Naked Beauty Podcast: Kim Baker on Survival and Reinvention In The Beauty Industry

Host: Brooke DeVard │ Guest: Kim Baker (with Natasha, Kim's daughter)
Release Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this vibrant, candid episode, Brooke DeVard sits down with legendary makeup artist, model, and Glamazon Beauty founder Kim Baker. They delve into Kim’s extraordinary journey—her modeling career from the size 4 runways of the '90s to pioneering plus-size modeling, surviving personal and professional setbacks, and ultimately reinventing herself as an entrepreneur. The conversation explores race, beauty, resilience, motherhood, and the power of representation, with memorable stories from the golden age of fashion, invaluable beauty tips, and a moving discussion on faith and perseverance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Life and Self-Esteem (00:37–03:13)

• Kim’s New Jersey upbringing: Raised with high self-esteem thanks to a mother who instilled pride in Black history and beauty beyond slavery.
• On beauty representation: Early idols were Lola Falana, Diahann Carroll, and Diana Ross—profound examples for young Black girls.
  • "My mom was my first image of real beauty... she forced me to learn the history of black people outside of slavery." — Kim Baker (01:44)

2. Modeling Beginnings and Harsh Realities (03:41–07:03)

• Starting young: First photo shoot at 13, exposed to adult situations far too early in an unsupervised industry.
• Encountering racism & abuse: Early experiences included both affirmation and instances of sexual assault by photographers.
  • "One guy tried to fondle my breast. The photographer." — Kim Baker (04:46)
• Industry mentorship: Bethann Hardison played a pivotal role, steering Kim out of harm’s way until she matured.

3. The Glamour (and Grit) of ’90s Fashion (07:19–10:29)

• Insider stories: Regular at Studio 54, socializing with figures like Andy Warhol, Grace Jones, Basquiat.
  • "I was 14 years old at Studio 54... I would get to talk to Andy Warhol. Yes, the Andy Warhol." — Kim Baker (07:31)
• Memorable anecdote: Went into labor on the dance floor at a Grace Jones party (09:37).
• Era context: Celebrates a time when modeling was more about art than today’s digital “IG modeling.”

4. Personal Setbacks and Reinvention (10:29–19:01)

• Relationship challenges: Dated/married a much older man involved in illicit activities; was indicted but ultimately exonerated with 800 hours of community service.
  • "I almost got sentenced to 65 years to life... The judge... said that I was one of the best decisions that he's ever made for a second chance." — Kim Baker (15:39)
• Impact: Felt shame for her mother, but it motivated her to reclaim pride and success.
• Turning point: Uplifting message about self-reliance and manifesting a new life.

5. Plus-Size Modeling Pioneer (19:10–22:13)

• Industry trailblazer: Helped define “plus size” modeling before it was recognized by mainstream fashion.
• Body image struggles: Experienced and witnessed disordered eating, and industry pressure to conform.
  • "I was sent there [a fat farm] as a size four. To get to a two." — Kim Baker (20:29)
• Changing standards: Reflects on how representation has evolved for curvy women.

6. Makeup, Representation, and Entrepreneurship (22:13–31:14)

• Transition to makeup artistry: Frustrated by lack of expertise in Black beauty needs, she did her own makeup—earning Bobbi Brown’s respect and eventually working with her brand for 14 years.
  • "I didn't want to take a chance on the makeup artist who was going to be there not knowing how to do my makeup. I got tired of being gray." — Kim Baker (24:51)
• Founding Glamazon Beauty (2016): Created her own brand to serve underrepresented women; packaging, marketing, and authenticity became central after exposure on Good Morning America led to a major Sephora opportunity.
• Notable gig: Breakthrough doing grooming for Tom Cruise (29:03), opening further industry doors.

7. Survival, Faith, and Mindset During Dark Times (31:14–36:49)

• Perspective on adversity: Faith and adaptability as tools to move through challenging seasons; practical stories of eviction, community support, and resilience.
  • "You have to have faith... You either swim or you sink. So you got to figure it out." — Kim Baker (31:37)
• Community connections: Importance of kindness, resourcefulness, and not giving in to bitterness despite setbacks.

8. Skincare and Beauty Rituals (37:41–42:45)

• Skin secrets: Cleanliness, affordable products, and innovative tools (like facial massage with a vibrator!) for circulation and glow.
  • "I'll buy, like, I have a dildo... I put it all over my face... makes the blood circulate through your face." — Kim Baker (39:44)
• Holistic approach: Vitamin C, dandelion tea, and the reminder that beauty is from within.

9. Glamazon’s Hero Products & Pro Makeup Tips (41:20–43:32)

• Top products: Opulent duo primer & foundation stick, talc-free powders, lip & cheek multipurpose tint.
  • "Don't put five things on my face. My skin has to breathe. The body's largest organ." — Kim Baker (41:39)
• Technique: Less is more; skepticism about lash extensions; natural glam.

10. Wellness, Self-Care, & Family (44:02–49:13)

• Me-time: Intentionally unwinds at home with movies and bonding with daughter.
• Daughter’s perspective: Natasha shares memories of a non-traditional, dynamic upbringing filled with creative energy and relentless drive.
  • "The queen bee is always bigger than a worker bee. That was the slogan." — Natasha (48:08)

11. Final Reflections on Inner Beauty (49:14–50:25)

• When Kim feels most beautiful: Tied to her humanitarian nature, generosity, and the dignity she radiates—not just external features.
  • "A lot of people don't realize the most beautiful part of me is my heart. I'm really a humanitarian at heart." — Kim Baker (49:26)

Memorable Quotes

• “My mom was my first image of real beauty… she forced me to learn the history of black people outside of slavery. You can’t help but walk around with your head held high.” — Kim Baker (01:44)
• "I was 14 years old at Studio 54… I would get to talk to Andy Warhol. Yes, the Andy Warhol." — Kim Baker (07:31)
• “I almost got sentenced to 65 years to life… the judge said that I was one of the best decisions that he’s ever made for a second chance.” — Kim Baker (15:39)
• “I was sent there [a fat farm] as a size four. To get to a two.” — Kim Baker (20:29)
• “I didn’t want to take a chance on the makeup artist… not knowing how to do my makeup. I got tired of being gray.” — Kim Baker (24:51)
• "You have to have faith... You either swim or you sink. So you got to figure it out." — Kim Baker (31:37)
• "I'll buy, like, I have a dildo... I put it all over my face... makes the blood circulate." — Kim Baker (39:44)
• "A lot of people don't realize the most beautiful part of me is my heart. I'm really a humanitarian at heart." — Kim Baker (49:26)

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• 00:37 — Kim’s reflections on beauty and upbringing
• 04:46 — Early modeling & industry abuse
• 07:31 — Studio 54, Andy Warhol, NYC nightlife in the '90s
• 09:37 — Going into labor at Grace Jones’s party
• 15:39 — Facing 65 years in prison & judge’s life-changing decision
• 20:29 — Pressures and extremes of body image in modeling
• 24:51 — Doing her own makeup, work with Bobbi Brown
• 29:03 — How a chance styling for Tom Cruise changed her trajectory
• 31:37 — Faith and survival during hard times
• 39:44 — Iconic skincare tip: facial massage with a vibrator
• 41:39 — Emphasis on minimal, breathable makeup
• 49:26 — Kim’s definition of beauty: heart over appearance

Episode Tone and Takeaways

Lively, unfiltered, and deeply empowering, this episode is packed with wisdom for beauty-industry insiders and anyone inspired by stories of perseverance. Kim Baker is both disarmingly candid about her struggles and fiercely proud of her Blackness, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision. The episode is as much about inner strength and reinvention as it is about makeup and style. Both Kim and Natasha exude warmth, humor, and authenticity, offering rare, firsthand insight into how beauty is lived—not just worn.