A Braiding Renaissance ft. Mbiye Kasonga and Utibe Mbagwu

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 learn what Tarek thinks about:Building creative trust in the elasticity of our ideasWhy normalizing conversations about sex is good for public healthHow “cancellation” helped him confront unconscious biasesBalancing privacy and transparency as a very public online figureHow early traumatic experiences impacted his relationship with his bodyTaking a preventative approach to skincare and wellnessRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Tarek: @tarekali Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the same.Tune in to learn what Kendra thinks about:How working in corporate provided her vital training for entrepreneurshipWhy creating a product is not the same as building a brandHow to select pillars and non-negotiables that will guide us toward our North StarAccelerating your business without venture capital funding How an attempt to erase her contributions to the Digital Brand Architects (DBA) impacted her approach to businessRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple , Shop Kendra's Favorite Products Mentioned in the episode hereJoin the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Karen: @kendrabrackenferguson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 fruitVote for Naked Beauty for Best Indie Podcast at The Webbys, Shop Erica's Favorite Products Here.Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Erica @ericachidi x @learnwithloom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 about what Erica thinks about:How her early sex education from clinical sources and porn shaped her approach to pleasureWhat cultivating an arousal template can mean for improving our sex livesHow couples should write their own rules for initiating and maintaining sexual desireWhy a parasympathetic response is vital to maintaining personal wellnessThe differences between arousal and desireShop Erica's favorite skincare here: Shop my ShelfRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Erica @ericachidi x @learnwithloom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 making headlines for its ability to naturally regenerate collagen and thicken skin using one’s own blood. Having been most curious about using PRP to treat dark under eye circles, I headed over to THE Vanessa Lee at The Things We Do for a high quality and educational experience. Tune in to hear more about PRFM and PRP, and what to consider before your next big beauty treatment. Link to Products/Resources: The Things We Do, 30+ skincare (Reddit), SkincareAddiction (Reddit), Dr. Nanaa Boakye Episode, This is What It’s Really Like to Dissolve Your Filler (Allure)Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topic.Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 decisions The regenerative power solo travel and a dream she has for her future selfThe birth of Keys Soulcare, why she partnered with dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder and the power of its affirmationsHer relationship to the grounding scents that make up the fragrances in the Keys Soulcare offerings The skincare she swears by and supplements that keep her feeling her best as she navigates between art shows, superbowl performances, musical openings and Mom lifeLearning to embrace what serves you best and set boundaries to protect your peaceI left this conversation with entirely new perspective and feeling so grateful for her perspective and commitment to living her life with balance and purpose. Shop all of her favorite products here. Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Shop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Keys Soulcare: @keyssoulcareFollow Alicia Keys: @aliciakeys Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to navigate this journey as well as her thoughts on: Self-care as a discipline and leadership skill The importance of physical and emotional elimination Health as a means of living with ease Addressing pain vs. masking it The belief that mood follows action Products/ Resources Mentioned: Skincare: Marie Veronique (barrier restore serum,  barrier lipid complex), Furtuna Skin (Nightly Renewal Cream, Replenishing Balm) Supplements: Mary Ruth’s (Morning MultiVitamin, Nighttime Multi Mineral), Seed Probiotics, Wooden Spoon Magic Magnesium Spirulina Powder, Epsom Salt for Baths)  Resources: Daphne Javitch’s Doing Well. Naked Beauty Listeners get a 1-week free trial with this link. Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Daphne: @doingwell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 impacted her family Utilizing her brand to help give back to Indigenous communities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 (0:00-10:30)How I created a look for Cécred’s top secret, all-white party because I had to come correct!  (10:30-20:00)The launch party itself! From the hair show, to the beauty industry giants, to the Naked Beauty listeners that showed love  (20:00-30:00)Which Cécred products I’m most excited about (30:00-35:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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, braiding as a form of technology and luxury, and the value of having a good relationship with your braider. Enjoy! Shop the episode here.Use code Brooke20 for 20% off Ami Cole, Skin-Enhancing Foundation Stick Here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.