Naked Beauty Podcast: Issa Rae on Embracing Your Unique Beauty and Creating Your Own Path

Host: Brooke DeVard
Guest: Issa Rae
Release Date: November 18, 2024

Brooke DeVard welcomes the multifaceted talent Issa Rae to the latest episode of Naked Beauty. Far beyond her acclaimed roles as an actress, writer, and producer, Brooke delves deep into Issa's personal journey with beauty, self-care, and the various influences that have shaped her unique perspective.

**1. Early Life and Influences on Beauty

Timestamps: [02:15] - [04:06]

Issa Rae reflects on her upbringing across different locales—Los Angeles, Maryland, and Senegal—and how each environment influenced her perception of beauty. She shares a poignant moment from sixth grade when moving back to LA led to a dip in her self-confidence, contrasting sharply with her high school experience in Senegal, where she felt genuinely beautiful and desired.

Issa Rae [02:27]: "I was like, I thought I was the shit and I just didn't get why other people weren't attracted, weren't."

This transition highlights the significant impact of cultural and environmental contexts on self-esteem and beauty standards.

**2. Stanford University: A Ground for Creativity and Identity

Timestamps: [05:35] - [10:06]

Both Brooke and Issa share their experiences at Stanford University, navigating predominantly white institutions and finding their niche. Issa discusses the challenges of being one of the few black women on campus initially residing in Rinconada, feeling disconnected, and eventually finding her footing through creative pursuits like playwriting and filmmaking.

Issa Rae [06:55]: "I didn't think it was cool, you know. And it wasn't until maybe junior and senior year, when I lived off-campus, that I really started to embrace who I was."

Her early work, including the web series Awkward Black Girl, resonated with many, especially black women at Stanford, laying the foundation for her future successes.

**3. Hair Evolution: From Burden to Empowerment

Timestamps: [11:08] - [15:03]

Issa opens up about her tumultuous relationship with her hair, navigating societal expectations and personal identity. Growing up, she felt pressured to conform to prevailing beauty standards, often wearing braids or covering her hair to avoid judgment.

Issa Rae [12:09]: "I used to wear a scarf or a hood just because I didn't want to deal with it."

College marked a turning point as she began embracing her natural hair, influenced by friends who showcased their authentic styles. The pivotal moment came when she decided to shave her head in promotion of Awkward Black Girl, symbolizing her liberation from hair expectations.

Issa Rae [13:27]: "I feel like everybody should do a big chop at least once in your life, because it really just frees you of your hair expectations in so many ways."

Her collaboration with hairstylist Felicia, formerly of "Loving Your Hair," further solidified her commitment to using her hair as a canvas for artistic expression on the set of Insecure.

**4. Aesthetic Appreciation and Visual Storytelling

Timestamps: [15:03] - [17:22]

Issa discusses her appreciation for visual elements in storytelling, drawing inspiration from childhood shows like Roswell and her love for music that complements visual narratives. She credits her ability to collaborate effectively with her team, particularly Melina from styling, for creating the distinctive look of Insecure.

Issa Rae [16:28]: "There was something about that feeling in shows like that where I was like, I want the music has to be right, it has to have a feeling. The lighting has to be great."

This keen sense for aesthetics has been a hallmark of her projects, ensuring that each visual element aligns seamlessly with the story being told.

**5. Navigating the Music and Film Industries

Timestamps: [17:22] - [19:31]

Issa offers her insights into the challenges artists face in the music and film industries, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy. She contrasts the often chaotic and exploitative nature of the music industry with the more navigable yet still complex Hollywood landscape.

Issa Rae [18:48]: "The music industry, to me, is harder because at least Hollywood, I've prepped for it and I've watched so much of the process."

She underscores the necessity of collaboration and maintaining an open mind while also asserting her boundaries to ensure her creative visions are respected.

**6. Business Ventures and Collaboration

Timestamps: [40:29] - [43:36]

Issa details her involvement with Sienna Naturals, a hair care line she began supporting in 2020 after years of personal use and appreciation for the products. She highlights the collaborative process with Hannah, the brand's founder, emphasizing the importance of products tailored to her hair texture.

Issa Rae [41:39]: "I've learned a lot about more hair health than the actual process of making them."

Additionally, Brooke and Issa briefly touch upon Issa's extensive portfolio of business ventures, though it becomes clear that Issa prefers to delegate day-to-day operations to trusted collaborators, allowing her to focus on her strengths.

**7. Self-Care, Burnout, and Work-Life Balance

Timestamps: [43:18] - [47:32]

The conversation shifts to the pressures of maintaining multiple roles and the inevitable burnout that accompanies such a lifestyle. Issa candidly discusses her coping mechanisms, including dedicating one day a week completely free from work-related activities.

Issa Rae [43:45]: "I've gotten a lot better about taking time off."

She shares her first substantial vacation in January 2021, a deliberate step to disconnect entirely from work, resulting in profound personal rejuvenation.

Issa Rae [45:49]: "When I did that, I just felt so free. And I was so recharged by February."

Issa emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to preserve her well-being, a sentiment echoed by many striving for balance in high-demand careers.

**8. Beauty Routines and Personal Preferences

Timestamps: [48:50] - [54:23]

Issa delves into her beauty routines, highlighting her minimalist yet effective approach. Her nighttime skincare regimen is a point of pride, featuring products like hyaluronic serum and Vitamin C, which have significantly improved her skin health.

Issa Rae [28:36]: "I use hyaluronic serum, of course, Vitamin C."

She discusses her selective approach to makeup, preferring a clean and glowy look that enhances her natural features without overshadowing them. Her collaboration with makeup artist Joanna Simkins ensures consistency in her signature style across various appearances.

Nail care is another favorite topic, with Issa favoring long almond shapes and versatile colors that suit any occasion. Her fragrance choices, including scents by Chloe and Rihanna's Fenty, reflect her dynamic personality and preference for intoxicating fragrances.

**9. Maintaining Privacy in the Public Eye

Timestamps: [35:28] - [37:20]

Despite her prominence, Issa values her privacy deeply. She explains that keeping personal aspects of her life, such as her marriage, private is integral to her self-care and mental well-being.

Issa Rae [35:45]: "There’s no input beyond my family. It’s very personal."

Issa navigates the fine line between public persona and personal life by maintaining boundaries, ensuring that her self-care remains untouched by external pressures and curiosities.

**10. Final Reflections: Embracing Authenticity

Timestamps: [53:20] - [54:38]

In her concluding remarks, Issa encapsulates her journey towards self-acceptance and authenticity.

Issa Rae [54:23]: "I feel most beautiful when I'm fully myself. When I'm in my element, being myself, surrounded by people and the life that I've curated."

This powerful statement underscores the episode's central theme: embracing one's unique beauty and forging a personal path free from societal constraints.

Closing Thoughts

Brooke expresses heartfelt gratitude to Issa Rae for the enriching conversation, highlighting the profound insights gained from Issa's experiences and philosophies on beauty and self-care. The episode serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of self-acceptance and the courage to define one’s own standards of beauty.

Thank you for listening to Naked Beauty. Stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations about beauty trends, self-care journeys, and the wellness tips that empower us all.