This episode is sponsored by smartwater®

Ruth E. Carter is a trailblazing costume designer known for her work on Malcolm X, the Black Panther films, Sinners, and so many more iconic works. She has been awarded Academy Awards, a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award, the Costume Designers Guild Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But before that, she was exploring Black literature and history in Black Studies-focused enrichment programs in her home state of Massachusetts. When she was a young adult, she was deconstructing clothing and taking notes from grunge scenes, citing Lisa Bonet and Madonna as early beauty and style inspiration. In our conversation, Ruth walks us through her life and career, explaining how the girl who dressed like a grunge artist would introduce Afrofuturism to the world. 

During our chat, Ruth tells us about how she has always drawn on her interest in literary, dramatic, and visual arts to design on film sets. She shared the initial culture shock she experienced at her HBCU, Hampton, and how the theater department helped her blend her artistic sensibilities with the coiffed presentation of her classmates. Ruth detailed how she drew on these experiences in her first position in School Daze, and how her dedication led to the first of many creative collaborations with directors like Spike Lee, which would shape her career. Our conversation ranges from the specific way she employs the lessons her psychologist mother taught her, like gaining and keeping people's trust, to spending time with Tina Turner. We discussed so much of her portfolio, and what compelled her to begin archiving her designs, which now make up the traveling exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” Ruth is open about her painstakingly detailed commitment to historical accuracy and how her early exposure to ideas about the future being a site of freedom and exploration shaped the visual identity for Black Panther. 

Tune in as we discuss:

(03:35) The Sinners Award Season

(08:56) Exploring Malcolm X’s Time in a Massachusetts Correctional Facility

(12:50) The Loss of Personal Celebrity Style

(13:35) How The HBCU Experience Blew Her Mind

(15:15) Her Experience On School Daze And Working With Spike Lee

(23:55) Her Love Of Thrifting

(31:08) Deep Dive Into Her Experience On Sinners Set

(37:20) Deep Dive Into Her Experience On What’s Love Got To Do With It Set

(40:20) Met Gala Experiences And Thoughts

(43:50) Deep Dive Into Her Experience On B.A.P.S Set

(47:44) Early Introduction To Afrofuturism

(52:02) Her Favorite African Designers

(52:50) Ruth’s Personal Style

(54:30) The Power of Tailoring

(1:01:01) Maintaining a Calm Demeanor

(1:05:08) When Ruth Feels The Most Beautiful

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In this very special episode of Naked Beauty, I had the privilege of talking to my grandfather, Calvin George Kemp, about his being 102 years old. He shared his experiences growing up in the segregated Vine City in Atlanta, Georgia. He explained how his father and other elders sheltered local children from the harsh realities of racism, and raised him in a community of Black people where he felt comfortable and safe. Things changed after he was drafted into the United States military, and he faced encounters no one should have. My grandfather, a brilliant and accomplished man, talked about rising in the ranks and fighting for the right to apply his skills and brilliance in Okinawa, Guam, and a host of other countries.

We talked about his memories of historic moments in American history that most people would only learn about in history books. My grandfather was open about the emotional toll of his experiences, including the joy of meeting my grandmother, who inspired him to step up his style. This conversation was a lovely reminder that “acting one’s age” is a choice, and that you can have a full and interesting life, so long as you commit to it. This conversation was intimate and revealing, and I’m excited to share his wisdom on how he’s managed to live a life filled with adventure and love for over a century.

Tune in as we discuss:

(0:10) Life at 103 Years Old 

(1:20) What His 20’s Were Like

(1:50) 1940s Pop Culture

(3:30) Growing Up In Segregated Atlanta

(5:55) His Being Drafted Into The Military

(9:40) Encountering Mounting Segregation In The Military

(17:08) Initially Feeling Embittered By Racist Experiences

(21:44) Memories of Historic Black Events

(22:35) Voting For President Barack Obama  

(26:40) Meeting His Wife of 45 Years

(27:30) Tips For Having A Long And Happy Marriage

(32:50) Having an Immaculate Personal Style

(37:20) What A Beautiful Life Means To Him

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Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard

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Jeneé Naylor is an influencer, founder, and CEO who has been sharing her impeccable fashion taste with social media audiences for years. With over a million followers across Instagram and Tiktok, she has proven that she can translate her endless looks and inspiring personality across any medium and to any audience. Jeneé built her digital presence after being pushed out of a successful and stable six-figure C-suite career at Target. Always watchful, she had noticed the writing on the wall and was taking on brand deals to secure her future and build her reputation. Jeneé’s acumen paid off, and she is one of the most influential creators in the fashion industry. 

Currently, she is the host of her own style show, Style Unlocked, co-founder of 12 PM, a lifestyle brand, and the stylish girlfriend of millions of fans. During our conversation, Jeneé takes us back to the beginning of her journey in St. Louis and her forays in the creative industry, from opening for Destiny’s Child to styling to becoming a make-up artist. Jeneé offers us a peek into her corporate life, how it ended, and the ways she took control of her future using her keen eye for fashion. With humor and transparency, we learn all about how the woman who once aspired to be Aaliyah’s backup dancer helped usher millions into the new digital age of fashion influencing. 

Tune in as we discuss:

(3:55) Growing Up In St. Louis

(6:15) Opening For Destiny’s Child

(7:20) Exploring Styling and Make-Up Artistry

(18:20) How Jeneé Would Describe Her Style

(19:40) Signature Pixie System

(29:25) Why Confidence Is The Key To Every Look

(30:20) Style Rules She’s Rejecting

(33:20) Styling Tips for Busty Women

(34:35) Her Favorite Undergarments

(37:00) Must-Have Fashion Pieces

(41:00) How To Find Your Signature Style

(47:25) How Eyewear Became Armor

(53:49) Signature Make-Up Look

(59:15) Skincare Routine

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Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard

Follow Jeneé @jeneenaylor

Products Mentioned:

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer

Haus Labs Foundation

NARS Radiant Concealer

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow

Westman Atelier Cream Bronzer Stick

Dior Forever Nude Bronzer

NARS Ethereal Aura Blush Palette

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

Patrick Ta Eyeshadow Palette (Silver Case)

Hourglass Translucent Setting Powder

La Roche Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

FENTY Skin Dew N Plump Hydrating Nectar Glow Serum

Tower 28 S.O.S Spray

YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads

Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum

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We gathered in NYC on the first Tuesday in May to debrief the 2026 Met Gala, and my wonderful guests did not hold back. We started with the artists behind two of our favorite looks: Coree Moreno and Sir John, who discussed their respective visions and approaches to hair and makeup for Chase Infiniti and Naomi Osaka. Then, Crystal Anderson and Sean Garette delivered rapid-fire hot takes on the night's best and worst looks — from Cardi B's "colonoscopy couture," to Beyoncé's sheer dress, Emma Chamberlain's Mugler moment, and more.

I was also joined by Darian Harvin, Recho Omondi, and photographer Steven Simioni to discuss why the Met Gala has lost some of its magic, how celebrity image control works behind the scenes, and the politics of Anna Wintour's guest list. Last but not least, stylist Ivy Coco and content creator Aston closed the show by speaking on body diversity, identity in fashion, and how social media has throttled people's willingness to take risks on the carpet.

This episode was made possible with support from 111 Skin, Merit, and MAC Cosmetics.

Watch the full Naked Beauty Live show on YouTube 

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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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Follow Grace @thegracegibson

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Sir John and I had a fascinating conversation with Dita Von Teese, the Queen of Burlesque. We talked about her childhood and the Hollywood starlets that inspired her to transform into the pinup girl of her dreams. Dita shared with us how her start dancing in the rave and strip club scene empowered her to always be her unique self. We also got the inside scoop on her Vegas show, a compilation of her life's work that includes original and iconic Bob Mackie costumes and, of course, her incredible beauty and skincare routine. Our chat illuminates Dita Von Teese’s lasting ability to give people permission to be their full and eccentric selves.

Tune in as we discuss:

Why what you build is more important than what you’re born with

Defining feminism as one that allows women and lgbtq+ people to embrace their eroticism and power

Burlesque’s surprising American roots and eccentric history

The beauty rules she’s learned from incredible older women

Her skincare secrets

How the history of perfume inspires her scents

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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 :) 

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Shop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelf

Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard

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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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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 Atiya: @atiyawalcottfits

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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: 

Haus Labs Foundation 

Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner

Olaplex Leave In

Crown Affair Mousse 

Westman Atelier Brow Pencil

Chill House bestsellers: Sea Siren, Bougie Butter, and Acid Wash

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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 :) 

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Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard

Follow Cyndi @cyndiramirez

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This is THE fragrance episode you’ve been waiting for. If you’re ready to talk top notes vs. base notes, Eau de Toilette vs. Eau de Parfum, get ready for this fascinating discussion with Asia Grant, the co-founder of fragrance brand Redoux. We dive into her relationship with fragrance growing up, why gendering fragrance is a waste of everyone’s time, the story behind her new bar soap products, launching a Black-owned brand during the pandemic, and more. 

Links to Products/Resources Mentioned: Redoux, Mountain Rose Herbs, Tom Ford (Black Orchid, Tuscan Leather, Neroli Portofino, Soleil Blanc), Byredo (Gypsy Water, Bal d’Afrique, Eleventh Hour, 1996), Frederic Malle (Portrait of a Lady, Baccarat Rouge 540), D.S. & Durga

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Follow Asia: @asia_grant

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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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Follow Bozoma @bozomastjohn

Products Mentioned:

Lancôme Foundation

MAC Blush

Oil of Olay Moisturizer

Eucerin Lotion & Heavy Cream

African Sapo Net (exfoliating sponge)

Eve by Boz Haircare

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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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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 :)

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Shop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelf

Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard

Follow Erica: @ericachidi

Products Mentioned

• Brodo Bone Broth
• JEM Organics Cashew Cardamom Almond Butter
• MALK Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Fishwife Tinned Fish
• Shuk Shuka Ready-to-Eat Shakshuka 
• Eden Foods Organic Pumpkin Seeds
• Bari California Olive Oil
• Function Health 

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