from every company she'd ever worked for to self-fund her brand, Eve by Boz — on her own terms, by her own rules.
Bozoma has no peers. And she will tell you that herself, in this special episode of Naked Beauty.
Tune in as we discuss:
(2:34) Growing Up Across Ghana, Kenya, DC & Colorado
(5:43) Why She Never Doubted She Was Beautiful — Even at 14
(10:05) Immigrant Parents, Pre-Med Dreams & Landing at Spike Lee's Ad Agency By Accident
(13:36) The Emotional Cost of Being the First and Only Black Woman in Every C-Suite
(16:24) Why Personal Brand Building Means Saying "I" Out Loud
(21:40) The Hollywood Pivot: What Made RHOBH a Yes
(23:57) Moving to LA Four Months After Her Husband's Death
(29:01) What Season 14 of RHOBH Taught Her Going Into Season 15
(30:30) Showing Fibroid Surgery & Her Fertility Journey On Camera
(33:46) Her Go-To Glam Routine & The African Sapo Net Gospel
(37:18) Self-Funding Eve by Boz With Her Own Corporate Stock
(40:24) What Raising Her Daughter Lil Has Taught Her That The Boardroom Never Could
(43:20) Engagement With Keeley Watson: Love After Loss & True Partnership
(46:52) How To Know When It's Time To Walk Away
(51:41) Bozoma's Advice For Anyone Who Feels Stuck
Today’s episode was made possible by smartwater
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Products Mentioned:
African Sapo Net (exfoliating sponge)
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Ep. 424: How To Feed Yourself (Properly) When You have Way Too Much Going On
Erica Chidi is an author, founder, culinary school graduate, and one of the most genuinely knowledgeable people in the wellness space — and today, she's sitting down with me for an honest, friend-to-friend conversation about one of the most relatable struggles out there: how to actually feed yourself well when your calendar is back-to-back all week. I open up about my own journey navigating nutrition since being diagnosed with Graves' Disease, sharing the shifts I’ve already made, like cutting out sugar and processed foods, adding protein powder, and keeping a rotisserie chicken on hand.
Erica brings her signature clarity and warmth to the conversation, introducing a concept she calls "nutritional redundancy," the liberating idea that being comfortable eating the same nourishing meals on repeat is a feature, not a bug. She breaks down exactly why protein is non-negotiable for women's health, how to build a breakfast that stabilizes your blood sugar and changes the entire trajectory of your day, and why women should stop taking nutritional cues from gym bros on the internet. We get into the tinned fish renaissance, the right way to think about supplementing, the nuances of GLP-1 medications, and why getting regular bloodwork is one of the most powerful things you can do to shift your relationship with your body from superficial to substantive. This episode is packed with practical, actionable wisdom.
Tune in as we discuss
(00:00) Intro & Brooke's Graves' Disease diagnosis
(02:00) Dietary changes that reduced inflammation
(08:00) Guest intro: Erica Chidi on eating well while busy
(09:00) "Nutritional redundancy" — the habit that makes healthy eating easier
(11:00) How morning protein stabilizes blood sugar & reduces cravings
(13:30) Erica's high-protein breakfast rotation
(17:00) What to eat if you're not hungry in the morning
(20:00) Easy high-protein lunch ideas for busy women
(21:30) Why tinned fish is the ultimate quick meal (+ the SMASH acronym)
(25:30) Why women's nutrition needs are different from men's
(27:00) The plate rule: protein + fat + fiber every meal
(29:00) Function Health app: how to track your labs & biological age
(32:30) GLP-1 medications: benefits beyond weight loss
(37:00) Lightning round: Erica's top pantry & fridge staples
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Products Mentioned:
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Ep. 423: Alicia Keys on Self Trust, Solo Travel, and Intentional Skincare
Grammy-award-winning artist and beauty entrepreneur Alicia Keys has arrived at Naked Beauty, and we couldn’t be more excited. With braids and makeup choices that have influenced beauty culture for decades (most recently the Super Bowl halftime show), we sit down with Alicia to talk about where her relationship with beauty all started.
Tune in as we dive deep into:
*Growing up biracial in Hell’s Kitchen and the musical that is inspired by her upbringing
*How Alicia’s mother and grandmother’s lack of self-care inspired her to choose differently
*Her love for solo travel
*The birth of Keys Soulcare and the power of its affirmations
*Learning to embrace what serves you best
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Ep. 422: How Amy Liu Built her Sensitive Skin Brand Tower28 at 40
Before Amy Liu built Tower28, the company that currently sells products every 10 seconds in Sephora, she was working in the beauty industry and struggling with sensitive skin. With encouragement and investments from close friends, Amy leveraged her 15+ years of experience to bet on herself and build Tower 28, a company that keeps sensitive skin at the core of its product development. During our conversation, Amy shared that she dealt with chronic eczema and sensitive skin her entire life. However, despite working in major roles at companies like Kate Sommerville and Josie Maran and having firsthand experience of how product efficacy could change her life, she still didn’t feel ready to leap. Shortly after turning 40, Amy was in conversation with a former business school classmate who asked what she was waiting for. This friend affirmed her skills and experience, and then offered to invest in her dream. She reached out to other friends and family, all of whom were excited to support her vision for Tower 28. In the seven years since launching, Tower 28 has blossomed into a brand beloved by everyone from essential workers to “gym rats,” to celebrities, and influencers like Hailey Bieber and their recent collaborator, Toni Bravo.
Amy offers us a glimpse into her life as CEO, mom, and lifelong advocate for clean beauty in this chat. She shared what it was like growing up in Los Angeles, in a predominantly white community, instead of a Chinese-American neighborhood. Amy details her parents' decision to move to America and why her dad, an entrepreneur, tried to dissuade her from starting a business. It’s exactly this persistence that has allowed her to become a strong leader, despite having been exposed to some of the worst bosses you might imagine. Amy’s leadership skills are defined by not only what she has done but also by her commitment to educating others. In the summer of 2020, she decided to develop Clean Beauty Summer School, a professional-development program that gives BIPOC founders industry access and education that they might otherwise not have access to. Amy has built a brand that is 100% compliant with the National Eczema Association and regularly gives back to minority founders. Amy Liu’s story proves that a true commitment to inclusivity benefits every single one of us.
Tune in as we discuss:
(2:35) What Amy Learned In Her First Beauty Role At Smashbox
(4:15) Growing Up In Los Angeles Without Close Proximity To Other Chinese People
(6:00) Her Belief That The Beauty Industry Shapes Confidence
(7:05) Her Family’s Immigration Origin Story
(10:48) What She Learned From Her Worst Bosses
(15:00) Why Turning 40 Emboldened Her To Start Tower28
(17:30) How A Friend’s Investment Pushed Her To Take The Leap
(21:10) The Organic Marketing Initiative That Helped Them Thrive During COVID-19
(26:00) Why Eczema Affects 25% Children
(30:00) The True Cost Of Creating Products For Sensitive Skin
(34:18) The Secret Behind The Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
(37:22) Her Mission To Support BIPOC Clean Beauty Founders
(46:07) Amy’s Favorite Beauty And Wellness Products
(49:29) Her Advice To Anyone Wanting To Take A Professional Risk
(51:44) When She Feels The Most Beautiful
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Products Mentioned:
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Ep. 421: Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need: Develop a True Sense of Style and Better Closet in the Process
Today's episode is all about what I've learned from doing the 75 Style Hard challenge, created by fashion TikToker Mandy Lee (Old Loser in Brooklyn). The rules are to get dressed intentionally every day for 75 days, buy nothing new, document outfits, and set personal style goals. For me, daily styling has revealed that fit issues were the main reason I avoided many items in my closet, so tailoring has been the key to success in this challenge. I've realized I wear durable fabrics most and I've leaned into using hair, makeup, and accessories to refresh outfits. Tune in as I discuss the novelty effect, impulse buying, and the importance of “domesticating” clothes into a signature style, because ultimately, style is a relationship with what you already own.
Check out my hack for boho braids with clip ins
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Ep. 420: Molly Sims on Redefining Aging
Molly Sims is a true Renaissance woman. From gracing the covers of French Vogue to acting to founding the YSE beauty brand, she’s done it all in the beauty and entertainment industries. After years of hearing that she should model, she accepted an opportunity to take a semester off from Vanderbilt to give it a try in Europe. Her career ramped up quickly, and she soon found herself building a new and unexpected career overseas. Molly is very transparent about that time in her life, and how modeling quickly changed her relationship to her body. Her time in fashion enabled her to build a robust portfolio, which she leveraged into an on-screen career on MTV’s House of Style, Las Vegas, and more. She’s also worked behind the scenes as a producer on multiple shows and has built strong communities across nearly every major social media platform.
No stranger to pivoting, Molly realized that she no longer wanted to be the face of a brand; she wanted to build something of her own. This realization was coupled with serious bouts of melasma and hyperpigmentation that may have been caused by ageing and or pregnancy. None of her usual treatments and products were working for her, but like always, she accepted this as a personal challenge to solve. She quickly realized that the skincare market for women over 35 was missing affordable products with scientifically backed results. Women with similar skincare needs were not being marketed to, and Molly knew just how to fill that gap: enter YSE Beauty. Built on years of professional experience working with makeup artists and skincare professionals, Molly built a brand that is now in hundreds of Sephora doors. During our conversation, Molly shared other examples of how she has faced challenges head-on and refused to accept any subpar answers. We talk openly about our health challenges and how we’ve had to advocate for ourselves when we know that something in our bodies is not quite right. Molly also talks about why she is called the Barrier Queen, her favorite beauty treatments, and why you should never ever settle.
Tune in as we discuss:
(18:45) Did She Feel Beautiful Growing Up In Kentucky
(24:15) Being Thrown Into The Heroin Chic Era
(25:15) On Thinness Being Mandatory
(27:07) How Modeling Changed Her Relationship To Her Body
(32:52) Why Create YSE Beauty
(33:35) How Motherhood Shaped Her Professional Choices
(40:41) YSE Is Clinical And Regulatory Focused
(44:50) Marketing Without Anti-Aging Language
(46:00) Lessons On Using Retinol
(50:42) Cutting Over Filling or Surgery Vs. Filler
(52:45) Peptide Injections Are The Next Big Thing In Beauty
(53:20) The Importance Of GLP-1 And NAD Wellness Transparency
(1:00:35) When She Feels The Most Beautiful
(1:03:05) Reminder To Never Settle
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Ep. 419: The Morning Shed, Facelifts and Our Quest for Perfection
In today's episode of Naked Beauty, we're discussing a trend I'm sure you've seen across your timelines: The Morning Shed. This trend might seem like a harmless way to optimize your beauty routines, but I wanted to examine it more closely, especially as extreme beauty interventions become more and more common. In this mini episode, Charlotte Palermino joins me to explore what this trend says about our endless search for perfectionism through beauty.
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Products Mentioned:
Ep. 418: How To Get The Best Hair Of Your Life With Coree Moreno
Coree Moreno is a renowned hair artist who regularly works on editorial and red-carpet events, including the MET Gala. Some of his impressive celebrity roster includes Zendaya, Queen Latifah, Natasha Lyonne, Lil Nas X, and more. But how did someone who began doing hair at 13 in PG County come to sculpt hair for Hollywood’s A-List? Coree grew up as a creative and inquisitive child who had a front-row seat to his mom’s hair rituals. Before graduating from high school, he was preparing to enroll in cosmetology school. Besides experimenting with colors and cuts on himself, he served prominent women from his community. Working with elite Black professionals in PG County provided Coree a foundation for working with chic women with very high standards, which he would build on in Hollywood. Coree’s expansion to L.A. was the result of a bold DM to the iconic Vernon François, stating his interest and availability to assist when the opportunity arises. The opportunity arose two weeks after he sent the DM, and he was assisting Vernon with Serena Williams’ hair on a W Magazine set.
When Coree describes how supportive his family was about his decision to pursue hair full-time and when he came out, it’s clear why he’s so confidently chased his dreams around the globe. During our chat, Coree talks about developing his artistic point of view over the past 18 years. We also discussed current hairstyle culture, and what he thinks about new hair rules and the changing relationships between clients and stylists. I couldn’t miss an opportunity to get Coree’s professional opinion on Black Girl Haircare 101, like the best edge styling products, the steps to a great silk press, fixing breakage, and his protective style hot takes. We got personal and explored how yoga changed his life, his favorite escapist video games, and why working with Lil Nas X was one of his most iconic creative assignments. Unbelievably, this is Coree’s first podcast interview, but with his breadth of knowledge and desire to pour into the next generation of stylists, we know it is the first of many.
Tune in as we discuss:
(5:00) His Mom’s 90s Beauty Practices
(5:20) Why Hairstylists Are Losing Recipes
(10:45) How A Cold DM to Vernon François Led Him To Assisting In LA
(13:40) What He’s Learned Working With Talent On Set
(17:15) What Working With Queen Latifah Is Like
(23:29) Products & Tools To Lay Edges By Texture
(25:45) How To Fortify Your Silk Press
(29:33) Achieving A Press With One Pass
(30:55) Tips For Fixing Breakage
(34:16) How To Blend Stubborn Leave Out
(35:30) Best Protective Style For Growth
(37:45) Most Damaging Protective Style
(39:00) How To Protect Your Scalp In Braids
(40:05) A Hair Steam Trick When Wearing Synthetic Hair
(47:35) Why Yoga Has Been So Transformative Personally & Professionally
(58:31) When Coree Feels The Most Beautiful
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Products Mentioned:
Ep. 417: Nia Reneé Hill on How To Rediscover Yourself
Nia Reneé Hill is an accomplished actress, entertainment executive, producer, and master of reinvention. Like many of us, her earliest attempts at reinvention happened after she started a new school in LA. She was immediately introduced to a new set of beauty and style expectations that were different from what was allowed at her prim and mandatory-uniform Catholic School. Growing up traveling between parents and cities, Los Angeles and Atlanta, provided her with the foundation to assess and adapt to new surroundings quickly. While her mother was stricter in how she allowed Nia to self-express, her father, a well-known comedy agent, was more lenient. Her early exposure to the entertainment business, coupled with music video inspiration on BET, Nia quickly carved out her own path personally and professionally.
During our conversation, Nia shared that while she studied acting in college, her father dissuaded her from pursuing a career in acting. The Harlem Renaissance inspired her to move to New York during the early 2000s. After interning at the famous Apollo Theater, she embarked on a career as an executive and landed roles at Comedy Central, The Chappelle Show, and even MTV. Despite a successful career and blossoming relationship with her now-husband, Bill Burr, she was unfulfilled. She transitioned to a full-time stay-at-home mother, but still felt called towards creative work. Nia decided to invest fully in herself and her interests, only to find that she was the career of her dreams. Her current role, as a purveyor of the best in Black fine dining, is created in her image; truly original, funny, and endlessly entertaining.
Tune in as we discuss:
(5:40) Why Nia Isn't Pursuing A Professional Comedy Career
(6:30) Why She Didn’t Feel Beautiful Growing Up
(8:45) Growing Up Between Atlanta & LA
(9:08) Her Nepo Baby Experience
(10:30) How Summer School In LA Helped Reshape Her Identity
(11:15) Finding Style Inspo On BET
(11:45) Her Experience In Y2K Harlem
(12:10) How The Harlem Renaissance Inspired Her Move
(12:40) A Mild Diddy Run-In
(13:05) What Early 2000s Braid Shops Were Like
(14:10) Defining Her Second Wind Career
(15:00) From Acting & To Media Exec
(16:16) Recovering From Corporate Unhappiness
(17:50) Why She Felt Unfulfilled As A SAHM
(19:08) The True Cost Of Investing In Herself
(21:00) Why Vanity Inspired Her Public Rebrand
(25:08) Building Her Team With Personal Connections
(26:28) The Day-To-Day Stylist Rundown
(31:45) How People Responded To Her Evolution
(38:52) Invest In Yourself, Even If It’s Small
(39:59) Beginning Her Fine Dining Journey
(44:40) Why She Chooses To Highlight Black Chefs
(47:55) LA Food Lightning Round
(54:41) Nia's Advice For People Who Feel Stuck
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Products Mentioned:
Ep. 416: Sir John & Brooke on Practicing Radical Self-Care In Work & Life
Sir John, Naked Beauty’s favorite cousin, is back for another insightful episode. Sir John has been part of the Naked Beauty family since his first visit as a guest and later as a recurring co-host. Each time he visits the pod, we leave the conversation with master tips for makeup application and building an aligned creative career. Since his last visit, Sir John has continued to expand his career globally and now works as Medicube’s Global Creative Director. We learn exactly what it means to be a creative director and how his time in Seoul has helped him better understand what it means to consider your heritage in your everyday life. We also cover what's inspiring us right now, and how to determine good art from great art, in beauty, film, music, and more. As always, Sir John drops gems about how he has become an icon in the beauty industry without compromising his personal or professional boundaries.
Our chat begins with Sir John, explaining why he doesn’t create New Year's resolutions and instead prioritizes radical self-care and discipline each day. We talk at length about caring for ourselves mentally and physically, especially overcoming emotional setbacks, and what it’s like having to be “on” professionally. Having such a public-facing career means that he has learned why being authentically yourself at work isn’t necessary, and how to be honest about working through grief on the clock. The greater part of the episode considers the parallels between corporate and creative careers and includes great advice for burgeoning creatives. For example, we provide actionable tips for how to stand out at work and how breathwork can soothe pre-Zoom anxiety. And, Sir John’s most important lesson? Never lose the thug in yourself.
Tune in as we discuss:
(1:26) Why Sir John Doesn’t Make New Year's Resolutions
(1:48) Radical Self-Care Includes Discipline
(4:15) How Brooke Has Put Other Creatives On
(5:00) You Shouldn’t Be Your Full Self In Corporate Spaces
(6:40) The Difference Between Code Switching And Translating
(7:05) What It’s Like Working With Global Companies
(7:30) How South Korea Celebrates Its Heritage In Everyday Practices
(8:07) Being Medicube’s Global Creative Director
(9:15) Drawing Inspiration: The Chanel Subway Fashion Show And Sinners
(15:01) Overcoming Mental Setbacks
(18:10) The True Cost Of “Pulling A Look” For Events
(23:10) Why Zoom Meetings Are Anxiety-Inducing
(25:15) Career Advice: Be More Enthusiastic
(27:00) Understanding The Gen-Z Stare
(31:48) Reducing Stress Is A Key To Good Health
(34:48) Sir John & Brooke Play Boundaries Bingo
(36:35) Unlearning Saying Yes When You Really Mean No
(41:26) Why Sir John Doesn’t Work Weekends
(46:28) Grieving AJ Crismson, His Friend & Beauty Pioneer, Before A Major Shoot
(49:54) Why You Should Call Out Disrespect Immediately
(50:50) Why He Won’t Work With Nicki Minaj
(54:01) Don’t Lose The Thug In You
(59:45) Sir John’s Holistic Beauty Cabinet
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Ep. 415: The Eye Has to Travel: Lessons From My Creative Ancestors
Happy New Year, Beauties! I wanted to start 2026 by shifting focus from productivity to seeking inspiration from creative figures. Instead of advocating for work ethic and goals, I introduce you all to my 'creative board of directors' to offer perspective. Diana Vreeland, Andre Leon Talley, Zora Neale Hurston, Walt Whitemand, and Thich Nhat Hanh are the 'creative ancestors' who help guide the way I live and work. In this episode, we explore the wisdom I've gleaned from these people, from keeping one's imagination fresh like Diana Vreeland wrote about, to the importance of not shrinking oneself, as taught by Andre Leon Talley. I reflect on Andy Warhol's views on combining commerce with creativity, and highlight the spiritual resilience of writers Zora Neale Hurston and transcendentalist Walt Whitman. To conclude, I drew on the wisdom from the mindfulness teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh regarding the importance of being present. Tune in for a reminder to embrace the present moment, stay curious, and relish the current season of their lives.
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Ep. 414: Brooke Devard on Career, Community, and Cultivating Creativity
In this special year-end episode of the Naked Beauty Podcast, I’m the guest! My producer, Mbiye Kasonga, interviewed me, and we reflected on the challenges and triumphs of 2025, including my return from maternity leave, the impact of the LA fires, and the balance between my corporate and creative responsibilities. We also touched on the major beauty trends of 2025, the wonderful range of guests we’ve had, and my thoughts on the evolving podcasting landscape. Mbiye asked some great questions, and I really dug deep in this episode to share my insights on the joys of community, creativity, and the pressures of constant innovation. The episode ends with our personal reflections on beauty and exciting predictions for 2026.
Tune in as we discuss:
(00:00) Introduction and Year-End Tradition
(01:21) Reflecting on 2025: Fires, Maternity Leave, and Podcasting
(04:37 Balancing Work, Creativity, and Personal Life
(12:58) The Evolution of Podcasting and Industry Insights
(27:00) London Trip and Memorable Experiences
(32:04) Meeting Sabrina Elba: A Class Act
(32:51) Impact of Naked Beauty Podcast
(34:22) Balancing Work and Motherhood
(37:55) Influence of Patriarchy on Beauty Standards
(42:40) Personal Beauty Trends and Discoveries
(47:56) Reflections on Beauty and Future Trends
(01:01:03) Concluding Thoughts and 2026 Beauty Trend Predictions
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Ep. 413: Candice Brathwaite on Self-Discipline As Personal Power
Candice Brathwaite has become an internationally recognized author, speaker, and big sister for women on both sides of the pond. She would say, her candor, public displays of self-discipline, and incredible sense of style are the result of years-long trial and error. Fans of hers would just say they’re grateful to have access to her charisma. Born in London, Candice grew up in what she calls a “naked house,” surrounded by beautiful women who modeled confidence and the joy of living through style and fashion. Outside of her home, she chafed against early experiences with colorism and racism as the only Black girl in her extracurricular activities. She continued to experiment with her style and personal choices until early adulthood. Candice’s early 20s were like many of ours, spent chasing the wrong men, watering the wrong friendships, and wearing outfits we wouldn’t dare repeat. She accepts that time in her life, and believes that all Black girls deserve the space to be messy and make mistakes.
As she moved into her 30s, Candice evolved in her relationships and motherhood. During our conversation, she talks about finding love, the joy of marrying “the nice guy,” and what her failed relationships taught her about herself. Candice details the joy of parenting children with unique styles and how good it feels to honor their self-expression. She dishes on the obstacles she has overcome while building her career, like going from pet to threat when she expressed a greater interest in understanding the business behind her brand. More than that, we discuss what handling these challenges in the public eye is like as a dark-skinned Black woman. She opens up about what it’s like having her husband manage her, and how they set boundaries between their personal and professional relationships. Of course, we talk about her incredible fitness journey and how her self-discipline is part of her commitment to building the life she has been dreaming of since she was eight years old. Candice is already thinking about the next phases of her life and her future careers as a funeral home director, pilates instructor, or world-renowned orator. Her dream for her life is ever-expanding, and we are so excited to follow along.
Tune in as we discuss:
(1:36) Why She Didn’t Feel Beautiful Growing Up
(2:40) How Colorism Impacted Her Confidence
(2:58) She Started Feeling Beautiful In Her 20s & Beautiful In Her 30s
(3:35) Mothering Children With Unique Personal Styles
(5:50) What Living In A Naked House Is Like
(11:08) How She Defined Success As A Child
(13:00) Her Advice To 20-Year-Olds
(14:55) Valuing Male Attention & Trauma Bonding In Friendships In Her 20s
(16:15) Black Girls Deserve The Space To Be Messy & Make Mistakes
(21:50) Why You Should Marry The Nice Guy
(27:02) Managing The Transition From Pet To Threat
(30:30) What Working With Her Husband Is Like
(33:07) How She Defines Her Personal Brand Now
(35:55) Her Mom’s Influential Fashion & Style Choices
(37:37) How Self-Discipline In Fitness Transformed Other Areas Of Her Life
(42:44) What Inspired Her To Take Her Fitness Journey Seriously
(45:40) Candice’s Favorite Skincare Products
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Ep. 412: Jameela Jamil on Rejecting Beauty & Embracing Controversy
Content Warning: This conversation contains themes of disordered eating and child abuse
Jameela Jamil is among the most beautiful public figures who hold some of the strongest anti-beauty sentiments. She was scouted for television while walking down the street and later hired to host a series on Channel 4. As she shares in the episode, this role reinforced many of the harmful patriarchal standards about women’s beauty and bodies that she learned as a child. Jameela shares that she didn’t feel beautiful growing up, and despite her early beauty icons being voluptuous women of color, she held herself to an unnatural standard of thinness and battled anorexia to achieve it. Her ascent into the public eye only exacerbated her struggles with her weight. By her late twenties, she began to question why she was being held to such rigid expectations by fashion media execs who couldn’t meet them; ultimately, she decided to fight back.
Since then, Jameela has made a name for herself as an actress, public figure, and outspoken advocate for women’s rights. During our conversation, we discussed personal growth and why women must meet their own high standards, whether men like it or not, including her partner. Jameela doesn’t hold back when it comes to ageism in fashion and politics, and the detrimental impact of AI on our ability to distinguish reality from virtual reality. We talk about her time on The Good Place and how Ted Danson helped make her debut performance so strong. Jameela lays out why she believes public figures have a role in advocating for transparency in costs and recovery of major cosmetic procedures. She also makes it clear that she is comfortable learning and growing publicly, so long as she leads with care and facts.
Tune in as we discuss:
(1:58) Her Not Feeling Beautiful Growing Up
(3:17) Her Beauty Icons (Including Whoopi Goldberg & Sophia Loren)
(4:35) How Whiteness Informs Body Standards In The Global South
(5:50) She Was Introduced To Body Shame At School & Forced Into Dieting
(10:03) How Being On Television Reinforced Anorexia
( 11:25) Women Who Internalize & Uphold Patriarchy
(12:15) The Irony That Unattractive People Set Beauty Standards In Fashion
(13:15) Designers Prove Their Talent By Designing for Diverse Bodies
(16:25) Obsession With Childlike Bodies In Fashion & Politics
(19:20) Why Men Are Terrified By Powerful Women
(21:08) On Living With Her Partner & Their Friends
(21:35) She & Her Partner Have Strong Individual Identities
(24:00) Men Are Naturally More Submissive Than Women
(28:25) Uniform Cosmetic Dentistry in LA Was Shocking
(29:48) The Dangers of AI Diminishing Our Ability to Distinguish Real From Fake
(31:25) On Pretty Privilege While Being An Advocate for Safe Beauty
(36:00) A Detailed Run-Down of The Dangers Of Plastic Surgery
(42:45) The Good Place & How Ted Danson Helped Her Performance
(43:24) Why She Created The IWeigh Platform
(45:00) Shuttering IWeigh Because People Were No Longer Receptive
(50:32) What Roles Public Figures Have In Activism
(53:05) On Growing Publicly & Without Shame
(57:45) How She Maintains Her Well-Being
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Ep. 411: Shani Darden on Retinol, Treating Acne, and Why She Doesn’t Trust Lasers
Shani Darden just might be your favorite celebrity’s esthetician. From her Beverly Hills Studio, she cares for a roster of A-List celebrities and creates products for many more through Sephora. Before she began working with stars like Jessica Alba and Kelly Rowland, Shani was a mixed-race teenager in upstate New York who didn’t fit neatly into any community. Her family ensured that she had connections to Black hairstylists and introduced her to Mary Kay Beauty and DIY face masks. So, while she grew up feeling beautiful, she didn’t always fit in. During our chat, she explained that she always had plans to move to a big city and build her dream life, even when she didn’t know exactly what her path would be.
Shani’s life is a testament to taking opportunities to move and grow, especially when you feel uncomfortable. When a modeling opportunity in LA arose, she jumped at the chance and moved across the country. When she became disillusioned with the industry, she pivoted and sought out a new dream. Upon discovering esthetician school, Shani’s childhood interest in beauty and her professional experience in spas aligned. With Jessica Alba’s encouragement, she leapt into her own home-based studio and welcomed in a swell of new clients. Shani gives us an insider’s look at her skincare philosophy and what she recommends for any beauty enthusiast over 25. She also gets real about the limits of skincare and non-surgical treatment, offering us refreshingly realistic expectations for our beauty treatments.
Tune in as we discuss:
(2:30) Growing Up With Mary Kay Beauty
(6:25) Growing Up Feeling Out of Place
(8:20) Her First Sew-In and Emulating Lisa Bonet
(13:30) Jessica Alba’s Encouragement To Open Her Own Space
(17:45) Shani’s Skincare Philosophy
(22:50) Her Take On Lymphatic Drainage Massages
(26:45) Filler, Botox, and The Limits of Skincare
(28:45) PRFM Takes Multiple Rounds
(30:10) Why Lasers Give Her Anxiety
(32:53) Why She Formulated Over-The-Counter Retinol
(41:57) Her Daily Skincare Routine
(44:18) Skincare Rules She Despises
(55:05) Advice On Launching A Brand Right Now
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Ep. 410: Jayme Cyk on Beauty, Body Image, and The Pursuit of Self-Acceptance
Content warning: this episode contains discussions of disordered eating and body image issues
Jayme Cyk is no stranger to vulnerability. On today’s episode of Naked Beauty, the former beauty director at Violet Gray and co-founder of the brand And Repeat shares her extensive background in the beauty industry, her experiences with ADHD medication, and the creation of her focus supplement, And Focus. Our discussion covers the emotional complexities of motherhood as it relates to body image, the interplay between beauty rituals and mental health, and Jamie’s favorite beauty and fashion products. Jamie also opens up about her ongoing challenges with self-acceptance and body dysmorphia, highlighting the importance of grounding practices and vulnerability in personal growth.
Tune in as we discuss:
(01:52) Guest Introduction: Jamie Syke
(02:20) Jamie's Career Journey
(04:11) Mental Health and Openness
(05:29) Early Beauty Experiences
(15:00) Body Image and Pregnancy
(40:32) Personal Experiences with Medication
(44:08) Impact of Parental Influence on Body Image
(48:34) Beauty and Skincare Favorites
(54:37) Balancing Beauty and Mental Health
(58:04) Hair Care and Fashion Finds
(01:02:56) Finding Grounding Practices
Check out Jayme’s Substack, I’m On An Antidepressant
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Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)
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Follow Jayme: @jaycyk
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Ep. 409: Kim Baker on Survival and Reinvention In The Beauty Industry
Kim Baker has lived an iconic life. From her first photoshoot at 13 years old to being managed by Bethann Hardisson, she divided her time between breaking down barriers and partying with fashion legends. In this episode, Kim walks us through the beginning of her fashion career and how her mother instilled unshakeable confidence in her by detailing the beauty of Black history. Kim offers us a peek into the highs and lows of the modeling industry in the 1980s, namely, early sexual harassment and stringent expectations about her body and weight. Kim doesn’t hold back when it comes to sharing her experiences with other iconic cultural figures, including meeting Jean Michel Basquiat and going into labor at Grace Jones’ birthday party at Studio 54.
Kim doesn’t hold back when it comes to other difficult experiences, like how a whirlwind romance led to her facing a 65-year prison sentence. But Kim is no stranger to reinvention. She pioneered plus-size modeling in the 1990s, stepped behind the camera and became a makeup artist, and worked with Bobbi Brown for 14 years as one of her earliest employees. Kim’s career leveled up again when she accepted an opportunity to do glam for Tom Cruise and Laurence Fishburne. She realized a prediction she made at the age of nine and launched her own makeup line, Glamazon Beauty, in 2016. Kim’s transparency about her career, motherhood, and her faith illuminates why she has remained a staple in the beauty and fashion scene.
Tune in as we discuss:
(1:44) Kim’s Beauty and Fashion Background
(2:55) Learning About Beauty From Her Mother
(5:55) Being Managed By Bethann Hardisson
(7:45) Working With Legendary Photographers Bill King Arthur Elgort
(9:05) Meeting Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol at Studio 54
(10:25) Going Into Labor at Grace Jones’ Party
(21:20) Pioneering The Plus-Size Modeling Industry
(26:26) Joining Bobbi Brown And Staying For 14 Years
(30:45) Working with Tom Cruise and Laurence Fishburne
(40:25) Her Simple and Effective Skincare Routine
(48:23) Kim’s Daughter Natasha Talks About Growing Up With Kim
(52:13) When She Feels The Most Beautiful
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Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)
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Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard
Follow Kim: @makeupbykimbaker
Products Mentioned:
Glamazon Trophy Cheek-N-Lip Bundle
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