Dejah Poole, 19-year-old dancer from the Alvin Ailey school, has been dancing since she was just 2 years old. I initially discovered Dejah from her stunning Instagram account: @dejahonpointe & from there learned about her passion for speaking out and claiming her space as a black woman in the world of dance. We talk about bias in ballet (when nude isn’t really nude), accepting your body, eating disorders, the time she met Misty Copeland, and how her mom pushed her to accept herself above all...
Jan 07, 2019•57 min
“Everything in wellness has gone to an extreme” - Sabrina Diaz, my guest, and founder of Grass Roots Juicery, a Brooklyn-based cafe that promotes healthy living through organic cold press juicing, smoothies & healthy food. We talk about her experience growing up first-generation Dominican in the suburbs of NJ and how being the only hispanic person in her entire class made her ashamed of the things she now takes great pride in: her rich culture, using natural fruits and vegetables for beauty ...
Dec 29, 2018•1 hr 8 min
One of the coolest girls I know - Grace Bukunmi is a Nigerian Photographer, Stylist, and Art Director working between LA & NYC. She’s worked with everyone: Alicia Keys, The Migos, A$AP Rocky & with the coolest publications: High Snobiety, Hypebeast, etc. We talk about her growing up in a religious household & how her spirituality has evolved and how religion is perceived in her LA creative circle.I ask her if she think natural beauty will become a thing of the past & we try to de...
Dec 15, 2018•1 hr 5 min
Aala is a very special person who's been able to self-heal and overcome a lot. Only 26, she's deeply aware of her purpose and it's so inpspring - I got a little emotional during this one. She's Sudanese-American and grew up in between cultures. We talk about how Sudanese women approach beauty, her relationship with her hair and how it changed when she got sick. Women's health and chronic illness is something that's not discussed often and so Aala is willing to talk about her private experience i...
Dec 14, 2018•53 min
“I’ve learned to love my body because I’ve accepted it as my home. This is where I live - where me - the person I love the most lives, I have to make the best of it.” - Tolly sharing gems on body acceptance on this episode that I love so much ------- Tolani Shoneye (known by her fans as Tolly) is the host of one of my favorite podcasts ‘The Receipts’. I was able to interview her while in London and we talked about everything from her Nigerian upbringing to the type of men she wants to attract. W...
Nov 27, 2018•1 hr 9 min
Logo update (yay!), a quick word on overeating & Thanksgiving indulgence, and then Rachel and I discuss clearing your closet & our Moms :) ---- Listen to the full episode with Rachel if you missed it: 'Is 29 The Perfect Age? Probably Not' https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/is-29-the-perfect-age-probably-not-ft-rachel-goldman/id1131628553?i=1000419118104&mt=2 Shoutout to the community for helping me with the logo! Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ Design...
Nov 22, 2018•11 min
“It’s no accident I do what I do. I come from a long line of people making culture, considering how we live and responding either sonically or aesthetically to that.” - my inspiring guest, Lotte Anderson, who was described as ‘emblematic of the city of London’ Lotte, an artist living and working in London, creates work that explores the politics of taking up space, community, pleasure seeking and human behavior. Lotte tells me how growing up in West London amongst families of ‘creative dynasties...
Nov 07, 2018•1 hr 3 min
Annya Santana, who grew up in the Bronx and was born in the Dominican Republic, bought a one way ticket to Paris 4 years ago after heartbreak and started her clean beauty line Menos Mas (which means Less is More). Before finding herself in Paris, we talk about her experience growing up in NY and working in the early days of streetwear after finding herself in fashion PR. She explains that Paris is surprisingly afro-centric and we discuss the benefits of letting the day unfold — the Parisian way....
Oct 14, 2018•1 hr 3 min
“Creativity and being around creative people has been my drive” — my amazing guest Saidah Blount, on her career journey and finding herself in music where she always wanted to be :) Saidah tells me about moving to NYC in the 90s and making a career out of seeing bands. Originally from Kansas City, we talk about how she grew up and her early memories of visiting the Clinique counter for makeovers. We ponder whether or not artists of today have the same knack for style that musicians used to but w...
Sep 25, 2018•1 hr 6 min
“Sometimes therapy can be a lot…you’re unpacking things you didn’t even know were there. Therapy allowed me to realize how my anxieties were manifesting and also to realize that I have the authority and I’m worthy of not being in this space at all times. Sometimes when you’re an anxious person or you’re depressed you think….'this is how it ishis is always going to be how it is and I just have to work in this bubble of anxiety or sadness'….but now I have different tools to move out of it.” - my g...
Sep 14, 2018•1 hr 5 min
29 probably isn't the perfect age but we explore...Rachel, my long-time friend a former Soul Cycle instructor, and I discuss things we've mastered by 29: feeding ourselves, prioritizing the morning, learning about fragrance, how to shave our legs, dressing for the occasion, what beauty treatments are worth splurging it, office makeup etc. And then there are the things we haven’t mastered: ironing boards, washing instructions, the color wheel, when to get rid of old clothes, how to wrap a present...
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 4 min
“I feel like it is the root of my work to create opportunities for women who look different” — my amazing guest, A-Lan Holt A-lan is a filmmaker, writer, all around creator, mother and dear friend. You guys are in for a treat with this episode because A-lan is thinking through her experience as a woman and a creative on a higher level than most — but also doing so in a totally humble, down-to-earth, lovable way She is Stanford’s Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Diversity in the Ar...
Aug 23, 2018•1 hr 1 min
I’m joined by Tam Watkins, founder of Loza Tam, where she’s been creating beautiful satin-lined turbans and headbands for the past two years. Before becoming the entrepreneur she is today, Tam was growing up in rural Florida or as she calls it ‘Trump Country’ and talks to me about that experience & growing up with a black Republican parent & Grandparent (rare indeed)! One of the things I love about Tam is her passion for travel and learning other cultures… she shares how the idea to crea...
Aug 07, 2018•1 hr 2 min
I’ve been spending time learning about Ayurvedic Beauty — an ancient Indian approach to wellness and beauty that I’ve really connected with. Everything in Ayurveda comes back to your specific dosha type. The three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha and they’re each associated with different energies which I go through in this episode. I also share some knowledge on maintaining Ojas. In Ayurveda, Ojas is believed to be responsible for vitality, strength, health, long life, immunity and mental/emotiona...
Jul 27, 2018•11 min
Easily one of the most stylish women in NY — Crystal Anderson is a grounded, deep thinker but she also doesn’t believe in taking yourself too seriously which I LOVE. She has practical tips about mental health & truly expresses herself through her unique personal style. She’s currently Man Repeller’s COO (chief operations officer) and before joining MR, she launched Refinery 29’s insanely popular experiential event 29Rooms. Crystal’s style ethos: “Getting dressed is an intentional thing that ...
Jul 11, 2018•1 hr 1 min
This goes out to the true beauty junkies! Siraad is a girl with a 10-step beauty routine, who lives for Korean skincare and travels with her own silk pillow-case. She’s currently a beauty editor at Essence and she has incredible product knowledge but what I find even more impressive — her general attitude and approach towards beauty. She’s really inspired me to try new things! We talk: - how she graduated with a psychology and communications degree, worked in finance and then found herself trans...
Jun 29, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 45
“I’ve always known that I was a female. Folks always ask ‘how did you know?’ It just was. It just is.” — Angelica Torres, NYC-native, lover of bathtubs and glitter, speaking about her experience being assigned the wrong gender at birth. We cover SO much in this episode so I’ve provided topics and time-codes below. Angelica, so much love to you for sharing your story! Also thank you to everyone who has joined NakedBeautyPlanet on Instagram, love meeting you all. Episode notes below: From Cardi B ...
Jun 14, 2018•1 hr 4 min
Quick plug: join the #nakedbeautypodcast community on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ @NAKEDBEAUTYPLANET ****** Ok so today’s leftover’s episode is from my talk with the amazing Kate Seward. In our full episode which you should definitely hear (https://apple.co/2LpWGKQ) we speak about her experience with addiction and substance abuse…which brought up this discussion around SUGAR ADDICTION - which is a very really thing that I’m currently working through. Links Below: - Pr...
Jun 07, 2018•10 min•Ep. 43
“I want to be the beacon of hope for every woman who wants to put an idea out in the world.” - my guest Jacquelyn De Jesu, the CEO, founder and creative director of Shhhowercap I left this conversation feeling so inspired! Jackie is just the best and I feel so lucky I was able to grab her for some time on the #nakedbeautypodcast. Before becoming the wildly successful entrepreneur she is today – Jackie, the product of two creative parents (a hairdresser & set-designer), was growing up in Bald...
May 31, 2018•58 min
When do you reveal your true self when dating? Listen for some leftovers from my chat with Lindsey Metselaar where we discuss how to use positive reinforcement to get what you want while dating, sharing the less likable aspects of your personality early on, and how to handle double dates. EXCITING NEWS: I started an Instagram account just for this show. Join the community @NAKEDBEAUTYPLANET: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ Listen to my full episode with Lindsey here: https://itunes....
May 25, 2018•6 min•Ep. 41
“I know that if I had kept drinking and doing drugs the way that I was, I would have died. There wasn’t really another option.” — Kate on her decision to get sober On this episode of the #nakedbeautypodcast I’m joined by Kate — writer and lover of all things wellness. We discuss this universal phenomenon of women constantly thinking about their hair…. what to do with it, to dye or not to dye, etc. - why is it constantly on our minds? Kate gives me insight into going platinum blonde & I get h...
May 08, 2018•58 min
The four beauty lessons we can all learn from QueenB. From her vegan diet, to her flawless skin to her always-on point looks. Check out these amazing episodes breaking down Beyonce’s historical Coachella performance: NYTimes Still Processing: ‘We Talk Beychella’ https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/still-processing/id1151436460?mt=2# The Read ‘Beychella”: https://soundcloud.com/theread/beychella TIP 1: SLAY YOUR BASICS Beyonce Slaying Basics Exhibit A: https://www.instagram.com/p/BdD7mojF3IP/?hl=...
Apr 27, 2018•18 min
Bonus! Recho and I discuss how new technologies, that seem harmless, are shaping gender perceptions in dangerous ways. Subscribe to the show and please rate and review if you have a moment: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naked-beauty-podcast/id1131628553?mt=2 Read the full story by Amanda Hess via the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/arts/fembot-poppy-lil-miquela-kylie-jenner.html Ceck Out Lil Miquela - a virtual influencer *a-must-see* https://www.instagram.com/lilmiq...
Apr 20, 2018•9 min
“My exes have really hot exes. And I need them to be hot.”— today’s guest Lindsey Metselaar Lindsey, who also hosts her own fab podcast — We Met at Acme, a show about millennial dating in NYC, had a lot to say & strong opinions that kept me cracking up the entire time. Lindsey shares how she felt about herself growing up, being the ‘elephant in the room’ in high school and curly-hair shame. I ask her if she really eats everything posted on @dontexpectsalads and we talk about a misguided anor...
Apr 13, 2018•51 min
I’m joined by Vintage Black Glamour author, the fabulous Nichelle Gainer — a self-described “black history encyclopedia”. We discuss how what started out as a research project for a novel inspired by her great aunt, Mildred Taylor, a model in the 1950s evolved into the Vintage Black Glamour Tumblr site in 2011. I learn about the history of black beauty pageants, the ‘Four Goddesses’: Josephine Baker, Lena Horne, Dorthy Dandridge and Ertha Kitt and why they’ve been able to maintain icon status de...
Apr 12, 2018•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 36
“It’s realizing how much you don’t need and seeing how much we are brainwashed to think that what makes us happy is being able to buy something. Letting that go is really freeing…not having this attachment to material objects as a measure of happiness.” — My guest, Mekdela Maskal Mekdela is a media activist, living in Brooklyn, and fellow nature-lover with amazing style and beautiful natural hair. We go deep on her routine for the ideal wash day — from coconut oil pre-poo treatments to long fing...
Mar 27, 2018•1 hr 3 min
“Here I am running my own business which literally means — I’m making up all of this shit as I go. I’m not any particular genius” - Recho Omondi…… but low-key (IMHO) Recho is a genius Designer, friend and deep-thinker, Recho, returns to Naked Beauty! We talk about her now iconic n*ggas sweatshirt and how it found its way on to Issa Rae’s Insecure, why the timeline is the new runway, how the fashion cycle is constantly persuading us to consume and its subsequent impact on the environment. Recho h...
Mar 16, 2018•1 hr 12 min
Digital consultant working with brands like Glossier and Into the Gloss, podcaster, news curator and passionate self-starter who’s dedicated to skincare, Darian Symone, joins me on this episode of the #nakedbeautypodcast. We discuss moving from NY to LA, interning at Beyonce’s Parkwood, why she loves Melina Matsoukas, and the platform she’s created with her podcast, ‘Am I Allowed To Like Anything’. Darian’s skincare routine is VERY THOROUGH and involves using acids for exfoliation, controlling o...
Feb 13, 2018•1 hr 2 min
We all want Into the Gloss & Pinterest-worthy beauty shelves. It’s CRITICAL that you organize your beauty space for the ultimate self-care practice. In this episode, I share my 5 essential steps to clearing beauty clutter — a process that I’m currently undergoing & not quite sure why I waited so long to do bc the results….*life-changing* STEP 1: EVALUATE & TOSS OR FIND ANOTHER USE FOR IT - With a little help from Japanese organization expert and best-selling author Marie Kondo, I enc...
Jan 29, 2018•17 min
“Caribbean women are just something else” - my guest, dear friend, and artist, Eniye Kagbala aka 333niye on the unrivaled confidence of Caribbean women. We met online years ago, spent time together in London (going to fashion week & doing the most) but Eniye hails from St.Vincent. Since moving back to to the island from London, she’s learning to be grateful for life in paradise and “just LIVE” rather than chase. We talk about what makes quintessential island girl style — which she believes i...
Jan 11, 2018•1 hr 2 min
