Gloss Angeles Episode Summary: "Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is No Stranger to Being First"
Release Date: January 24, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan welcome the acclaimed actress and beauty icon Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. Known for her trailblazing roles and pioneering presence in the beauty industry, Michaela shares her journey, insights, and aspirations at the intersection of makeup, skincare, and wellness within pop culture and entertainment.
1. Introduction to Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
The episode kicks off with Kirbie and Sara expressing their excitement about hosting Michaela, highlighting her numerous achievements:
- First trans woman to receive a Primetime Emmy Award for her role on FX's Pose.
- Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in 2022.
- First American muse for Charlotte Tilbury, a renowned beauty brand.
- Featured in Apple's Loot and the latest season of American Horror Story alongside Kim Kardashian.
Michaela brings a wealth of experience from her ten years in editorial content creation for mainstream beauty publishers, setting the stage for a deep dive into her multifaceted career.
2. Beauty Regimen and Favorite Products
Michaela discusses her favorite beauty products, emphasizing her partnership with Charlotte Tilbury:
- PlumpGlam from Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk line: "I have a little bit of plump gasm on from Charlotte Tilbury's line of the amazing and one and only pillow talk." ([02:42])
- Flawless Airbrush for matte powder finish: "I have the flawless airbrush, flawless filter, just matte powder, just to seal everything in the deal." ([02:59])
She elaborates on the versatility of these products and her enduring trust in Charlotte Tilbury's offerings, reflecting her deep-seated loyalty and expertise in beauty.
3. Hair Care and Styling Techniques
Michaela shares her hair care routine, underlining the importance of maintaining healthy hair, whether natural or with wigs:
- Sheamoisture products for moisturizing and controlling baby hairs: "I use Sheamoisture, like, all the time." ([03:54])
- Edge Control: "There's this one little, like, cylinder that they have. It's like an edge control, which I live for." ([04:16])
She highlights the role of professional hairstylists in achieving her signature voluminous look, demonstrating her reliance on expert stylists to complement her personal hair care practices.
4. Becoming Charlotte Tilbury's First American Muse
Michaela recounts the surreal experience of becoming the first American muse for Charlotte Tilbury:
- Serendipitous Meeting: "When I first met her, it was at an Oscar party...we just talked about manifestation and all this other stuff." ([05:14])
- Recognition and Alignment: "She looked past any kind of idea or expectation when it came to LGBTQAI people. You just saw a woman in front of you who is going to up for you." ([07:27])
She expresses profound gratitude for Charlotte Tilbury's inclusive vision and the opportunity to represent American diversity within the brand’s predominantly European muse lineup.
5. Early Inspirations and Journey with Makeup
Growing up, Michaela found inspiration in iconic models and the transformative power of makeup:
- Mothers and Supermodels: "If I can be cheesy for one little second, I would say my mama. My mom is, like, the first obvious, like, beauty guru." ([08:16])
- First Encounter with Makeup: "When I started playing with makeup was when I was 14...I tested out mascara." ([09:21])
She discusses how early exposure to beauty standards and performing arts shaped her confidence and artistic expression, leading her to embrace makeup as a form of personal freedom and creativity.
6. Experiences in Performing Arts and Ballroom Scene
Michaela delves into her formative years in performing arts schools and the ballroom scene:
- Role of Makeup in Performance: "I learned about the artistry of it and, like, the liberty you can take with it." ([10:51])
- Self-Esteem Boost: "I think it was definitely good for my self esteem...the craft of it all and the technique and training of just knowing oneself." ([11:48])
She emphasizes how these experiences not only honed her artistic skills but also reinforced her self-confidence, enabling her to seamlessly integrate makeup and beauty into her performances.
7. Breaking Barriers with Pose
Michaela reflects on her groundbreaking role in Pose and the show's impact:
- Audience Reception: "The love that we received, it made us feel like, okay, so we were doing the work that we needed to do." ([15:24])
- Educational and Entertaining: "It was like an entertainment but yet educational show...tragic storylines that needed to be told." ([17:23])
She expresses surprise and gratitude for the positive reception, highlighting how Pose resonated deeply with audiences by authentically portraying the lives and struggles of trans women in the 1980s.
8. Awards and Recognitions
Michaela boasts an impressive list of accolades, marking her as a beacon of representation in the entertainment industry:
- First Trans Woman Nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama.
- Golden Globe Winner for her role in Pose.
- 21 Nominations across various awards.
She credits her perseverance, talent, and the support of allies in the industry for these achievements, while also acknowledging the ongoing fight for broader representation.
9. Addressing Ongoing Challenges and Advocacy
Despite her success, Michaela acknowledges the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities:
- Continued Fight for Representation: "I do feel like it is still a fight...there are a lot of people who are like me." ([19:18])
- Intersectionality and Community Support: "Children that are like, oh, I'm queer and I need someone to look to." ([22:30])
She champions the importance of visibility and representation, advocating for spaces where diverse voices can thrive and inspire future generations.
10. Future Goals and Aspirations
Michaela outlines her ambitions, both in acting and music:
- Aiming for a Marvel Role: "I definitely want to obtain and achieve and manifest a marvel role." ([23:55])
- Music Album "33": "I'm working on it now, and I just want to continue with that." ([23:55])
She discusses her creative vision for her music, aiming to blend narrative storytelling with empowering messages that encourage joy and liberation.
11. Musical Inspirations and "33" Album
Michaela delves into her latest album, "33," and her musical influences:
- Narrative Inspiration: "You are a cloned humanoid woman navigating an alien planet... inspired by chosen ones like Neo from the Matrix." ([24:31])
- Spurred by Figures Like Doja Cat: "Chloe and Halle, Normani, Doja." ([27:05])
She explains how her album weaves complex narratives that reflect personal and universal struggles, aiming to make a significant impact through her art.
12. Personal Insights: Spirituality and Zodiac Traits
Michaela shares personal facets, including her spirituality and Capricorn traits:
- Spiritual Beliefs: "I'm a person who believes in a very higher power...there must be a reason why I'm alive." ([29:11])
- Capricorn Traits: "Being logical almost to a fault...perfectionist to a T." ([33:04])
She reflects on how her spiritual beliefs and astrological traits influence her approach to life and work, fostering resilience and a drive for excellence.
13. Advocacy for Trans Representation and Visibility
Michaela emphasizes her role as an advocate for trans visibility:
- Positive Reception: "With how the world has received me, it has not been something that is poster child kind of feeling." ([31:13])
- Support for the Community: "I support her wholeheartedly...we keep in contact a little bit." ([28:53])
She discusses the importance of authentic representation and the positive influence it has on marginalized communities, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy through her platform.
14. Conclusion and Follow-Up
As the conversation wraps up, Michaela encourages listeners to engage with her work:
- Follow Her Music: "Check out my itunes and check out the music. Listen to it, see if you like it." ([38:56])
- Connect on Social Media: "They can definitely find me on my handles on Instagram and Tick Tock." ([38:56])
Kirbie and Sara express their appreciation for Michaela's insights and contributions, leaving listeners inspired by her journey and eager to support her future endeavors.
Notable Quotes:
- "I fell in love with them... like, if I could be a partner with you, that would be everything." — Michaela J. Rodriguez ([05:13])
- "Support your right and, like, hold space so that you can have a hand behind so someone can grab." — Michaela J. Rodriguez ([21:54])
- "I want it to hit like a comet. Like, just like, boom." — Michaela J. Rodriguez ([26:29])
Final Thoughts
This episode of Gloss Angeles offers a comprehensive look into Michaela Jaé Rodriguez's impactful career and her unwavering dedication to advancing representation in the beauty and entertainment industries. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, Michaela inspires listeners to embrace their authenticity and strive for excellence in their respective fields.
For more insights and updates, listeners are encouraged to follow Michaela on her social media channels and stream her latest album, "33."