On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m joined by Jenn Harper, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty —an Indigenous-owned, B-Corp certified beauty brand that’s redefining what it means to be sustainable and socially conscious in the beauty industry. We dive into how her grandmother’s resilience after residential schools shaped the brand; the Seven Grandfather Teachings in every step—and how she’s redefining representation and sustainability on a global stage. ...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Olga Parno , Founder and CEO of Masktini , a clean skincare brand that’s redefining what self-care looks—and smells—like. After leaving behind a successful career in corporate finance, Olga launched Masktini with the mission to empower women through indulgent, effective, and intelligent beauty. We chat about: Her leap from Wall Street to skincare Launching a business while raising a newborn Clean beauty vs. clinical effectiveness Staying grounded in motherhood and ...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we’re joined by Moira Frazier , the Emmy-nominated, award-winning Hair Department Head behind the hit ABC series Abbott Elementary . With two consecutive Emmy nominations and Hollywood Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Guild Awards , Moira is behind some of the most beloved hair moments in modern television. During our chat we dive into: Her creative process for transforming characters through hair How she turned 65 kids into “grannies” for the 10...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of Friends in Beauty, we sit down with Blake Arsenault , the brilliant Hair Department Head behind Overcompensating , Amazon Prime’s new coming-of-age series starring Benito Skinner. Blake shares how hair became a tool for storytelling—from Carmen’s natural hair transformation to Benny’s understated look that mirrors his inner conflict. Blake opens up about styling celebrities and how he collaborates with directors, and why hair can say what words cannot. 🎧 Whether you’re a beau...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we sit down with Karen Mitchell , the powerhouse founder and CEO of True Indian Hair — a premium hair extensions and wigs brand trusted by Rihanna, Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henson , and top stylists across the industry. Karen shares how losing her fashion job led her to cash out her 401K and start selling hair out of her car — eventually building a thriving 7-figure brand with two storefronts, a booming e-commerce business, and major editorial and r...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Ever wondered if you can run a thriving beauty business and homeschool your kids—without losing your mind? In this episode, we chat with Jane Harris , the powerhouse behind The Virgin Hair Fantasy , the go-to brand for stylish glueless wigs loved by celebrities, entrepreneurs, and everyday women. Jane shares how she balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and homeschooling with grace, grit, and intention. She breaks down her biggest pivots, what success really looks like now, and the honest truth...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 29 min
How do you lead three departments on a global fantasy series—while battling extreme weather, designing epic prosthetics, and making sure wigs stay on through stunt sequences? In this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we sit down with Davina Lamont , the Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics Department Head for Season 3 of Amazon Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time. Davina shares her inspiring journey from working her way up through the ranks as a makeup artist to running large-scale creative ...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I build authentic, lasting relationships in the beauty industry (and beyond). After attending 6 events in the last month—3 beauty-related and 3 not—I’m sharing my exact strategy for making the most of the room, connecting with the right people, and following up so those connections actually mean something . I’ll walk you through: My favorite hack for remembering people after events The power of participating and being seen How I follow up with...
May 21, 2025•25 min
In today’s episode of Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty , I’m answering a heartfelt letter from New Brush on the Block —a beginner makeup artist who’s eager to build a professional kit but feels overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with seasoned pros and expensive products. If you're just getting started and wondering how to build a makeup kit on a budget , where to invest first, and how to show up confidently with what you have—this episode is for you! I’m breaking down kit-building essentials, ...
May 14, 2025•28 min
In this week’s inspiring episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast , we sit down with Naima , a licensed esthetician, energy healer, and the Founder of Beachbum Wisdom , a holistic skincare and wellness facility that goes beyond the surface. Naima shares how she built a brand rooted in purpose, healing, and alignment—fusing skincare, energy work, and intuitive wellness into a transformative experience for her clients. We talk about her journey from spark to full-blown spiritual skincare boss, the...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this week’s inspiring episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast , we sit down with Larry Jarah Sims —an award-winning Celebrity Hair Architect , entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union . With over 20 years in the industry , Larry has styled the most iconic looks in pop culture for Janet Jackson, Zendaya, Gabrielle Union, Regina King, Mary J. Blige , and so many more. But behind the glam is a story of hard work, resilience, creativity, and reinvention. We dive deep into: His...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 13 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I sit down with none other than Terrence Davidson , aka The Wig Master — a 4x Bronner Brothers Hair Competition Winner and the creative force behind the iconic looks of Nicki Minaj, Mary J. Blige, Patti Labelle, Tyra Banks , and more! Terrence shares the wild ride of how his early dreams evolved into a thriving career styling some of the biggest names in the game. From the fantasy hair world to celebrity glam, he breaks down the mindset, h...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we're joined by John Mosley , a.k.a. The Popular Nobody — a powerhouse in the barbering world known for his humility, authentic brand, and elite client list including Kendrick Lamar, Idris Elba, Larenz Tate, and major pro sports organizations. John shares how he went from behind the chair to working with top-tier celebrities, building a movement, and becoming NAHA’s Educator of the Year . We talk about the story behind his iconic name, the key to...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 10 min
This is the conversation I literally manifested ! On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast , I chat with Stormi Banks , Founder of The Pink Print Firm —a results-driven grant writing agency that has helped entrepreneurs secure over $19M+ in funding . Stormi is on a mission to make grant funding approachable for ambitious entrepreneurs like us. She shares powerful insights into what makes a winning grant application, why AI can’t replace a real grant writer , and the game-changing ...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 5 min
🚨 Struggling to book clients? Feeling stuck while others seem to be fully booked? You’re doing all the things—posting on social media, offering discounts, waiting for word-of-mouth to kick in… but your calendar is still looking empty. If you’ve been wondering why some beauty pros effortlessly attract clients while you’re struggling to get inquiries, this episode is for YOU. There’s a simple but powerful strategy that can unlock a steady stream of bookings—and it’s NOT social media, paid ads, or...
Apr 02, 2025•27 min
I’m still on cloud nine after being named a recipient of the NAACP x L’Oréal Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant ! This past week, the SalonCentric and L’Oréal team flew all the winners out to St. Petersburg, Florida for an exclusive, mind-blowing experience. It was truly life-changing! In this week’s episode, I sit down with my fellow 2025 Beauty Blazers—Naima Woodson ( Beachbum Wisdom ), Ashley Rankin ( AR Naturals ), and Miona Short ( Hello Shukrah )—to debrief and decompress about our time in Florid...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 38 min
🚨 MAKEUP ARTIST DRAMA ALERT! 🚨Imagine this—you’ve been loyal to your client for years, only to find out they went behind your back and booked another MUA… who just so happens to be your friend! 😳 In today’s Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty episode, we’re diving into a letter from "Beat & Betrayed," a Makeup Artist who got blindsided when her long-time client switched artists without saying a word. Instead of dwelling on the drama, I’m giving her REAL advice on how to professionally handle t...
Mar 19, 2025•20 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Shuting Hu , an award-winning cosmetic scientist and the Founder of Acaderma , a skincare brand rooted in cutting-edge research and innovation. As one of the youngest scientists to receive the prestigious IFSCC Henry Maso Award, Dr. Hu has dedicated her career to developing novel natural ingredients, pioneering sustainable beauty solutions, and bridging the gap between science and skincare. Dr. Hu turned down a faculty ...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast, we sit down with a beauty industry powerhouse, Montrelle Green , who has mastered the art of waxing, entrepreneurship, and business expansion. With over a decade of experience, she has grown VELVET Wax & Beauty from a small waxing and sugaring studio into a thriving beauty brand with two brick-and-mortar locations and a mobile waxing truck ! 🚚✨ In this episode, we discuss:✅ The process of building and launching a mobile waxing truck ✅...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 33 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome you to “Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty”, the new Q&A segment of the Friends in Beauty Podcast! Today, I’m answering a letter from a special “guest” … ChatGPT! MY BESTIE!! Yes, AI asked me for beauty biz advice, and the concerns it brought up are way too real. ✨ We’re talking about: ✔️ How to confidently increase your prices without losing clients ✔️ The secret to attracting luxury clients who value your artistry ✔️ Why being “...
Feb 26, 2025•22 min
🚀 Want to take your beauty business to the next level? In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast , we’re diving deep into the systems, strategy, and scaling secrets that every beauty entrepreneur needs to know with Victoria Racca , a powerhouse in the beauty industry! With years of experience as a brow expert, educator, and entrepreneur , Victoria has successfully franchised the Microblading Institute , created her own brow product line (Brow Sister) , and built a thriving beauty busines...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 40 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast you get me all to yourself and we’re talking about your favorite topic…CONSISTENCY! Consistency is the secret sauce to success, but let’s be real—it’s not always easy to show up every day. In this episode, I’m sharing the #1 reason I stay consistent in my beauty business, even when I don’t feel like it. Spoiler alert : It’s bigger than me. Over the years, I’ve built something that people rely on—a podcast, a community, a space for beauty pr...
Feb 12, 2025•29 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Sylvia Brownlee to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Sylvia is a seasoned Esthetician and skincare expert with over 29 years of hands-on experience transforming both skin and lives! As the CEO and Founder of her own skincare line, Skin by Brownlee & Co. , Sylvia specializes in helping people reclaim confidence, particularly those struggling with acne, through effective skincare, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. Recently...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 2 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Erika Evans to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Over 25 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry led Erika (EJE) to have worked with a range of everyday women, and executives, celebrities and models. After seeing chemical damage, stressed and over processed hair, to thinning hair and hair loss, EJE noticed clients were losing self-confidence. She found that women's wellness in general was lacking due to work deman...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 45 min
Ep. 254: Advice From One of the Largest Black-Owned Beauty Manufacturers - Anthony Standifer On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Anthony Standifer to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Anthony brings 25 years of beauty industry expertise, offering actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders. With a unique perspective shaped by managing multi-million-dollar brands in corporate America and co-founding the largest Black & woman-owned bea...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 37 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Nicole Lovelace to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Nicole is a Licensed Master Esthetician and brow expert with over 18 years in the beauty industry. Revered for her precision, attention to detail, and unmatched standard of excellence, Nicole is the driving force behind PRMP (/primp/), the DMV’s premier luxury brow, waxing and skin care destination. She’s also the mastermind behind Brow Zhuzh Eyebrow Conditioning Treatment, a p...
Jan 15, 2025•54 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Milan Scott to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Milan, aka The Cosmescientist, is a Master of Science in Cosmetic Chemistry and the CEO of Keseana Cosmetic Labs, a cosmetic research and development laboratory based in the DC/MD/VA area (DMV). With a vibrant online presence as “The Cosmescientist,” Milan educates her followers on the intersection of science and beauty, covering topics like new product developments, formulation sc...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 21 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Priya Maharaj to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Priya is an Atlanta-based Department Head of Makeup for IATSE Local 798, with a passion for beauty that sparked in her childhood while watching her mother prepare for special events. This early fascination blossomed into a fulfilling career in the film and TV industry, where she accumulated over 15 years of experience. Priya began her journey at Make-up Designory (MUD) in Los Ang...
Jan 01, 2025•58 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Terri Watson to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Terri is the Founder of Apollo 44 Agency, a creative agency specializing in producing high-quality, UGC-style video content that helps brands scale their visibility and connect with their audience. As a seasoned social media strategist and retired Makeup Artist, Terri brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and storytelling to her work, helping entrepreneurs increase their ...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 34 min
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Shay Bailey to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Shay is an accomplished professional in the beauty and consumer tech sectors, with a robust background in corporate beauty operations, sales, and artistry. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree from Oakland University, Shay embarked on her career in the beauty industry. She gained valuable experience working with LaChae Cosmetics and freelancing as an independent makeup artist and ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 14 min
