EP.17: Brooke DeVard of Naked Beauty Podcast Gives Us the Secret Sauce to Her Unconventional Beauty Career
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For our Season 2 opener, I spoke to trailblazer Brooke DeVard, founder of the Naked Beauty Podcast. She is a true beauty expert, sought after for her perspectives and her unconventional path in the industry. Brooke’s deep knowledge stems from years of conversing with founders, formulators, marketers, makeup artists, and everyday consumers. With eight years of dedicated work on her podcast, Naked Beauty, Brooke has curated a space for raw, unfiltered conversations about beauty. From hosting industry giants such as Alicia Keys and Pharrell to showcasing emerging brands and beauty experts, her platform provides a backstage pass to the multifaceted world of beauty, offering invaluable insights that resonate with audiences worldwide.↳↳
Charting a Unique Path
Brooke’s career journey—from Ralph Lauren to Viacom to Instagram—defies convention, reflecting her thirst for new challenges and diverse experiences. Without the backing of major beauty conglomerates, she has carved her own path to success. She emphasizes the value of switching industries and knowing when to leave to pursue personal growth and fulfillment. Throughout her journey, Brooke has embraced the ethos of “done is better than perfect,” continually iterating and improving to create impactful content and experiences. Her transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was facilitated by her unwavering determination. Brooke’s ability to balance her podcast with her corporate career was rooted in transparency, and her diplomatic prowess and communication skills proved invaluable in her entrepreneurial pursuits. Behind the scenes, strategic decisions, such as signing with UTA, underscored Brooke’s ambition and vision for Naked Beauty as a global platform. ↳↳
Unpacking Her Philosophy
In our conversation with Brooke, we explore her philosophy and approach to beauty, in which she emphasizes that true beauty emanates from within and highlights the importance of self-care practices. She delves into this in her conversation with Alicia Keys, which she mentions being a pivotal moment in her podcasting journey. Alicia, known for her advocacy of natural beauty and authenticity, reinforces Brooke’s belief in the significance of prioritizing self-care and helps to foster deeper conversations about beauty standards on Naked Beauty.
Driving Force & Future Aspirations
Brooke’s steadfast resolve stems from her belief in the intelligence and sophistication of the beauty community. She is committed to deeper conversations about wellness and beauty practices, which is evident in her product offerings. Her forthcoming fragrance line and focus on self-care reflects her dedication to elevating the discourse surrounding beauty beyond mere aesthetics. As she continues to shape the narrative in the beauty space, Brooke remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of smart, influential women and facilitating conversations that resonate on a profound level. In our conversation, she mentions drawing inspiration from her upbringing and heritage as she grew up with a powerful lineage of strong women, including her mother and grandmother. Their influence, coupled with her experiences at Spelman and Stanford, has shaped her into the the dynamic, multi-dimensional entrepreneur she is today. Her aspiration to create a global platform for beauty reflects her ambitious vision for the future of Naked Beauty. In Brooke DeVard’s journey, we find inspiration in the power of passion, persistence, and purpose in shaping a career that transcends boundaries. As she continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of beauty through her podcast, Brooke stands as an alchemist, blazing trails and fostering discussions that elevate and empower.
BROOKE’S ESSENTIALS
If there’s anyone who has driven this product to be purchased by their audience, it’s Brooke. This is now a daily essential of mine and so many other brown girls thanks to Brooke’s unfiltered beauty recommendations on IG. This concealer offers buildable coverage and a creamy texture that effortlessly blends into the skin, providing a flawless finish. Formulated with clean, skin-loving ingredients, it hides imperfections without caking or settling into fine lines. Infused with botanical extracts such as arnica and panthenol, it also works to soothe and hydrate the delicate under-eye area. Whether used to brighten the under-eye area, spot conceal, or highlight the high points of the face, this concealer delivers long-lasting coverage with a skin-like finish. The Kosas Creamy Concealer is a must-have for your makeup bag as a multitasking product to help achieve a flawless complexion!↳
Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Light Blush - “At Night”
Brooke raves about this blush in her Sephora Sale must-haves—and for good reason! She highlights its versatility, noting that it’s perfect for layering on top of cream blush (she loves to use it with the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush stick). Apply the blush higher on your cheeks for a radiant, lifted look. This blush is known for its luminous finish as it combines the soft-focus effects of the Ambient Lighting Powder with vivid, cheek-enhancing pigments to create a seamless, multidimensional glow. The shade “At Night” is specifically designed to mimic the flattering light of the evening sun, imparting a warm, rosy hue to the cheeks. Its finely milled powder texture blends effortlessly into the skin, delivering a natural-looking flush with a beautiful sheen. Get your hands on this cult-favorite product to ensure you have that glowing base!
About Boardroom Beauty Podcast
The Boardroom Beauty Podcast exists to cultivate community and conversation amongst the best in beauty. Tune in for weekly interviews with "Boardroom Beauties" who are advancing the industry through inclusion and innovation. ↳
