The Beauty Vanguard
By The Beauty Vanguard
The Beauty VanguardJan 11, 2022
Lala Anthony, From Sneakerhead to Met Gala Glam
One of our favorite beauty and media inspirations stops by to talk about her tomboy roots to hosting the Met Gala red carpet and being mom to a rising all star. Hear about her Kelly Rowlands approved skincare routine and launching her incredibly effective haircare brand, Inala.
Produced by Dear Media
Julie Bowen on Creating A Line of Products for Pre-Teen Boys
Actress and entrepreneur Julie Bowen and her co-founder Jill Biren discuss JB Skrub, their personal care line geared toward pre-teen and teenage boys. From efficacious ingredients to education (cleaning "pits, nuts and butts" in that order), the brand addresses an underserved area of the market.
Produced by Dear Media
Sara Happ on Pioneering the Lip Care Category
Sara Happ on Pioneering the Lip Care Category/What started with one lip scrub 14 years ago, has blossomed into a brand that has led the lip care category into what it is now. Founder Sara Happ discusses her beauty journey and how she stays so grateful, optimistic and encouraging as an entrepreneur.
Produced by Dear Media
The Transformative Power of Makeup with Jeanine Loebell
Excuse us while we fan out at one of our favorite beauty and all-around bad ass heroes. She's the creator of Stila, Neen founder and someone who approaches everything she touches with honesty and authenticity. Jeanine Loebell joins us to talk about how her young adulthood in London, endless curiosity and mindfulness of the planet has led her to create her latest makeup line, Neen.
Produced by Dear Media
Thank You For Being A Friend
We sat down with psychologist and author, Erin Falconer to talk about navigating entrepreneurship, starting new projects and how to break up with friends in beauty and beyond
Produced by Dear Media
Malika Haqq on Growth, Motherhood and Growing up in Front of the Camera
Friend of the Pod, Malika Haqq shares her beauty journey, self-care essentials and finding a stronger sense of how to effectively prioritize in her many roles as mother, entrepreneur and actress.
Produced by Dear Media
Sienna Brown Nails the One Sku Strategy
What has started as the lip balm to end all lip balms has blossomed into an enviable beauty bizness due in no small part to Sienna Brown, founder of Glosshood's creative genius. The entrepreneur sits down to chat building her business, staying the course and expressing her creative vision through her brand (and on her nails).
Produced by Dear Media
Victoria Browne Keeps us Real
One of the most inspiring young voices we know joins us for a fully transparent chat about beauty, body image and exploring the skincare routine that works perfectly for her.
Produced by Dear Media
It's a BIPOC Swap!
Melissa and Nyakio breakdown the BIPOC owned beauty products they're each using right now and why they love them. Learn about emerging brands and discover more about the ones you know.
Produced by Dear Media
Steph Shep on Living a Realistically Sustainable Life (hint: Does Not Include Smoothies)
Entrepreneur and founder of Future Earth, Steph Shep sits down to talk about small yet effective changes one can make in their daily routine to be more sustainable, favorite clean skincare and why smoothies will never make the cut.
Produced by Dear Media
Tonya Lewis Lee on Creating Movita Organics
Director, producer, author, and entrepreneur Tonya Lewis Lee is a storyteller at heart. Whether through film, advocating for maternal health or building a baseline of wellness and nutrition specifically for women, she weaves a thoughtful and accessible narrative into everything she creates.
Produced by Dear Media
The Business of Going Viral
Sitting down with influencer and entrepreneur, Susan Yara, to gain insight on how she's evolved her influence into a successful business and created a skincare brand that has gained a strong cult following.
Produced by Dear Media
Dr. Woo Goes Beyond Skin Deep
With a hard to get on waitlist and some of the coolest collaborations out there, famed tattoo artist Dr. Woo has broken barriers in the art and tattoo world. We chat about his entry into beauty and his POV on skincare for those with highly sensitive skin.
Produced by Dear Media
Denise Vasi Isn't Leaving Anything on the Table
The clean beauty expert and entrepreneur talks about refusing to be put in a box and building a life and career her kids are inspired by.
Produced by Dear Media
Hannah Bronfman on Entrepreneurship and Fighting for Inclusivity
The investor and creator shares her top tips for budding beauty entrepreneurs.
Produced by Dear Media
The Beauty Vanguard Season 3 - Coming February 21st!
Produced by Dear Media
Building a Lifestyle Brand With Alli Webb
It’s the SEASON FINALE of The Beauty Vanguard and we’re chatting with friend and inspiring beauty founder, Alli Webb. Anyone who hadn’t heard of a blowout pre 2010 definitely learned quickly after Alli Webb opened her game changing business Dry Bar that year. The entrepreneur has continued to innovate in the beauty industry and beyond, building inclusive and exciting new brands that reimagine self care and mental health to be more personalized and accessible. Tune in as Melissa and Nyakio talk to Alli about her beauty journey beginning with Dry Bar and now as the president of humidifier brand, Canopy.
Making Scents with Chriselle Lim
Influencer, entrepreneur and now beauty guru Chriselle Lim has created what can easily be referred to as the most sought after scent this year. With her company Phlur, the longtime blogger and fashion mainstay created Missing Person, a perfume that permeated social media and sold out immediately, plus created a 100k waiting list. Chriselle gets into each note and why this scent seemed to touch people on a deeper level, eliciting tears and a sense of longing for many people who spritzed it.
Beauty In America Part 2 with Monica Corcoran
In this special series called “Beauty in America” Melissa and Nyakio talk to inspiring women and explore a more diverse definition of beauty. Monica Corcoran is a celebrated journalist and author who has penned some of the most insightful and entertaining articles for major publications like In Style, New York Times and Cosmopolitan. Her media platform, Pretty Ripe, focuses on women above 40 and addresses everything from peri-menopause to favorite beauty products. She sheds light on an often overlooked demographic, digging deep into aging, relationships and parenting.
Oscar Beauty with Frederic Aspiras
Melissa and Nyakio sit down with Oscar nominated hairstylist Frederic Aspiras about his historic nomination, longtime collaboration with Lady Gaga and how his rich Vietnamese-Filipino heritage has paved the way for his dynamic career.
Beauty In America Part 1 with Julie Maldonado
Winter to Spring Beauty with Gloss Angeles
The girls of the popular beauty podcast, Gloss Angeles are joining us to talk about what skincare and fragrance they use once the weather starts warming up! Sara Tan and Kirbie Johnson are beauty editors and product experts who have a fun, honest and inclusive approach to their work and we’re so excited to deep dive into what they’re loving for spring.
Snails, Trails + Automobiles with Vanessa Lee
One of the most sought after estheticians, Vanessa Lee, is known by her celebrity fan base and following for her attention to detail and being on the forefront of innovation and ingredients in beauty. She also draws from her Filipino heritage and LA roots to inform the environment of her two The Things We Do Spa locations and the treatments offered. We chat searching for the best face masks in the outskirts of LA and why snail mucus is a key ingredient in maintaining that enviable glow.
Tiktok Beauty Trends and Mintty Makeup with Junior Mintt
Activist, drag artist and beauty entrepreneur Junior Mintt exudes joy and empowerment in every drag show, project and conversation she is a part of. Her work honors Black trans people who have come before her and inspires everyone who loves to express themselves through beauty, fashion and art to make life a little more "mintty". She joins Melissa and Nyakio on The Beauty Vanguard to talk about Tiktok beauty trends and her forthcoming product line.
Living Fearless with Arian Simone
Investor, entrepreneur and businesswoman Arian Simone talks about the long game of building a business and how to spot smart money. Plus insight on how the powerhouse finds innovative new companies to invest in with Fearless Fund, the first VC fund built by women of color for women of color and which she co-founded and is CEO.
A special thanks to our sponsor, Nutrafol. Use code VANGUARD to save $15 off your first month’s subscription plus FREE shipping on every order.
A Juicy, Joyful + Beautiful Life with Tracee Ellis Ross: Part 2
We’ve talked a lot about our dream, pie in the sky guests here at The Beauty Vanguard and Tracee Ellis Ross has always topped that list. For obvious reasons, she is an incredible and award winning actress and one of the most authentic entertainers of our lifetime. She is a beauty CEO and bold fashion icon who inspires us to help us to lead a life that is, in her words, “juicy and joyful”. We talk breaking boundaries in beauty and beyond and get into her enviable daily hydration routine. We go through her favorite products, but also get into purpose, perimenopause and all things PATTERN Beauty. You won’t want to miss anything this legend has to say. In fact, we talked and laughed so much, the episode turned into a two-parter. Welcome to The Beauty Vanguard, Tracee!
A special thanks to our sponsor, Nutrafol. Use code VANGUARD to save $15 off your first month’s subscription plus FREE shipping on every order.
A Juicy, Joyful + Beautiful Life with Tracee Ellis Ross: Part 1
We’ve talked a lot about our dream, pie in the sky guests here at The Beauty Vanguard and Tracee Ellis Ross has always topped that list. For obvious reasons, she is an incredible and award winning actress and one of the most authentic entertainers of our lifetime. She is a beauty CEO and bold fashion icon who inspires us to help us to lead a life that is, in her words, “juicy and joyful”. We talk breaking boundaries in beauty and beyond and get into her enviable daily hydration routine. We go through her favorite products, but also get into purpose, perimenopause and all things PATTERN Beauty. You won’t want to miss anything this legend has to say. In fact, we talked and laughed so much, the episode turned into a two-parter. Welcome to The Beauty Vanguard, Tracee!
Creating Inclusive Multi-Use Products
Monika Blunder is the founder and inspiration behind her namesake brand, Monika Blunder Beauty. Recognized in Hollywood as one of the most sought after makeup artists, Monika has created stunning beauty looks for her A list celebrity clients such as Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Gemma Chan, Jennifer Garner, Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, and many more. Monika’s journey began in the mountains of Austria, where she spent her adolescence surrounded by nature. It was here that her parents instilled in Monika the power of native botanicals, like edelweiss and arnica, as well as the beauty of “zart”, a German phrase meaning to act gently, tenderly and softly - yet strongly, and with confidence. This foundation is the driving force for everything she believes in today. Monika has harnessed this knowledge to create a beauty brand constructed of thoughtful, natural products for real, everyday wear spreading zart from Austria, to Hollywood.
A New Year’s Reset with Kroma Wellness
The Celebrity Makeup Artist Making Hollywood More Inclusive
Tasha Reiko Brown is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and groomer and Chanel Makeup Artist. Brown’s talent and fresh approach to beauty and skincare has made her a favorite with clients such as Alicia Keys, Letitia Wright, Logan Browning, Ashton Sanders, Common, Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Tracee Ellis Ross, Daniel Kaluuya, Michael B. Jordan, and many others. Her work can be seen in the pages of publications such as The New York Times, Glamour, and The Hollywood Reporter, amongst others. Her beauty expertise is often called upon for fashion and makeover shows and media outlets such as InStyle.
Thank you to our partner, Imperfect Foods. Go to www.imperfectfoods.com and use promo code BEAUTY for 20% off your first 4 orders.
The Beauty Vanguard 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Get ready! Today’s episode features favorite beauty and wellness gifts for the holidays and you won’t want to miss it. Tune in to hear what’s topping Nyakio and Melissa‘s list this season.
A special thanks to our partner.
Visit www.public.com/BEAUTYVANGUARD. Start investing with as little as $1 and get a free slice of stock up to $50 when you join Public.com.
Making Beauty More Sustainable
Named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People, Melanie Bender is the founding President of Versed, leading the clean skincare brand in strategy, vision and growth since inception. Melanie is also the leader of CodeRed4Climate, a collective action of more than 200 beauty and wellness brands, using the space we occupy to mobilize critical climate solutions. She earned a B.S. in sustainability, accreditation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and has applied her impressive knowledge to purpose-driven brands for two decades. We’re so excited to have her here to discuss how to make the beauty industry a more sustainable one. Welcome to The Beauty Vanguard, Melanie!
Thank you to our partner, Imperfect Foods. Go to www.imperfectfoods.com and use promo code BEAUTY for 20% off your first 4 orders.
Annie Gonzalez on Appearances and Owning Your Beauty
Annie Gonzalez is an actress, singer, dancer and East Los Angeles native. Annie began her career in entertainment at age 10 and continues impressive roles in shows like Shameless, American Horror Story, Good Girls, and Vida. Most recently, she played Lidia on Netflix’s hit show Gentefied, which centers on themes of gentrification and the marginalization of Latinx community in America. An outspoken advocate for civil rights and Latinx culture, Gonzalez also has a YouTube channel where she shares her thoughts on spirituality, self-love, peace, positivity and living life as a Chicana.
Special thanks to our sponsor, BetterHelp. Go to www.BetterHelp.com/TBV for 10% off your first month.
Celebrity Skin Expert Shani Darden on Why Less is More
Considered the secret behind Hollywood’s most flawless faces, expert esthetician Shani Darden sets herself apart with her results-oriented approach to skin care. Her passion for simple, yet effective solutions has earned her clients’ trust and respect in a town where beauty, health, and wellness standards are high. In June 2019, Shani opened her first flagship studio in Beverly Hills where she treats clients, develops high-performance formulas and shares her expertise with her followers on social media.
A special thanks to our partners.
Visit www.humnutrition.com/get_started and use code VANGUARD for 15% off your first order of $29+
Visit www.BetterHelp.com/TBV for 10% off your first month.
Visit www.public.com/BEAUTYVANGUARD. Start investing with as little as $1 and get a free slice of stock up to $50 when you join Public.com.
Gender Inclusive Beauty with Author + Founder David Yi
David Yi is the co-founder of good light, a Gen Z personal care brand that believes in beauty beyond the binary. He’s also the editor-in-chief of Very Good Light, a beauty publication dedicated to redefining masculinity, and the author of Pretty Boys: Legendary Icons Who Redefined Beauty (and How to Glow Up, Too).
He is also a former fashion editor having written for many well-known publications and launching including Women’s Wear Daily. Due to his strong focus on inclusivity, David has received a GLAAD Award and two Webby nominations, and was named one of "25 People Changing the Beauty Conversation" in Marie Claire.
We’re thrilled to have him on The Beauty Vanguard for this very important conversation about gender inclusive beauty.
Special thanks to our sponsor, BetterHelp. Go to www.BetterHelp.com/TBV for 10% off your first month.
The True Meaning of Clean
Gregg Renfrew is an inspiration and motivation to always do better. Whether that’s with beauty or any business. When she launched Beautycounter in 2013, the term “clean” wasn’t quite the well known word or understood category it is now, but Gregg was undaunted. She has since built a billion dollar company and movement that’s not only a robust line of non-toxic personal care and beauty products for the entire family, but a vehicle for education and change at the highest levels of government. Beautycounter shows us the potential beauty has to build a new paradigm and make what we use every day safer for our health and the planet.
Making Beauty Media More Inclusive
Julee Wilson is one of the most influential editors working in beauty today. As the beauty director at Cosmopolitan Julee leads the brand’s robust beauty coverage across all print, digital, and social platforms, and creates new and engaging ways of reaching readers with Cosmo's beauty content. Julee brings her expertise and exuberance to every feature she creates, always prioritizing inclusivity and sharing her latest discoveries in the market with her readers and followers. Previously, Julee was global beauty director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. Throughout her career, Julee has shared her expertise on television, including guest appearances on CNN, TODAY, CBS Early Show, ABC Nightline and Access Hollywood, among others.
The Derm Behind Naomi Osaka’s KINLO
Thank you to our partner, Imperfect Foods. Go to www.imperfectfoods.com and use promo code BEAUTY for 20% off your first 4 orders.
Celebrating Indigenous Beauty
“Proudly Indigenous, Unapologetically Beautiful” is the tagline of Indigenous beauty brand, Prados. It’s founder Cece Meadows, is of Xicana and Indigenous descent and is committed to representing and supporting Indigenous communities through her brand and philanthropic efforts. From her Yaqui to Comanche roots, Cece works diligently to build a beauty brand that is inclusive and highlights the beauty of her culture and people. Later this year, Prados is slated to become the first Indigenous-owned beauty brand to be in a big box store.
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and The Beauty Vanguard listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/TBV
Making Wellness Accessible + Fun
Flatter Me, Ripped Rooster and Mighty Night are just some of the catchy names that comprise Hum Nutrition’s supplements, which target issues from bloating to hair loss. The brains behind the popular line of supplements is Walter Faulstroh, HUM Nutrition's co-founder, CEO and top innovator. A longtime entrepreneur whose past ventures include the UK’s first vitamin enhanced water and the UK’s first full service low cost gym chain, Walter believes that wellness has to be affordable, deliver results, be easy to understand and be fun. Hence the scientifically researched nutrients, in pure and potent formulations packaged with witty and engaging brand messaging that is helping make wellness more accessible.
Special thanks to our sponsor, HUM Nutrition. Visit www.humnutrition.com/get_started and use code VANGUARD for 15% off your first order of $29+.
Going for Golde with Trinity Mouzon Wofford
Trinity Mouzon Wofford started her line of superfood essentials out of a Brooklyn apartment just a few years ago. Since then the line, Golde, has won the hearts and wellness-obsessed minds of thousands of fans who incorporate turmeric latte blends and Shroom Shield into their daily routines. Golde also has superfood beauty products that are essentially edible and definitely effective. Trinity’s approach to wellness is simple and approachable and most importantly makes a holistically healthy lifestyle accessible and fun.
The Beauty Audit
The Beauty Audit is back! Nyakio and Melissa list the fall beauty essentials they can’t stop using this season. Tune in to learn all about the products from Black and Brown-owned beauty brands they’re loving, plus background on each founder and their amazing stories.
Rewriting The Dominican Beauty Narrative
Like many Dominican women, Lulu Cordero grew up hearing terms like “pelo malo” which means “bad hair” in Spanish and refers to curly or afro-textured hair. She got her hair relaxed and blown out straight at the Dominican salon every week. It was a place that was safe and familiar but also harmful in many ways with it’s constant and intentional attempt at erasing Blackness while upholding whiteness. In a culture that takes so much pride in beauty and in physical presentation, Cordero wanted to find a way to honor her heritage while still being able to embrace her Blackness and natural beauty. Lulu has since launched Bomba Curls, which is a comprehensive curl care line popping up at huge retailers. She is also actively working to change the perception around curly hair in Dominican culture while celebrating natural beauty and proving that true change really goes beyond the shampoo or conditioner bottle.
The podcast is a production of Embassy Row.
Hosts: Melissa Magsaysay and Nyakio Greico
Producer: Alexa Macchia
Editor: Charlotte Councill
Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson
Building Buttah with Dorion Renaud
A few years ago, model, actor, singer and rising beauty mogul, Dorion Renaud found himself on an endless quest for skincare products that addressed the specific needs of his skin and came up empty. When he discovered raw, organic, natural shea butter, his journey into the beauty industry began, inspiring him to create Buttah Skin. Buttah has gained a super loyal following who love the unisex line of shea based products, but it’s also the representation of men and women of color in his marketing and social media that resonates with an underserved audience in personal care products, helping more people to feel seen and prioritized.
The podcast is a production of Embassy Row.
Hosts: Melissa Magsaysay and Nyakio Greico
Producer: Alexa Macchia
Editor: Charlotte Councill
Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson
Beauty with Breakout Artist Maeta
Easily one of our favorite burgeoning artists and beauty muses, R&B artist Maeta is taking the music world by storm one soulful song at a time. Influenced by Kid Cudi, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and SZA and with style reminiscent of a one Mariah Carey, this RocNation artist is on her way to influencing through her gorgeous sound and signature look, not to mention her love of beauty.
The podcast is a production of Embassy Row.
Hosts: Melissa Magsaysay and Nyakio Greico
Producer: Alexa Macchia
Editor: Charlotte Councill
Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson
Face of Change. A Former Beauty Queen Gets Real.
Beyond hosting one of the most popular shows on TV, Kamie Crawford knows all about the pageant world and winning it, being a teen role model and most importantly speaking up for the social justice issues she cares deeply about. We chat about her amazing career and the beauty secrets she’s learned along the way.
Gen Z Beauty with Ella Jay Basco & Lulu Grieco
Ever wonder what Gen Z is really up to? Well, it turns out that the kids are alright. We sat down with actress and singer Ella Jay Basco and aspiring beauty entrepreneur Lulu Grieco, both 15 year-old high school students who are navigating teenhood, social media, body image and beauty standards with absolute grace. They definitely inspire other kids their age, but we certainly walked away in awe of their mature outlook.
The Beauty Audit: Favorite Beauty Finds from Black and Brown Founded Brands
The Beauty Audit is back! Nyakio and Melissa list the summer beauty essentials they can’t stop using this season. Tune in to learn all about the products from Black and Brown-owned beauty brands they’re loving, plus background on each founder and their amazing stories.
Skin + Tones: Treating Melanin Rich Skin with Dr. Carlos A. Charles, MD
The population in the US is on track to have a majority of people of color by 2045. Today, there are still glaring inequities in dermatology where communities of color are not being fully served from research to access and education. We sat down with one of the top dermatologists in the country to understand the situation and what is being done to address it.
Dr. Carlos Charles is the Founder and Medical Director of Derma di Colore in New York City. He is a board certified dermatologist and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. His practice Derma di Colore, is a comprehensive dermatology practice that addresses the treatment of dermatologic problems of all skin types with an interest in the treatment of darker skin tones. In all of his spare time, he also created 4, 5, 6, a skincare line made for melanin rich skin which launched last year.
He is a go-to expert for beauty editors and major publications and a wealth of knowledge on treating darker skin tones and of course, the latest scientific breakthroughs and advancements in dermatology today.
The podcast is a production of Embassy Row.
Hosts: Melissa Magsaysay and Nyakio Greico
Producer: Alexa Macchia
Editor: Charlotte Councill
Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson
Common Ground: Jerrod Blandino on Living with Purpose and Paying it Forward.
Many brands have a “face”, but no brand quite like Too Faced. It’s co-founder and chief creative officer Jerrod Blandino lives, breathes, eats and creates all things Too Faced and the energy between the brand and his own personal way of doing, well, just about anything, pulses through every product, phrase and social media post Jerrod makes. Speaking of “eats”, Jerrod has recently fused his exuberant creativity into food, becoming a prolific baking host on his IGTV show, Bake Up with Jerrod. Inclusive from inception, Too Faced has resonated over the past 2 decades for the way it democratizes beauty with joy and humor.
The podcast is a production of Embassy Row.
Hosts: Melissa Magsaysay and Nyakio Greico
Producer: Alexa Macchia
Editor: Charlotte Councill
Additional Production Support: Anamarie Johnson