Podcast Summary: Naked Beauty Episode - "Doechii's Beauty Team On Pushing Creative Boundaries"

Title: Naked Beauty
Host: Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli
Guest(s): Malcolm Marquez (Hairstylist), Chelsea Ochena (Makeup Artist)
Episode Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction and Episode Overview

In this captivating episode of Naked Beauty, host Brooke DeVard delves deep into the artistry and creative dynamism behind Grammy-winning artist Doechii's (formerly known as Dochi) stunning appearances, particularly her unforgettable showcase at Paris Fashion Week. Brooke sets the stage by highlighting Doechii’s recent accolade at the Grammys, where she delivered a powerful acceptance speech that resonated deeply with many:

[00:59] Doechii: "I know that there is some black girl out there, so many black women out there that are watching me right now. And I want to tell you, you can do it. Anything is possible. Don't allow... you are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are. And I am a testimony."

Brooke emphasizes the collaborative efforts of Doechii’s beauty team, consisting of makeup artist Chelsea Ochena and hairstylist Malcolm Marquez, in creating iconic and boundary-pushing beauty moments that challenge mainstream beauty standards.

Doechii's Creative Vision and Impact

Brooke elaborates on how Doechii, an openly queer dark-skinned woman, is redefining beauty standards through her bold fashion and beauty choices. From her striking appearance in a yellow Valentino couture gown at the Louvre to her versatile looks in Schiaparelli, Tom Ford, and Chloe, each ensemble is meticulously crafted to convey a unique narrative and evoke specific emotions. Brooke lauds the seamless integration of fashion, hair, and makeup, attributing it to the synergistic collaboration among the creative team.

[02:30] Brooke DeVard: "When creative people collaborate with other creatives that have vision to create something that's entirely new... She is creating moments."

Brooke underscores the importance of authenticity and representation in mainstream media, celebrating Doechii's ability to embody each look without overshadowing her natural beauty.

Interview with Malcolm Marquez: Crafting Iconic Hairstyles

Collaboration and Creative Process

Malcolm Marquez shares his journey working with Doechii, starting from their first collaboration on the "Pacer" music video in 2022 to becoming integral members of her beauty team during her tour. He highlights the mutual respect and strong creative visions that fuel their successful partnership.

[05:13] Malcolm Marquez: "She has such a strong vision for who she is. And I feel like I have a really strong vision of who I am. And I think that always makes for really good collaboration."

Iconic Looks and Technical Insights

Malcolm dives into the technicalities behind some of Doechii's most talked-about Paris Fashion Week hairstyles. He describes the intricate process of creating interconnected braids inspired by Solange’s work for a Stephen Colbert performance:

[05:47] Malcolm Marquez: "It was about translating connected dresses into a black hair context... It was Do's choreography, figuring out the proper length and formation to prevent tangling."

He recounts the challenges and meticulous planning required to execute these complex styles seamlessly during live performances, emphasizing the blend of artistry and precision.

Personal Background and Inspirations

Malcolm opens up about his upbringing in Tucson, Arizona, and how his supportive parents allowed him to explore various creative avenues. He credits his background in art and punk culture, along with his immersion in the LGBTQ+ community in LA, as significant influences shaping his unique hairstyling approach.

[09:29] Malcolm Marquez: "I grew up in Tucson, Arizona. My parents supported me in whatever I wanted to do, which allowed me to swim through so many types of creativity."

Rule-Breaking and Representation in Black Hair

Malcolm passionately discusses the importance of challenging traditional norms surrounding black hair. He advocates for rule-breaking and embracing individuality, ensuring that his work with Doechii showcases authentic and diverse representations of black beauty.

[11:26] Malcolm Marquez: "We need to present something that shouldn't necessarily be shown or representing something... we're not afraid of frizz or teasing something out."

Interview with Chelsea Ochena: Mastering Makeup Artistry

Doechii's Makeup Style and Techniques

Chelsea Ochena, joining from London, shares her journey into makeup artistry, starting from a young age inspired by her mother's routine. Her passion led her to experiment and eventually offer makeup services, which blossomed into a thriving career.

[25:01] Doechii: "I started doing makeup on myself a little bit... someone had DM me to do makeup on her when I was 13, and that's when the obsession really began."

Working with Doechii: A Creative Synergy

Chelsea describes the exhilarating experience of working with Doechii, a "cool chameleon" capable of embodying diverse looks seamlessly. She praises Doechii's versatility and how her creative freedom pushes Chelsea to innovate and elevate her makeup artistry.

[27:51] Doechii: "She's like just a cool chameleon... working with somebody that's so creative pushes your creativity as well."

Makeup Tips for Dark Skin: Techniques and Products

Chelsea provides invaluable tips for achieving flawless makeup on dark skin tones, emphasizing the importance of skin prep, layering, and appropriate color tones. She outlines her step-by-step routine, highlighting specific products and techniques that enhance natural beauty while ensuring longevity and vibrancy.

[30:01] Doechii: "Skin prep is so important... it's about the layering, the ratio with your creams to your powders... don't be afraid to go in with the products."

She elaborates on her meticulous approach to contouring and highlighting, which creates a lifted and sculpted appearance, and shares her expertise on achieving the perfect lip look by layering lip liners and glosses for added dimension.

[34:17] Doechii: "I'll line the lips normally, then overline from nostril to nostril... it'll give you that extra pump."

Sources of Inspiration: Embracing Color and Culture

Chelsea discusses her inspiration sources, ranging from vibrant color combinations found in everyday objects to the dynamic energy of music and nightlife. She acknowledges the profound influence of drag queens on her techniques, especially in creating stage-ready glam that remains practical and wearable.

[20:31] Malcolm Marquez: "I'm inspired by my friends who make music... I'm part of the nightlife and queer community."

Conclusion and Final Insights

Brooke wraps up the episode by reflecting on the rich insights shared by Malcolm and Chelsea, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and authenticity in shaping iconic beauty moments. She encourages listeners to embrace self-expression through their own beauty routines, drawing inspiration from Doechii’s fearless approach to fashion and makeup.

[46:02] Chelsea Ochena: "Always try new things... push your creativity and just try it."

Brooke leaves the audience with an empowering message about becoming the creative directors of their own looks, fostering a sense of confidence and individuality.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration is Crucial: The synergy between hairstylist Malcolm Marquez and makeup artist Chelsea Ochena with Doechii exemplifies how collaborative efforts can produce groundbreaking and iconic beauty looks.

• Challenging Norms: Both guests emphasize the importance of breaking traditional beauty standards, especially concerning black hair and makeup, to foster greater representation and authenticity.

• Technical Mastery: Detailed techniques in hairstyling and makeup artistry are essential for achieving flawless and long-lasting looks, particularly for live performances and high-fashion events.

• Inspiration from Diversity: Drawing inspiration from a mix of cultural, artistic, and personal sources fuels creativity and innovation in beauty artistry.

• Empowerment through Beauty: Embracing diverse beauty practices and encouraging self-expression empowers individuals to showcase their unique identities confidently.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Doechii's Empowering Speech:

  [00:59] "Don't allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you... you are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are."

• Malcolm on Collaboration:

  [05:37] "When two strong visions come together, if those people have a lot of mutual respect for each other, then they can create some amazing art."

• Dochi on Rule-Breaking:

  [11:26] "We need to present something that shouldn't necessarily be shown... we're not afraid of frizz or teasing something out."

• Chelsea on Trying New Things:

  [44:19] "Always try new things... push your creativity and just try it."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Naked Beauty offers an in-depth exploration of the creative processes behind one of today’s most influential beauty teams. Through insightful conversations with Malcolm Marquez and Chelsea Ochena, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication required to push creative boundaries in the beauty industry. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, aspiring artist, or someone seeking inspiration for self-expression, this episode provides valuable lessons on authenticity, collaboration, and the transformative power of beauty.