The Beauty Vanguard

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

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/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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Producer, writer 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

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

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

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

The investor and creator shares her top tips for budding beauty entrepreneurs. Produced by Dear Media

Check out The Beauty Vanguard, hosted by Melissa Magsaysay and Nyakio Grieco coming to Dear Media on Tuesday, February 21st. Produced by Dear Media

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this special series called “Beauty in America” Melissa and Nyakio talk to inspiring women and explore a more diverse definition of beauty. Up first! Latina Vamp is a welder, custom car enthusiast and beauty fan with a look she's coined “Rock-a-Chola” and inspired by her Mexican American heritage, LA roots and her all-female custom car club, the Varrios Vamps.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

It's a brand new year! And while there's still a lot that's uncertain, we remain hopeful, optimistic and ready to grow and expand the landscape of what we know and discuss here on the podcast. Part of that is learning how to embark on a wellness journey that's sustainable and suited to our busy lives. And it's why we really wanted to chat with Lisa Odenweller, founder of popular reset program Kroma Wellness. Lisa is a wellness expert who has created a refreshing approach to getting back into your body. Her realistic approach to eating healthy focuses on wins big and small rather than deprivation and we are very much here for that. Whether you're looking for a reset or want to adopt some new healthy habits this new year. Have a listen. And welcome to The Beauty Vanguard, Lisa!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Naana Boakye is a widely respected dermatologist who is passionate about educating communities of color on sun damage prevention and amplifying the conversation on accessible suncare products for darker skin tones. As a sought-after leader in skincare for over a decade, Dr. Boakye also serves as the Dermatology Director for A-Frame Brands and has been developing KINLO, Naomi Osaka's functional skincare brand made specifically for melanated skin tones. Dr. Boakye believes lifestyle and overall wellness also support the health and appearance of skin - and her powerful voice is changing lives in communities where skincare needs have been woefully unaddressed. Thank you to our partner, Imperfect Foods.  Go to www.imperfectfoods.com and use promo code BEAUTY for 20% off your first 4 orders.

“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

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+.

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 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.