Naked Beauty

KJ Dillard is the definition of a multi-hyphenate. Before he became a Summer House fan favorite, KJ was a professional skateboarder, genre-defying musician, and model. How has he managed to achieve all of these dreams so fervently? He won’t allow anyone to put him in a box. Growing up in Kansas and Arizona, KJ learned early on how to adapt to different circumstances. Initially, he was part of a well-to-do community, but his parents' divorce shifted everything, and he soon found himself in an entirely new world. KJ leaned into his interests and started a band with friends from church, where he rapped and sang as their frontman. He also began to take skateboarding seriously, even though it wasn't very popular. KJ became engrossed in skate culture, obsessing over its rebellious nature and style. His interest blossomed into a nearly ten-year career as a professional skateboarder, during which he inadvertently invented a never-before-seen trick and attracted the attention of the entire skating community. Like that accidentally career-defining moment, KJ seems destined for greatness, no matter the medium.
As the first Black male Summer House castmate, KJ had to learn to navigate the new world of reality television with millions of eyes watching. Ever graceful, he’s taking the lessons and carrying them into another season. In our conversation, we talk about what it means to give yourself grace when you live and date in the public eye, and how he manages the pressure of being “the first.” KJ models the kind of transparency he hopes inspires other men to open up and share more deeply about what they’re feeling. He opened up about his childhood experiences with living with undiagnosed ADHD and having to live with his grandmother. KJ shares that his love for skateboarding has never left him and now serves as a space for self-care. We also cover his return to music and how excited he is to try a new genre and sound. As is his nature, KJ is turning back to the creative outlets that brought him joy as a kid, except now he’s sharing them with the world.

Tune in as we discuss:
0:00 Welcome KJ
4:05 Preparing For The Spotlight
5:00 Growing Up In Arizona and Kansas
5:25 How His Parents' Divorce Changed Their Lives
6:25 His Early ADHD Symptoms
7:25 KJ’s Relationship With His Grandmother
8:10 Comparing His Life To His Cousins
9:35 Why He Chases Success
10:00 KJ’s Introduction To Skateboard Culture
11:50 The 90s Black Skateboarders Who Inspired Him
12:45 Unspoken Skateboard Rules
13:30 His Favorite Skateboard Looks
15:50 Iconic Skateboard Brands
17:45 Accidentally Inventing A Skateboard Trick
20:25 Navigating Reality Television
23:15 His Awkward Tyler The Creator Meetup
30:00 Pre-Public Appearance Prep
30:45 Why KJ Gatekeeps Some Things
31:50 His Signature Look
33:45 When He Became Interested In Music
39:15 Microagressions In The Fashion Industry
40:12 Dating In The Public Eye
41:25 What He’s Learning About Himself
42:20 Emotional Vulnerability Among Friends
43:55 KJ’s Self-Care Routine
45:45 When He Feels The Most Beautiful

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Follow KJ @kellyjustindillard

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Tabitha Brown was destined for greatness. Her natural ability to connect with people, paired with her professional training as an actress, only strengthened her self-belief. A viral video catapulted her onto the screens and into the lives of millions of people worldwide, cementing what she always knew would happen. Since then, Tabitha has become a two-time Emmy Award-winning host, four-time bestselling author, children’s entertainment creator, multi-NAACP award winner, and serial entrepreneur across beauty, food, haircare, and fragrance verticals. Before her rise to fame, Tabitha was hustling in L.A., building connections and a portfolio of work in pursuit of her acting career. She came from North Carolina with a dream and a supportive family, determined to build the life God had promised her. Along the way, divinely aligned opportunities charted a path toward the success she knew she was destined to have and capable of maintaining.

During our conversation, we discussed the importance of strong faith and a strong work ethic. Tabitha explained that she decided she wouldn’t just have a viral moment, but would build on her skills and experience to create a sustainable career. She walked us through her decision to move to L.A. twice, both times to pursue her creative dreams, and how she prepared for success while doing so. We dove deep into her business acumen and how she's found success across many industries while staying true to her vision and sense of purpose. She shared her entire hair journey, the many big chops, working with her husband, and how to handle online negativity. When Tabitha says, everything must be aligned, she means it. Every aspect of her business reflects who she is and what she loves; whether that’s her commitment to a vegan lifestyle, her love of children, or her lifelong love of haircare. Tabitha gave us full access to the dietary, beauty, and haircare choices that make up the woman we all admire.

Tune in as we discuss:
(00:00) Welcome Tabitha
(02:35) Why Relaxed Hair Seemed Necessary Before The 00s
(03:35) Age-Appropriate Hairstyles
(06:00) On Chasing Her Dreams In L.A. Twice
(10:15) The Sign From God That Reinvigorated Her Creative Dreams
(13:15) Why Even "Natural" Talents Must Study Their Craft
(16:20) How Tabitha Leveraged Her Virality Into A Sustainable Career
(20:45) Managing Online Backlash
(22:30) Her Natural Hair Journey From 1998 To Now
(26:30) How Being Vegan Impacts Her Hair Health
(29:15) Tab's Favorite Donna's Hair Recipe Products
(36:30) Balancing Partnership In Marriage & Business
(38:25) What Building A Fragrance Is Like
(43:00) Why Scheduling Breaks & Vacations Are Non-Negotiable
(45:40) Her Skincare Routine
(46:50) Her Makeup Routine
(50:00) When She Feels The Most Beautiful

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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 :)
Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topic
Shop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelf
Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard
Follow Tabitha @iamtabithabrown

Products Mentioned:
FENTY BEAUTY Cheeks Out Blush
FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Donna’s Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo
Donna’s Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Conditioner
Donna’s Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Leave-In Conditioner
Donna’s Recipe Strength Oil
Donna’s Recipe Biotin Hair Vitamin Gummies
Donna’s Recipe Whipped Vanilla Cream Curl Enhancing Gel
Donna’s Recipe Whipped Vanilla Cream Curl Defining Mousse

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While the beauty industry has made some progress in terms of authenticity and acceptance, discourse around cosmetic filler still doesn’t feel completely free of judgment. Which is why this episode with cosmetic skin doctor Dr. Ewoma Ukeleghe feels so incredibly important. Not only do we delve into what to look for before starting fillers or botox, but Dr. Ewoma breaks down exactly - and I mean exactly - what she does to her own face to achieve a stunning “natural glam” look. Tune in for her radical transparency on filler, the U.K. 's extremely liberal qualifications for cosmetic injectors, upcoming beauty trends and so much more.
Links to Products/Resources Mentioned: Klur Symmetry Fluid, Beauty of Joseon, Isntree Watery Sunscreen, Shiseido Skin Filler Serums, Obagi Acne Toner
Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet
Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topic
Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple
Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)
Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard
Follow Dr. Ewoma: @drewomaukeleghe
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Before she became Lady London, Zaire Stewart was a fly toddler exploring New York City’s unique beauty culture. At just three years old, she was being carted to Dominican hair salons, getting her hair washed and pressed by the same women she still visits today. Her mother kept her dapper in DKNY and Moschino as they traveled between the Bronx and New Jersey. Greatly influenced by the beauty and brilliance of the women in her family, an aunt with an interest in global politics and anti-apartheid messaging recommended her name; it’s no wonder Lady London is such a cultural force. In 2018, Lady London developed an interest in music, built on a foundational love of literature from childhood to college. Lady London joined Naked Beauty to talk about how she discovered she had presence and how she wielded it into a nearly decade-long career and fanbase of more than a million people.

During our conversation, we talked about how she learned to maintain her composure as a public figure and how her confidence can’t be shaken by industry execs or online trolls. Lady London shares that her confidence was well earned, as it took her some time to accept that she could be beautiful and smart without downplaying one or the other. We get some tips on how to model that self-assurance during the Show & Tell portion of the show, when Lady London demonstrates how not to be baited. Of course, we learn all about her beauty rituals, tips, and favorite perfumes. We got other advice from Lady London, including how she mentors women coming into the industry behind her, and what she’s learned from the hip-hop legend pouring into her. Lady London is a creative force, poet, rapper, executive producer, mentor, and hobby enthusiast. As we learn in this interview, with Lady London, there is always more than meets the eye.

Tune in as we discuss:
(0:00) Welcome Lady London
(2:20) Growing Up Nerdy In The Bronx and New Jersey
(3:25) Her Early Style Icons
(4:20) New York Beauty Culture
(6:45) Growing Into Beauty
(8:55) Discovering That She Had Presence
(12:35) Show & Tell: Tips For Not Being Baited
(20:10) Her Beauty Routine
(21:15) Getting Protein As A Pescatarian
(24:30) Makeup Routine
(26:20) Hair Care & Health
(31:15) Rejecting Male Perspectives On Beauty
(34:45) Female Rap Friendships
(36:25) Her Approach To Mentorship
(38:20) Committing To Perseverance
(42:30) Self-Care Practices
(44:45) What's On The Horizon
(45:20) When Lady London Feels The Most Beautiful

Shop K18 Future IQ at Sephora or get 10% off your first purchase at K18hair.com with code BROOKE.

Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple

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 :)

Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topic

Shop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelf

Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard

Follow Lady London @ladylondon

Products Mentioned:
Bio-Oil
Bond No. 9 New York Fragrance Tasting Collection
Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity
Mind Games Perfumer Extraordinaire Discovery Set
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In the second half of my conversation with Kevin "KevOnStage" and Melissa Fredericks, we talk about all the ways they take care of themselves and one another. We cover therapy and how a combination of individual and couples therapy has helped them thrive in this season of their marriage. Before the pair were beloved by millions, they were a young couple searching for good marriage advice. They took what they learned and shared it with other couples during local gatherings at a BBQ joint, hoping they would all stay together. Their approach to learning and teaching out loud has only grown as they share this information on their own podcasts, a New York Times best-selling book, and here on Naked Beauty.
During our conversation, we discuss how the pair manages to be open with their audiences while also setting firm boundaries. Kev and Melissa also open up about how they push one another to be their best selves, and explain why they’ll never be the other’s “yes man.” While talking about grieving his brother, Kev revealed that it was Melissa who pushed him to work through his grief onstage and using comedy. Melissa was sure that he could challenge his art and build something beautiful, and given the positive reception to his shows, she was absolutely right.

Tune in as we discuss:
(0:00) Welcome Kev and Melissa
(1:05) Kev’s Skincare Routine
(3:45) Melissa’s Skincare Routine
(5:15) Melissa’s Monthly Facial Routine
(6:25) Why It’s Important To Discuss Their Relationship Publicly
(8:05) Setting Boundaries With The Public
(10:00) What Role Therapy Has Played In Their Lives
(12:00) On Choosing A Marriage Therapist
(17:30) Managing Grief Through Comedy
(20:05) How Melissa’s Support Influences Kev’s Comedy
(24:55) How They Practice Self-Care
(27:30) Melissa Rediscovering Literature
(29:50) When Does The Couple Feel Most Beautiful

Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple
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 :)
Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topic
Shop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelf
Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard
Follow Kev @kevonstage
Follow Melissa @mrskevonstage

Products:
Dove Soap
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Kennedy Ryan Novels


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