When you’re committed to a path, what does it take to rise to the top? In this heartfelt episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Dendy Engelman, an award-winning dermatologist who shares her inspiring journey of dedication and compassion in the world of dermatology and aesthetics.Dr. Dendy’s story begins with a simple school field trip alongside her physician father that ignited her passion for medicine. From that moment, she dedicated herself to years of hard work, focus, and perseverance, ultimately becoming a respected voice in aesthetic dermatology. She beautifully articulates how science, psychology, and wisdom blend to create life-changing experiences for her patients, highlighting the profound impact of a thoughtful and patient-centered approach.In this intimate conversation, Dr. Dendy opens up about the emotional complexities of her field, emphasizing the importance of balancing the enhancement of her patients’ appearances with the safeguarding of their emotional well-being. She believes that true transformation transcends surface-level changes, touching the very core of self-acceptance and confidence.As a working mother of two and a sought-after voice in the industry, Dr. Dendy candidly discusses the challenges she faces in balancing her thriving career with family life. Her insights remind us that growth is about more than just ambition; it’s about the patient commitment to excellence, the strength to keep pushing forward, and the courage to embrace every step of the journey.Her story is a powerful reminder that true success comes not from shortcuts or the pursuit of fame, but from a relentless dedication to one's craft and the genuine desire to uplift others along the way.You won’t want to miss this episode. Don't forget to follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content.

What does it take to give up a normal life to style A-list celebrities? Have you ever wondered if fame and fortune are worth the sacrifices? In Episode 269 of Where Brains Meet Beauty, we wrap up our ‘Artistry Wisdom’ series with celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair. Andrew opens up about the highest highs and lowest of lows of his journey to becoming a household name in Hollywood.Join us as Andrew takes us on his remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Ireland to becoming Hollywood's go-to stylist for icons like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and Madonna. Known for his fearless artistry and passion for beauty, Andrew shares how he turned his dream into reality, navigating the pressures of the fashion capitals of Paris, New York, and LA.Through this candid conversation, we explore Andrew’s early influences, his challenges growing up as a creative in a small, less accepting environment, and how he made his escape to the global stage. Andrew’s personality shines through as he opens up about self-doubt, ambition, and building a career that thrives on self-expression. This episode is not just about hair tips—it’s about Andrew’s inspiring career journey, how he’s used his talents to lift others, and the lessons he's learned along the way.As Andrew opens up about the sacrifices he's made, he leaves us with a thought-provoking question: Is it worth it? How do you reconcile your desires with career ambitions? Tune in to hear Andrew’s surprising take on how he navigates this crossroad, and how, in the end, success is not always what it seems.

From small-town dreamer to skincare maven for the stars, Angela Caglia's journey is a masterclass in turning passion into empire. This captivating 'Artistry Wisdom' episode of "Where Brains Meet Beauty" unveils the remarkable ascent of a celebrity esthetician whose hands have perfected the complexions of Hollywood's elite, including Barbra Streisand and Sting. With 28 years of experience, Angela's tale is a riveting odyssey of grit, glamour, and innovation in beauty. Her path from a farming town to the glamorous streets of Paris and New York showcases the power of ambition and adaptability. Angela's story includes studying international business, discovering her passion for skincare in Paris, and eventually making her mark in Los Angeles.This episode explores Angela's pivotal experiences, including her time at Ole Henriksen's spa and the launch of her groundbreaking skincare line, Angela Caglia Skincare. Listeners will gain insights into balancing hands-on esthetics with running a global skincare brand, and the challenges of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry.Angela shares her unique approach to skincare, describing herself as a "blind artist" who uses touch and intuition to understand and treat skin. She emphasizes the importance of trust when working with high-profile clients and staying connected to customers' needs while innovating in product development.Her story offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring estheticians, beauty professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. Tune in to Episode 268 to hear how Angela Caglia has carved her niche in the beauty world, blending hands-on expertise with innovative product development. Check out her products at angelacaglia.com and remember to follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content.

This episode features Tina Uzzardi, founder and CEO of Cheeks + Co, in an inspiring exploration of artistry in the beauty industry. Tina's journey from aspiring entrepreneur to successful spa owner showcases the intersection of business acumen and skincare artistry.We delve into Tina's career journey from operations at clean beauty brand ILIA to founding Cheeks + Co. Inspired by her struggles to find advanced skincare guidance in a spa-like setting, Tina decided to create the experience she craved. This led her to become a licensed aesthetician, blending her business savvy with hands-on expertise. Her commitment to continuous learning and improvement shines through as she discusses her training methods and plans for expanding education within her company.Listeners will be inspired by Tina's journey from a self-proclaimed "jack of all trades" to a master of her craft. Her story exemplifies how artistry in skincare goes beyond mere technique, encompassing business strategy, customer experience, and a deep understanding of individual skin needs. Tune in to Episode 267 to hear how Tina Uzzardi is revolutionizing the facial experience and building a beauty empire on her own terms. Tina also gave us a promo code - WBMB20good for 15% off any products at cheeks.co - We love that they partner with female founded brands and have curated choices that reflect their ‘clean’ commitment to healthy skin. 

From Hollywood screenwriter to beauty industry innovator, Sahara Lotti's journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. In this electrifying 'Artistry Wisdom' episode of the Where Brains Meet Beauty podcast, we dive into the world of Sahara Lotti Lashify’s founder and CEO, whose relentless drive has revolutionized the beauty landscape.Sahara's story begins in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, where her screenwriting talents caught the eye of major studios. However, her keen eye for innovation led her to identify a gap in the beauty market, propelling her to invent the world's first DIY lash extension system. With over 600 patents, Sahara has become the undisputed queen of lash technology.Her high-octane energy is palpable as she recounts the twists and turns of her entrepreneurial journey. From the early days of Lashify to its current status as a game-changer in the beauty industry, Sahara's artistry and inventive spirit shine through. She reveals how makeup artists have been crucial to advancing her innovations, and how her passion for people and connection fuels her success.This episode delves into Sahara's unconventional methods, from her meticulous patent strategies to her refreshing take on team building. Listeners will be inspired by her raw honesty about the challenges of scaling a business and the importance of staying true to one's vision. Sahara's story exemplifies the art of thinking differently in a saturated market.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the intersection of beauty and innovation, this episode promises insights that will leave you both enlightened and entertained. Tune in to Episode 266 to hear how Sahara Lotti writes her own rules and redefines beauty on her terms. Listen wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts, and don't forget to follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content.Sahara sent us a discount code for new customers, 25% off at checkout with code: BEAUTYBRAINS at lashify.com

Celebrity makeup artist and founder of sustainable beauty brand Neen, Jeanine Lobell once dreamed of joining the circus—a far cry from enhancing the beauty of stars like Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman. In this ‘Artistry Wisdom’ episode of the “Where Brains Meet Beauty” podcast, we explore the journey of one of independent beauty's true pioneers. From embracing mindfulness to cementing her status as an icon in the cultural zeitgeist, Jeanine shares valuable insights and reflections on her remarkable career.With over two decades of experience, Jeanine has expertly navigated the “circus” of life, artistry, and entrepreneurship, gracefully balancing and leaping through the ups and downs of her career. Her natural ability to "tune out the noise" early in her journey, coupled with a strong intuition and a deep recognition of her artistic talents, has led to a remarkable trajectory. Her work has graced the covers of Vogue, W, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar, cementing her status as an industry icon. Yet, beyond her professional achievements lies a rich life and a sense of identity that transcends her work.This perspective and outlook on life inspired the creation of her brand Stila, founded in 1994. Stila revolutionized makeup by championing it as a vessel for culture and community with its innovative paper packaging and formulas. The brand's acquisition by Estée Lauder Companies in 1999 was a monumental achievement for Lobell’s independent vision.Today, Jeanine continues to break new ground with Neen, her sustainable, subscription-based beauty brand that challenges conventional beauty standards. In an industry that never stops, Jeanine truly embodies the role of ringleader in her own circus and we loved learning more about her journey!Tune in to this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform to hear more. If you want to try any of Jeanine’s products she gave us an exclusive code - WBMB15 for 15% off site wide on weareneen.com Valid for this week from 9/4 - 9/11Don't forget to follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content.#WBMB #JeanineLobell #CelebrityMakeupArtist #CareerJourney #FemaleEntrepreneur

From growing up with a dream of becoming an artist, captivated by the world of interior design, to channeling her passion into a successful career in sales, East Area Vice President at Merz Aesthetics- Patricia Jones earned her seat at the table. Patricia's love for artistry never waned; instead, it found a new and profound expression in the world of aesthetics. Throughout our discussion on this week’s episode, Patricia reflects on how in the former male-dominated industry, she continued to trust in her work-ethic and leadership skills to be a strong voice and uplift those around her. Her journey is a powerful story of leadership, resilience, and finding the joy in being a strong supporter for others. Patricia’s career journey exemplifies how women can evolve their paths in beautiful, unforeseen ways while empowering others to “work hard and do the right thing”.Patricia Jones embodies what it means to be a strong female leader, showing that with passion, resilience, and empathy, women can not only succeed but also lead with grace and strength in ever-evolving industries.Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your story and for being a trailblazer in the world of aesthetics. Tune in to this week’s podcast episode to hear more about Patricia’s inspiring journey and her insights on leading with purpose.Follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Where Brains Meet Beauty Podcast is proud to announce its third Listen Again Awards! These awards recognize past guests whose episodes have made a lasting impact and inspire us to “listen again”! We’re dedicating this episode to the Listen Again Award recipients: Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Rachel Liverman, and Chris Collins. Highlights from these great conversations and short remarks from the winners are included in this episode. In Episode 220, Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Senior Director at Procter and Gamble, received the Listen Again ‘Archive’ Award. Beyond product creation lies a profound commitment to transparency and education, as Dr. Wilkerson advocates for humanizing the beauty industry.In Episode 254, Rachel Liverman, Founder and CEO of Glowbar, received the Listen Again ‘CEO Wisdom’ Award. Rachel's passion for esthetics and her entrepreneurial spirit transformed Glowbar’s 30-minute facials into a sensation since its 2019 launch. In Episode 257 Chris Collins, CEO and Founder of The World of Chris Collins, received the Listen Again ‘Influencer Wisdom’ Award. From modeling for Ralph Lauren to creating captivating perfumes, we travel through Chris’s journey emphasizing seizing opportunities and mentorship. Thank you to all our guests for sharing your career journeys with us, and congratulations to the Listen Again Award recipients! We hope you enjoy these episodes as much as we do!

On July 17, Base Beauty Creative Agency presented an expert panel featuring industry leaders from the beauty, wellness, and personal care sectors to discuss empathy's impact on business growth. “The Empathy Effect: Unlocking Explosive Growth in Beauty, Wellness, and Personal Care Industries,” the panel moderated by Jodi Katz, CEO and Founder of Base Beauty Creative Agency. The powerful lineup included John Dioso, Editor of Ad Age Studio 30; Alan Cohen, Executive Coach and Emotional Intelligence Expert; Echo Sandburg, Chief Brand Officer at CP Skin Health Group; and Jerry Wu, CMO of Grande Cosmetics.Don’t miss the chance to hear invaluable insights and actionable knowledge from these prominent industry leaders. Listen to the webinar now on the Where Brains Meet Beauty Podcast feed or our website basebeauty.com/events-and-education/. Additionally, you can read the white paper at adage.com/white-paper/empathy-effect.#ADAge #Beauty #Wellness #Personalcare #IndustryExperts #EmpathyEffect 

Ever wonder what really happens on the Where Brains Meet Beauty After Show? This week, we're ditching the script and bringing the electrifying energy of our exclusive IG Live after show straight to your podcast feed! Get ready for this one-of-a-kind episode packed with games, laughs, and juicy secrets straight from some of our favorite quests! We've assembled a unique line-up– from powerhouse CEOs to inspiring influencers - and let loose for a free-for-all of fun. These epic games hit on everything from holy-grail makeup products to dream home interiors, with detours into ‘true or false’ around traditional Chinese medicine and even crafting the perfect date night (spoiler alert: it’s never too late to start over!). But the games don’t stop there! We're diving into unfiltered insights and practical advice on everything from the best of YouTube trends to navigating the world of A-list travel. Suit up for an action-packed episode, straight from the sources. Grab your headphones, and get ready to laugh along as this podcast experience recreates the buzz and excitement of our Live After Show! You won't want to miss this.2024 guests so far included Chris Payne, Lance Patterson, Erica Metzger, Michelle Larivee, Devin McGhee Kirkland, Rachel Liverman, Brittany Lo, Serena Pitt, Chris Collins, Sean Garrette, Allison McNamara, and Adelina Winfield. Tune in to this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform to hear more.

Imagine facing the most turbulent time of your life: your career is in flux, you're going through a divorce, your children have left the nest and menopause is hitting hard. This was Adelina Winfield's reality. Yet, instead of succumbing to these overwhelming changes, she made the bravest decision of her life to pack up everything and leave the familiar streets of Brooklyn, New York for a fresh start in the creative city of Austin, Texas. What followed was a profound journey of self-discovery, new friendships, and reinvention, proving that it’s never too late to start over and that age is just a number.In continuation of our 'Influencer Wisdom' series, we uncover Adelina’s steadfast confidence in embracing her natural gray hair—a powerful symbol of her inner strength and wisdom. She transitioned from a successful fashion career to becoming a trailblazing influencer with over 100k followers on Instagram. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she started connecting deeply with women just like her—women navigating the complexities of love, life, and aging with grace and authenticity.Amidst all these transformations, Adelina also experienced a profound love story that blossomed later in life, defying stereotypes about finding love again after 60. Her journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of life’s seasons and the boundless possibilities that await those who embrace change and remain true to themselves. Thank you, Adelina Winfield, for sharing your inspiring story with us! Tune in to this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform to hear more. Don't forget to follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content.

A trip to Istanbul sparked what would soon be a major pivot in Allison's career journey. After spending years in front of the camera, interviewing A-listers like Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie, and Khloe Kardashian, and working as an entertainment reporter and content creator for major networks like MTV and PopSugar, Allison McNamara found herself at a crossroads when her hit show on PopTV co-hosted by 90210’s Sinead Grimes was canceled in 2016. In this episode of WBMB, we explore Allison’s extraordinary journey from the spotlight to becoming the founder of a unique skincare brand, a transition that showcased fearlessness and hard work. Harnessing years of experience and a star-studded network, Allison courageously embarked on a journey into the uncharted realms of the beauty industry, daringly pushing past her comfort zone to chase her dreams.As we dive into Allison’s journey, we not only discover her unexpected breakthrough into the beauty industry with the 2018 launch of MARA—an award-winning line of algae-infused skincare and wellness products—but also learn about the transformative power of influencing and how it plays a role in propelling her brand to success. Thank you, Allison McNamara, for sharing your inspiring story with us! Tune in to this week's episode on your favorite podcast platform to explore more.Don't forget to follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeauty on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content#AllisonMcnamara #MaraBeauty #WBMB #CleanBeauty #FearlessLeader #AngelinaJolie #BrittneySpears #KhloeKardashain #RedCarpet #MTV #PopSugar

From sleeping on his friend's couch in LA to becoming one of the first brand ambassadors for Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Sean Garrette's story is anything but linear. Discover the power of perseverance in chasing your dreams on this week’s WBMB episode with Esthetician and Dior Skincare Expert, Sean Garrette.Sean's entry into the beauty industry started amidst the aisles of his first job at Ulta, which ignited his fascination with makeup and skincare—his time there sparked a passion to pursue his dreams of becoming an esthetician and managing his very own spa. But Sean's journey wasn't without its challenges. Like any pursuit of passion, there were moments of doubt and setbacks along the way.As we sit down with Sean and dive deeper into his journey, we uncover the warmth of his positive spirit and the authenticity that defines his success. Whether helping a client find the perfect product or sharing skincare tips with his nearly 130K followers across Instagram and TikTok Sean’s genuine passion for what he does shines through. #SeanGarrette #Fenty #Dior #Skinfluencer #CareerJourney #Esthetician #SkincareExpert #ProSkincare #SkinTherapist

From modeling for Ralph Lauren to crafting intoxicating perfumes that weave tales of their own, Chris Collins, CEO and Founder of the World of Chris Collins, certainly knows what it takes to be the narrator of your own story!This week we’re so excited to sit down with Chris and dive into the significance of seizing opportunities, seeking mentorship, and unwaveringly following your dreams.From London, to New York Chris Collins is no stranger to making bold leaps of faith. As we unravel the threads of his journey, from a childhood steeped in a passion for sports to navigating the world of social media, it becomes clear that Chris is not just a narrator but a maestro.Chris illuminates the winding road that led him to the fragrance industry - a path filled with serendipitous encounters and unforeseen twists that ultimately revealed his true calling.For more on Chris Collins' inspiring journey, tune in to this episode on your preferred podcast platform!Thank you Chris Collins for sharing your career journey with us! Follow us @wherebrainsmeetbeauty on Instagram for updates on new episodes and exclusive off-air content.#RalphLauren #Fragrance #TheWorldOfChrisCollins #MetGala #Entrepreneurship #Influencer #Empathy 

As reality television super fans, we were very excited to continue our Influencer Wisdom Quarter with Serena Pitt. Serena was a contestant on The Bachelor Season 25 and won Bachelor In Paradise Season 7. Since her reality TV days, Serena is the Founder of @reset_ thelabel and is the host of the Bachelor Happy Hour Podcast.After studying communications in college and a stint in the world of PR, Serena entered the world of reality television where she met her husband Joe. Deciding what and what not to post is an ongoing conversation: when the whole world saw your love story unfold, how much access should they be permitted? While some influencers are comfortable posting every aspect of their lives to social media, Serena doesn’t feel the need to post every moment to the grid.As an avid traveler, Serena was inspired to create her own brand, RESET, from the need for pieces that are fashion-forward but don’t sacrifice functionality.To learn more about Serena’s career journey, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!#SerenaPitt #TheBachelor #BachelorInParadise #RESETTheLabel

We were thrilled to kick off our Influencer Wisdom Quarter with none other than Brittany Lo. Brittany is a beauty expert and influencer that has collabed with brands including Sephora and American Express and is the Founder and CEO of Beia and Beautini.Though Brittany’s plan was always to start her own beauty line, (and even had her own mascara line in high school!) her path to being a founder and CEO was anything but predictable. After a college internship at L’Oréal, Brittany was on the fast track to the corporate world, but when a TV producer reached out to her about joining the cast of a dating show, she answered the call! Brittany may not have met Mr. Right on the short-lived show Coupled, but she did gain a loyal social media following. With her business acumen and her passion for beauty, Brittany developed Beia as a vegan skincare brand built on boosting sensual confidence in the bedroom and beyond.To learn more about Britany’s career journey and to hear about the books that Brittany (and our host Jodi) recommend to entrepreneurs, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!Episode Reading List:Traction by Gino Wickman 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan Built To Sell by John WarrillowRadical Candor by Kim Scott

We couldn’t think of a better way to close out our C-Suite Wisdom Quarter than chatting with the Founder and CEO of Glowbar, Rachel Liverman! Rachel has wanted to be a leader since her early days playing “store” with her stuffed animals, so it’s no surprise that Glowbar’s signature 30-minute facials have reached cult status since opening their doors in 2019. Rachel always knew she wanted to lead, but she surprised herself when she ended up in the family business. That’s right: Rachel is a third generation esthetician. Growing up in a skincare family, she recalls seeing her mother wax people’s legs and being fascinated by the before & after transformations that occurred. Rachel even started a small leg-waxing business in elementary school! Mom was there to supervise, of course. Fast-forward and Rachel found herself looking for a source for convenient, trustworthy, effective facials and realizing no such place existed. Rachel wrote an email to herself manifesting her business model in 2017 and in 2019 Glowbar opened its doors. Okay, we just gave ourselves chills.  For more of Rachel’s career journey, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

When Deon Libra Co-Founder and CEO Devin McGhee Kirkland’s  father passed away in 2018 from a stress-related heart attack, she realized she had to make some lifestyle changes to deal with her own stress. After diving head-first into the world of natural stress remedies, Devin developed Deon Libra in 2020 as a way to combat the effects of chronic stress on Black bodies.In her research on natural stress solutions, Devin learned about the healing powers of adaptogens - non-psychedelic mushrooms and was impressed by how much her sleep and anxiety improved. She couldn't help but wonder why these natural alternatives weren’t more widely accessible. Devin decided she could step up and be the one to bring both education and healing-products to her community.To hear more about Devin’s career journey and Deon Libra’s mission, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!#DeonLibra #WBMB #CareerJourney

We continue our C-Suite Wisdom theme this episode with Founder & CEO of WTHN, Michelle Larivee! We were fascinated to learn about Michelle’s career journey from the world of International finance to the world of Eastern medicine.So how does someone who worked in consulting with the World Economic Forum become the founder of a modern wellness company? Michelle tells us that she had tried everything from painkillers to physical therapy to cope with her chronic pain and couldn’t find relief. When a doctor recommended acupuncture, she was shocked at how incredible and immediate the results were. With this first exposure to Chinese medicine, it was if she’d been introduced to a tool kit she had no idea even existed. But with this new discovery came an issue all too familiar in healthcare: accessibility. People either couldn't afford acupuncture or it could take months to get an appointment! Michelle saw an opening for a business and made her move…To learn more about Michelle’s career journey, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!#WTHN #Acupuncture #ChineseMedicine #Cupping #CareerJourney #WBMB

We were so excited to sit down with Founder & Editor of The Beauty Loop Newsletter & Virtual Beauty Closet, Erica Metzger! With over 19 years experience in print and digital media as the Beauty Director at Ladies' Home Journal and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Erica wanted to create something of her own. The Beauty Loop was born as an online newsletter to help facilitate community between PR execs and beauty journalists in our ever-changing community.From starting off in the beauty industry as an intern at W Magazine to Editor of her own newsletter, Erica Metzger’s career journey is proof-positive that we are the only ones in charge of our own career journeys.To hear more of Erica’s career journey, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!#BeautyLoop #WBMB #CareerJourney #VirtualBeautyCloset #BetterHomesAndGardens #LadiesHomeJournal #WMagazine

We are absolutely loving these chats from our C-Suite Wisdom quarter and today’s episode is no exception. We sat down with Lance Patterson, new CEO of Juice Beauty, a senior executive with over 20 years experience across the luxury retail and digital sectors including Kate Somerville and Peter Thomas Roth clinical skincare.Lance’s career journey had humble beginnings and saw him working an entry-level job at a department store. Through grit and perseverance, Lance talked to the right people, got an interview to be a buyer, and landed the gig.Fast-forward and Lance has discovered his niche in founder-owned brands. In being entrusted to uphold a founder’s vision for their brand as CEO, he’s being handed the keys to the castle.To hear more of Lance’s career journey, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!#JuiceBeauty #WBMB #CareerJourney

We are thrilled to be kicking off 2024 with our C-Suite Wisdom theme! On today’s episode, we’re taking a peek behind the curtain of the career journey of Chris Payne, CEO of clean beauty brand @janeiredale, best known as the “skincare makeup”.Chris’s career journey originally saw him following in his father’s footsteps of being a doctor. Though working in medicine wasn’t his path, it was clear that Chris wanted to help people, and his work at @janeiredale is clearly a perfect fit. In his role as CEO, Chris works to uphold Jane Iredale’s mission of making clean, skin-safe makeup accessible to everyone.To learn more about Chris’s career journey and hear about the real-life Jane Iredale (who has a fascinating journey, herself!) tune into this episode wherever you get your podcasts.#WBMB #careerjourney #janeiredale #cleanbeauty

In honor of the Where Brains Meet Beauty Listen Again Awards, we’re dedicating today’s episode to none other than the Listen Again Award recipients themselves: Shontay Lundy, Neil Scibelli and Ron Robinson! We created these awards to celebrate the episodes that resonate with our listeners so much, they want to listen again! Like Episode 208 with Shontay Lundy, Founder & CEO of Black Girl Sunscreen. When she moved to Los Angeles, Shontay had no idea where she was headed next. Cue 4 months of hiking, reflecting, and dreaming — a transformative period that birthed the idea for her life-changing brand, Black Girl Sunscreen. From not knowing where she would live, to becoming the creator and founder of her own brand, you never know where that next big risk will take you!In Episode 237 we spoke with Makeup Artist & On-Air Beauty Expert Neil Scibelli, who we know from his many on-air appearances at Good Morning America, and learned how everyday is different in the entertainment industry. In his episode, he tells listeners that as a freelancer you have to always show up for yourself because you don’t know where the job will take you next.Ron Robinson, CEO & Founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics, chatted with us in Episode 244 as a part of our Health Innovations Quarter. Ron created BeautyStat first as a blog and then as a successful skincare line. But what touched us most about Ron’s career journey was how he became an innovator within his own family when he pursued a career in cosmetic chemistry.A huge thank you to all of our guests for sharing your career journeys with us and congratulations to the recipients of the Listen Again Awards! We hope you enjoy these episodes as much as we do! 

As long-time fans of reality television, we knew this episode’s guest Dr. Jason Diamond from his appearances on programs such as Dr. 90210 and The Celebrity Plastic Surgeons of Beverly Hills, so we were thrilled to get a chance to speak with him about his career journey to becoming a world-renowned plastic surgeon and founder of The Diamond Face Institute. Tending to the faces of Hollywood A-listers wasn’t always the plan for Dr. Diamond; he recalls a childhood dream of playing professional baseball, and facing his first feelings of rejection when he was cut from his freshman team. But this early disappointment proved to be something much bigger: it provided a “chip on the shoulder” that Dr. Diamond still uses as a motivator to this day, pushing him to be the best version of himself. This mentality has served Dr. Diamond well over the years as he has built a successful plastic surgery practice that has taken him all over the globe-he’s so in demand that it’s not uncommon for clients to fly him to their homes in Dubai when they need a touch-up! But Dr. Diamond found that not everyone is able to fly him to their homes (or movie sets!) and wanted to make his much-lauded “Insta-Facial” more readily available to those who couldn't always visit him in-office. Thus, Dr. Diamond’s Metacine was born as a way to address the skin on an expert level. If anyone’s curious what’s on our holiday wishlist…For more of our talk with Dr. Jason Diamond, be sure to tune into this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

We are beyond thankful that we got to sit down for a chat this week with Lisa Lundy, Co Founder & CEO of Complex Creatures. Lisa comes from a career in fashion - Tommy Hilfiger and J.Crew jump out from her resume - even working with Bravo star and fashion icon Jenna Lyons back in her J.Crew days! But it was her sister’s breast cancer diagnosis that set Lisa on a trajectory that she likens to a calling.When Lisa’s sister was diagnosed at the age of 37, it was an eye-opening experience; from learning how to properly administer a self examination, to hearing about the effects of radiation, to finding out about the nature of hereditary breast cancer (there was no history in Lisa’s family of breast cancer), Lisa realized that up until this point, her own breast health had been an afterthought. And if that was true for Lisa, the same must be true for many other women. So Lisa took action.Lisa and her sister Tara created Complex Creatures as an online community for breast wellness. They provide breast-related knowledge via their Instagram which also dives deep into topics like menopause and perimenopause, which are often censored and even avoided in the wellness space. Lisa mentions that Complex Creatures often gets censored because it’s still not okay to show women's nipples on the platform-mens nipples are of course fair-game, though. Insert eye-roll emoji…Lisa recognizes that there is still clearly work to be done in bringing awareness to breast health, but as an activist at heart, she’s in it for the long haul. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Lisa and Complex Creatures. Be sure to check out this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

We couldn’t wait to speak with Komel Caruso, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer of HerMD, a comprehensive women's healthcare clinic that’s creating a safe, inclusive space for patients. We were particularly interested in HerMD’s mission in breaking the shame-cycle so often surrounding issues like menopause and sexual health. Komel founded HerMD with her sister Somi, inspired by their mother’s experience of being repeatedly dismissed by doctors when she was experiencing pain. While Somi had experience working as a doctor for 15 years, Komel had never worked in the medical field. What she did have was a desire to make an impact in women's healthcare and experience in marketing and social strategy with 16 years of working for Kaplan under her belt.The sisters noticed a trend in women not being believed (about their own bodies!) and wanted to fill this great void in women’s healthcare. One thing that makes HerMD stand apart is that all of their obgyn’s are trained in menopause and sexual healthcare, which should sound like a given, right? Unfortunately, it's not. Only 20 percent of obgyns are trained in menopause and sexual health care. No wonder there can be such shame and stigma in talking about this stuff!What started with one office quickly grew when Komel noticed patients were traveling to HerMD’s soul location from 35 states! Clearly the void was even greater than she or Somi had realized. Thanks to Komel’s background in business, what started out as helping her sister with a passion project became Komel’s full time job, and a saving grace to women all over the country.To hear more of Komel’s career journey, tune in to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

As far as Health Innovators go, Ron Robinson has cemented his place in the ever-shifting beauty landscape as a go-to-guy for all things skincare. He created BeautyStat first as a blog, and now as a successful skincare line. Along with BeautyStat, Ron has a social media following where he helps his audience navigate which ingredients work and which ones don’t. But looking back, Ron tells us his career journey wasn’t always a given to those who knew him from the beginning.Growing up, there were two options in Ron’s family: be a doctor or a lawyer. When Ron strayed from the path that had been laid out for him, he became an innovator within his own family. Rather than pursue a career in medicine or law, Ron found that cosmetic chemistry blended his knowledge of science with his passion for creating new things. When Ron was hired at Clinique in 1990 (on the spot, we might add) he broke into the beauty industry and never looked back.To hear more of our chat with Ron Robinson, including the heart-warming full circle moment of when his mother finally “got” his career choice, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

We are so excited to be diving deeper into the Health Innovations theme with Dr. Jennifer Linder, board certified dermatologist, Mohs Skin Care Surgeon and founder of Linder Health. As a military kid, Dr. Linder was keenly aware that life can change in an instant, so she learned how to adapt. Science became a huge part of her life, leading her to study engineering in college which scratched a problem-solving itch. The next piece of the puzzle was helping people. Well, living people…Dr. Linder took a physiology class where she worked with-wait for it-cadavers. Did someone say spooky season? But Dr. Linder saw a learning opportunity where others (this writer) might not. She describes working with the human body as “magic” and this fascination set her on a path towards surgery and dermatology.Dr. Linder has since completed a fellowship in skin cancer surgery and is now a Mohs Skin Cancer Surgeon. She has even developed her own skincare line-an idea she came up with while on vacation! To hear more of Dr. Jennifer Linder’s career journey, including her hard and fast breakdown of hyperpigmentation, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our Health Innovations Series than with Alan D. Widgerow, Chief Scientific Officer at Galderma and Head of Innovation at Alastin Skincare. Alan began his career in South Africa, where he was in private practice for over 20 years. He is currently Division Chief of Research at UC Irvine Medical Center and it’s evident from speaking with him that his passion lies in the laboratory. But interestingly enough, he might have never ended up there if not for a fateful phone call…Alan was all set to go into a career in dentistry when a phone call quite literally changed the trajectory of his life. A voice at the other end of the line encouraged him to follow his passions towards medical school and plastic surgery and Alan never looked back. Alan describes plastic surgery as an “amalgamation of creativity and science” and that no two cases are the same. It’s easy to see what drew him to such an-ever evolving field and how he’s still fascinated over 20 years later.To hear more about Alan D. Widgerow’s career journey and to hear what book he’s currently reading, tune in to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!  

We know and love our latest guest Ian Michael Crumm from his podcast BeautyCurious, so we couldn’t wait to dig into the career journey of this esthetician and fellow podcaster. Ian first took an interest in skincare as a teen when, struggling with his own skincare concerns he sought out the help of a dermatologist and eventually subscribed to an online dermatologist’s journal. Ian started an “online journal” of his own in high school when he began blogging. By the time Ian was in college, his lifestyle blog had taken off: Ian was getting subscribers of his own and even seeing paid advertisers. Having a platform is one thing, but knowing how to use it is what separates the skin-fluencers from the scam-fluencers. Ian knew from experience that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare, and wanted to be able to speak from a place of authenticity when it came to recommending skincare brands and treatments. With that in mind, Ian made the decision to get his esthetician’s license.  What’s next for this go-getter? Ian is never one to shy away from a challenge and thinks that a cosmetic chemistry class could be next. Whatever it is, we can’t wait to see (and hear) what Ian Michael Crumm will do next.To hear more about Ian Michael Crumm’s career journey, his podcast BeautyCurious, and the fabulous nickname he has for his grandmother (trust us), listen to this ep wherever you get your podcasts! 

Growing up in a family restaurant, Giovanni Vaccaro was accustomed to the hospitality industry, but at a young age he realized that he was destined for a different type of hospitality. An experience at a hair salon watching the transformation women underwent in the chairs from slouching to smiling after a beauty treatment left him feeling that this was a world he needed to be a part of. While Gio knew where he wanted to be, how to get there was a different story. Gio tells us of a moment that changed everything: a recruiter from a top salon had come to his cosmetology school-here was an opportunity staring him in the face. He knew that putting himself out there would be risky, uncomfortable even, but the pay off? That could be huge. So he went for it, he asked for a job. And it worked! Gio landed a job as a shampoo assistant at renowned salon Frederic Fekkai & Co and showed that he was willing to start small and work hard.Fast-forward and Gio knows the business inside & out and saw that the industry was changing, but not in a way that supported the beauty pros. He thought “why not treat the beauty professional like the client?” From there Gio and his partner David Goldweitz built Glamsquad to be a hospitality-first brand for beauty professionals to book opportunities for events, fashion weeks, shows, photo shoots and more.For more on Gio’s career journey and to find out the beauty of the “bro-walk” listen to Giovanni’s episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Most kids dread going to get their first haircut. There’s usually a bribe involved, maybe some tears, definitely a worn-out stylist by the end of it all. Ian Mayer-Marszalek, Lead Colorist & National Corporate Trainer for Schwarzkopf Professional on the other hand, looks back on those childhood trips to the salon fondly. Ian remembers feeling special sitting in that chair, like he had found a place he fit right in, knowing this was something he wanted to be a part of. Ian was a natural at beauty school-where there may or may not have been some perm rod fights-but knew for certain that he was in the right place. He even had some regular clients while he was still a student! One thing Ian realized that has helped him gain a competitive edge on his career journey, was his ability to carve out a niche for himself in the industry. Ian became an expert colorist, and has since become a National Trainer for Schwarzkopf Professional where he travels the country training other hair colorists.To learn more about Ian’s career journey, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

When Kia Ragland says she has “the perfect eye”, she’s not kidding. Kia has been tested for nuances in the way her eyes detect color, and it should come as no surprise that the Director of Product Development at Kylie Cosmetics is a shade above the crowd when it comes to spotting the differences in say, Ruby Woo and Dior 999.Kia tells us she got into the beauty game early on, but it was slightly out of necessity. As a bi-racial woman in a predominantly white area, she learned how to do her own hair and makeup in the 4th grade, and from there an interest grew in learning how the products she was using were created, eventually resulting in Kia becoming a cosmetologist by her senior year of high school. Okay, so when we say “interest”, we’re clearly under-selling-Kia has ambition for miles and even tells us that during college, she was known to work 2-3 internships at once!This ambition has clearly served Kia well with stops along her career journey at Stila and SmashBox Cosmetics where she created one of the products she is still proudest of to this day: “Punked” a purple-grey lip color that was so well-received it not only sold out and turned Kia into an award-winning creator.To hear the whole story of how Kia trusted her gut all the way to winning Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award and more of how she takes products from concept to market, listen to this ep wherever you get your podcasts!

When Makeup Artist and On-Air Beauty Expert Neil Scibelli says that he feels like he has already lived several lifetimes, we can understand why: from hosting a radio show in 3rd grade, auditioning for Tony Bennett in junior high school, to talking his way into a job at Fresh Skin Care- he has clearly shown persistence and a passion for the entertainment and makeup industries. We loved chatting with Neil about his journey to becoming a well-respected on-air personality, often seen on Good Morning America- where one of his earliest gigs was doing makeup for Beyoncé’s dancers and band! But every day is different in the entertainment industry and Neil makes a great point when he talks about always showing up for yourself because as a freelancer, you don’t know where the job will take you next. To hear our chat with Neil (which we think needs a Part 2!) listen up wherever you get your podcasts!

Ndeye Peinda didn’t start her career journey with “digital creator” in mind. In fact, after majoring in political science, she got a teaching job in the South Bronx. Hearing her reminisce about her time teaching, it’s easy to see how she easily bridged the gap between teaching and Influencing. Knowing that each of her students were unique individuals with differing opinions and emotions, Ndeye welcomed hard conversations in the classroom.We can see why she is able to make such a connection with her audience- she even still personally responds to her DMs! Ndeye was actually still teaching when she received her first big brand offer from The Lip Bar - she literally dropped her phone when she got the news! Nowadays, Ndeye has more than a few offers to sift through and more than a few thoughts on where the fashion and beauty industry can still improve; namely, accessibility and tokenism. To hear Ndeye speak on how the industry has progressed, but still has work to do, listen up wherever you get your podcasts!

One of the things we’re learning throughout our Influencer Journey Quarter is the focus Influencers place on education. All of the Influencers we’ve spoken with have been so passionate about educating their audiences and that brings us to none other than Monae Everett: Celebrity Hairstylist, Author, & Diversity, Equity Inclusion Consultant. Monae’s career journey has led her from newcomer to the world of cosmetology to becoming an industry leader. Not only does Monae have over 20 years of experience, she is the founder of the Monae Life Academy; an online academy teaching how to style for all hair textures and The Texture Style Awards; a competition for hair stylists centered around diversity and inclusion helping hair stylists and their clients see the beauty in all hair textures.To learn about Monae’s career journey from cosmetology school to starting her own online school, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts! 

We were so thrilled to welcome skin and hair obsessed influencer Amy Chang to the podcast to discuss her career journey. As Amy’s 1.6 million TikTok followers know, Amy is refreshingly candid about everything from her skincare routine, motherhood, to her own adoption journey - she’s even an ambassador for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption!WBMB listeners at all stages of their careers will appreciate hearing Amy’s path from being in her 20’s, from not knowing what she wanted to do with her life to getting on social media, teaching herself photography, editing, lighting and slowly but surely connecting the dots: “I needed to go out there and make a lot of mistakes…piece together what I like and don’t to shape my future.” To hear more of Amy’s career journey, including her thoughts on what it means to “find yourself” listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Here at Where Brains Meet Beauty, we’re always fascinated by multi-hyphenates; those who do it all. So we couldn't have been more excited to speak with Madison Headrick, Model, Influencer, Founder & CEO of care.e.on. Discovered at a Walmart in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina by a talent scout, Madison has been working as a model since she was 14 years old. She even had to put college on hold for fashion week! But after years of jet-setting around the globe, Madison noticed something was missing: clean, travel-sized skincare. “I pack the night before a flight and skincare is always the last thing going into the suitcase. The travel-size stuff wasn’t the greatest quality. My skin wasn’t good when I was on the road.” Madison took things into her own hands and created care.e.on; eco-friendly, travel-sized beauty kits.To hear more about Care.e.on and Madison’s journey from model to mogul, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

We couldn’t imagine a better guest for Mental Health Awareness Month than Amy Keller Laird: Founder & CEO of Mental. We sat down with Amy to ask about her career journey from Editor in Chief of Women's Health Magazine to founder of the first digital mental health & lifestyle brand for women.As someone who had worked in the beauty and wellness space as Beauty Director of Allure, Amy had seen the world of mental health talked about, but not in the way she had personally experienced. Amy has lived with OCD, anxiety and postpartum depression and found that she wasn’t seeing her lived experience being reflected. We really admire how Amy married her experience in magazines and her journey with mental health to create something truly authentic: “I wanted to say, "Where's the publication that would speak to me?”To hear more of Amy’s career journey and her thoughts on how we can break the stigma of talking about mental health in the workplace, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

As a career journey podcast with a passion for all things skincare, Dr. Dustin Portela is pretty much our dream guest. Dr. Portela is a dermatologist, skincare Influencer with over 2.4 million followers on TikTok, and we were thrilled to speak with him about how he balances his social media platform with day to day life as a father of three.Dr. Portela has a love for education which he credits to his father, a teacher, who distilled in him a love of science early on. While Dr. Portela maintains a successful dermatology practice in Idaho, he got into social media to combat misinformation during the pandemic, and his audience has grown like wildfire - it seems that smart skincare is more than just a trend.“If I had been a garbage man, I would be on TikTok as a garbage man, showing people the crazy things that are thrown away.” Clearly no matter the subject matter, Dr. Portela aims to empower people with knowledge. He tells us that his vision with social media is to be an educator, to “take social media to under-served people.”For more of our chat with Dr. Dustin Portela - including a story about a fortune cookie that will seriously give you chills - tune into this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

I was so excited to kick off our Influencer Journey Quarter by speaking with Teni Panosian, content creator and Co-Founder of skincare line Monday Born. Teni and I kicked off our convo chatting about her first job working in a theater box office, where she learned an important lesson that she carries with her to this day: “Early is on time, On time is late.” Is it just us or do most successful people tend to be early birds? We asked Teni what advice she would give to aspiring influencers and her answer was just as real as the woman her followers have grown accustomed to seeing on her feed: “bring forth your authentic self and don’t try to replicate what you’re seeing out there”. For more wise words from Teni including the latest on her very own podcast, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Making the jump from a childhood spent working on a farm dreaming of being a paleontologist to founding a vegan hair care line might sound out there at first, but for Vegamour Founder & CEO Dan Hodgdon, it all comes down to a passion for our planet. “How do we create something that’s not going to hurt the earth?”During our chat, Dan explained to us how growing up on a farm inspired him to create products using only clean, natural ingredients in addition to “eco-friendly sustainable jobs, creating a fair living wage, and letting people participate in the businesses success.”A true environmentalist, Dan knows that we’re all sharing this one planet and notes that “We reinvest profits back into communities.”To hear more of how Dan and Vegamour are keeping hair care holistic, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts! 

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Sneha Narahalli Head of Product at Sephora who shared her thoughts on effectively managing her time as well as her thoughts on the biases women face on their career journeys.Sneha revealed to us that she has trained her brain to think in the currency of time: “Why do we need to do this? Why now? And is it more important than other things that we're doing?”Sneha and I also dug into what more can be done to move the needle forward for women entering the tech world: “We should look at personalizing our own individual journeys, knowing that ‘I have done this, how can I share this with others so that people don't have to go through the same things that I have.’”To hear more of my chat with Sneha, including her advice for someone getting into the tech space, listen wherever you get your podcasts!

I recently had the opportunity to chat with former KPOP star and current CEO of Matter of Fact, Paul Baek about his inspiring career journey that has taken him from the Deep South to South Korea and beyond! In this episode, Paul tells us about the tenacity that took him from his childhood home in the South to an internship in Korea pursuing a music career in KPOP! “I was like a moth to the flame. I needed to get closer to this music that meant so much to me.”Talking to Paul it’s clear that his passion, whether it be music or skincare lies in the creating; “I love being in the lab making things. There’s a more lasting satisfaction that comes from creating things and being creative. The process of creating that can sometimes lead to success is much more satisfying in the long run.”To hear more about Paul’s fascinating career journey, listen to this episode on your favorite podcasting platform!

Milani Cosmetics CEO Mary Van Praag was born with an entrepreneurial spirit that has served her well. We chatted with Mary about everything from her journey “selling Avon on the locker block” to being a leader who listens. “Sales teaches you to find the win/win in most situations…when you get a no, how do you find the win in those situations?” Mary’s positive attitude about turning the dreaded “no” in sales into a teaching moment is a refreshing take. “I try to listen. How do you get that person to be on the same path as you?”Mary’s winning attitude may have led her to a leadership role, but she doesn’t let that get to her head. “My job is to get the best out of everybody, CEO happens to be what my title is.” “I’m one of those leaders who likes a good turnaround story. I thrive when I see other people’s success. I believe in building relationships and fostering this growth together.” What does Mary think of the #quietquitting trend? How does she see the upside when hearing “no'' during a sale? And should you move to a new city for that job? To hear Mary’s answers to these questions and much more, check out the full episode! 

In this engaging episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, I had the pleasure of interviewing Denis Asamoah, the Co-Founder of FORVR Mood, a luxury lifestyle brand he launched with his fiancée and influencer, Jackie Aina, in 2020. At FORVR Mood, Denis and his team strive to make self-care more accessible to consumers while emphasizing that quality products shouldn't come at a high cost. At the start of our conversation, we touched on Denis's childhood dream of becoming a soccer player and how he discovered his natural sales talent when he started selling sweets in school. We also delved into his early career journey, including his experience working in investment banking, which equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge that have helped shape his approach as a successful entrepreneur at FORVR Mood. It was intriguing to hear how each experience contributed to his overall leadership style, work ethic, and company culture. Our discussion covered various topics, including the significance of leadership and networking, creating a solid company culture, effective hiring strategies, and prioritizing results. Tune in for a fascinating conversation with a driven and insightful entrepreneur.

In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jill Scalamandre, a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of experience in leadership positions at renowned companies such as Revlon, Shiseido, Prada, Coty, Fekkai, and Bare Minerals. As the current CEO of Beekman 1802, the world's largest goat milk body-care brand, Jill shared her journey and insights on the beauty industry. During our conversation, she talked about how her passion for fashion evolved into a thriving career in the beauty sector, the importance of having a "champion" in the workplace who supports and provides growth opportunities, the benefits of pursuing your passion over just a job title, and more!

As a young girl living in Korea, Yanghee Paik dreamt of becoming a K-pop star. As time went on, she discovered she also had a love for business. Yanghee eventually found a job that fulfilled both aspirations as an entertainment executive at Disney. She enjoyed her position there, but it wasn’t until she had lunch with her now co-founder that she realized it was time to change her career path. The topic of discussion was how difficult it was to find natural and organic feminine care products. After much research, Yanghee and her co-founder realized that the feminine care industry was dominated by big brands that offered no options for high-quality, high-performing, sustainable feminine care products. And that is how her company Rael came to be! In this episode of Where Brains Meet Beauty, we discuss how Yanghee integrated South Korean technology to differentiate Rael from other brands, what she learned from working at Disney and how that has helped her, how Rael is expanding, and so much more!