The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show

Episode: Agent Nateur's Jena Covello On The Secrets Behind Clean Beauty, Healing Endometriosis & Balancing Hormone Health
Hosts: Lauryn Evarts Bosstick & Michael Bosstick
Guest: Jena Covello (Founder, Agent Nateur)
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

Lauryn and Michael Bosstick sit down with Jena Covello, founder of cult-favorite clean beauty brand Agent Nateur. This episode dives deep into Jena's personal journey from a tough upbringing to leading a $20M+ self-funded business. She discusses overcoming bullying, battling chronic health issues (notably endometriosis), the power and pitfalls of being outspoken online, and her relentless commitment to formulating truly efficacious clean beauty products. The conversation is raw, witty and full of tangible advice for entrepreneurs, those struggling with hormone or skin issues, as well as anyone rethinking what “clean” really means in beauty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dealing with Online Criticism, Bullying & Staying Authentic

Internet Hatred & Bullying:
- Jena talks about being both loved and hated on the internet, facing criticism over trivial things like wearing gel nail polish ([01:01], [45:50]).
- “They, like, love to hate me. But you know what? If you don’t have haters, you’re not successful, right?” – Jena Covello [01:06]
- Michael and Lauryn relate this to wider experiences of bullying, especially over the Internet – “...the people that are constantly trying to conform and like please strangers on the Internet are the ones that get it the worst.” – Michael Bosstick [01:35]
Transforming Negativity:
- Jena explains she transmutes negative energy into motivation and growth:
  “I thank them for it because every time they give me that energy, I look at it as more success.” [04:29]
On Being Polarizing:
- Jena attributes polarizing responses to her directness and honesty, and to not trying to be “perfect” or inauthentic online:
  “I’m just myself...I don’t think we know how to be fake from New Jersey.” [04:58]

2. Entrepreneurial Journey: Hustle, Vision, and Agent Nateur’s Origin

Tough Upbringing & Early Hustle:
- Jena shares about growing up in Trenton, NJ amid violence and intolerance, fueling her ambition early on.
  “I used all of that as motivation to say, one day I’m going to be very successful. Success is the best revenge, right?” [05:44]
Formulating (& Trapping) in the Kitchen:
- Her earliest entrepreneurial activities included “cooking” (formulating) and selling drugs as a teen ([06:47], with tongue-in-cheek humor), later paralleled in hand-making her first natural deodorant in her kitchen for nine months ([07:42], [16:05]).
- “You were whipping stuff up in the kitchen, and now you still are.” – Lauryn [07:44]
Genesis of Agent Nateur:
- Sparked by her search for a natural deodorant that worked during her battle with endometriosis and post-ayahuasca ceremony ([13:27], [15:53]).
- Jena started with $300:
  "I started this brand with $300 and I was able to take it to X amount on my own without loans, debt, or VCs." [43:49]
First Product Wins:
- Early product—her signature deodorant—quickly became a hit with friends, family, even Naomi Campbell, and had immediate profitability [17:43].

3. Clean Beauty, Formulation Integrity & Industry Critique

Formulation Over Marketing:
- Jena describes how Agent Nateur puts maximal focus and budget into ingredients and potency, not just marketing:
  "They’re spending all their money on marketing versus putting that money into the formulation, and that’s really what sets Agent apart.” [09:35]
- “If you’re going to buy a product, it has to be efficacious. Why buy it if it doesn’t work?” [11:48]
Global Sourcing & Standards:
- She sources actives from Europe, adheres to strict EU standards, and pushes for potent, safe, and pregnancy-friendly formulas [09:35–10:58].
Raising Industry Red Flags:
- Critiques other brands for diluting formulas, misleading about product efficacy, and using less-than-transparent ingredients.
  “A lot of brands market ‘clean,’ but their formulas don’t really work.” [54:36]

4. Endometriosis, Hormone Health & Personal Healing

Struggles with Endometriosis:
- Jena shares her health struggles and how eliminating aluminum-based antiperspirants played a part in her healing, alongside other holistic practices [13:34].
- “I was using these natural deodorants, and they made me smell so bad...so I cooked my own deodorant.” [15:53]
Collagen, Supplements & Hormone Balancing:
- Collaborated with Dr. Will Cole to design supplements and understand estrogen dominance.
- Jena busts myths about collagen: “They dilute it. So you’re not getting a true efficacious dose.” [33:36], [19:24–34:35]
- On balancing hormones: strict anti-inflammatory AIP diet, avoidance of phytoestrogens, and individualized care ([34:35–35:53]).

5. Personal Brand, Controversy & Cancel Culture

Navigating Social Media Authentically:
- Jena discusses showing up unapologetically as herself, then moving some of her most polarizing views off the main brand page due to retailer pressures ([36:07]).
- On political content and cancel culture: “There are always two sides to the story...I appreciate having an open dialogue...instead of being in an echo chamber.” [38:01]
- “The people who are canceled are the ones who build outside leverage they can’t control. If you keep showing up and creating, you cannot be canceled.” – Michael [43:07]
Why She Refuses VC Money:
- “I don’t want to be controlled. I want to be able to say and do what I want. I run my brand from an intuitive place." [43:49]

6. Beauty, Lifestyle & Wellness Hot Takes

Fragrance & Toxins:
- Nuanced take: "Not all synthetics are bad and not all naturals are great...Fragrance is not always listed, so you can’t always know what’s in it.” [62:10]
- “The two most important things to cut out are fluoride in toothpaste and aluminum” ([64:42])
Body Signals & Self-Awareness:
- Advocates for listening to your body rather than masking symptoms (odor, bad breath), and for spiritual as well as physical health [65:47]
- “When people’s lives are not working, take a look and observe everything—friends, family, what they’re eating, their spirituality…” [53:24]

7. Rapid-Fire Tips, Products, and Fun Personal Moments

Best Hair Growth Tips ([69:08])

Know if hair is shedding or breaking
For breakage: thyroid, anemia, low vitamin D, or over-processing
#1 tip: “Coat your hair in coconut oil, especially in the sun/saltwater. I came back from Europe with the best hair of my life!” [69:08–70:11]
Product: Holy Growth topical spray, Holy Mane collagen, astragalus supplements, and spermidine for gray hair delay

Must-Have Agent Nateur Products

Jena’s pick: “Holy Mane. It’s the one thing everyone should use.” [72:30]
Lauryn’s faves: Collagen (“I froth two scoops in the morning”), Body Balm (“gives you the prettiest clavicle, gorgeous legs”) [72:32–72:48]
Both rave about the scalp spray and body balm for skin and hair hydration [73:07]

On Nail Polish Drama

Jena faced “cancellation” for wearing gels: “They need to go work. When you’re picking apart someone for nail polish, it’s time to look in the mirror.” [45:41–46:32]

Balance & Moderation

All agree: 80/20 lifestyle—mostly clean and non-toxic, but not black-or-white rigid.
- “If you can live 80–90% of your life clean...then you don’t have to face toxic overload all the time.” – Michael [49:03]
- “I follow the 80:20 rule too.” – Jena [49:32]

Relationship Realness

Discussions around separate bathrooms and beds for relationship harmony (“Patricia from Southern Charm says, the key to marriage is not to sleep in the same bed”) [74:47–76:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Exchanges

On haters and success:
“If you don't have haters, you're not successful, right?” – Jena [01:06]
On adversity:
“I used all of that [bullying] as motivation...Success is the best revenge, right?” – Jena [05:44]
On efficacy in clean beauty:
“They’re spending all their money on marketing versus putting that money into the formulation, and that’s really what sets agent apart.” – Jena [09:35]
On online authenticity:
“I’m just myself...I don’t think we know how to be fake from New Jersey.” – Jena [04:58]
On cancel culture:
“If you keep showing up and creating and saying your thing, you cannot be canceled.” – Michael [43:07]
On product integrity:
“They dilute it. So you’re not getting a true efficacious dose.” – Jena on other collagen brands [33:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:01] Reddit criticism & bullying online
[05:44] Growing up in Trenton; adversity fueling ambition
[07:42] Early entrepreneurial hustles ("trapping in the kitchen")
[13:27] Ayahuasca, endometriosis, health turning point
[17:43] First momentum with Agent Nateur
[19:24] Collagen myths, supplement formulation, and Dr. Will Cole
[34:35] Healing protocols & hormone balancing
[36:07] Separating business and personal brand online
[38:01–41:43] Cancel culture, echo chambers, political identity
[43:49] Refusing VC and maintaining creative control
[54:36] Misleading practices in beauty industry
[62:10] Hidden toxins, fragrance controversy
[69:08–73:07] Hair growth tips, hero products, rapid-fire wellness
[74:47–76:50] Relationship/bedroom & marital success stories

Final Takeaways

Authenticity is everything: Jena’s refusal to conform or filter herself—despite waves of criticism—remains her superpower both online and as a brand founder.
Clean beauty must also be effective: The industry is rife with greenwashing and diluted claims; Jena’s obsession with ingredient purity and efficacy sets Agent Nateur apart.
Advocate for your own health: Pay attention to body cues, question mainstream narratives (from beauty to supplements to food), and consider a holistic approach, especially for complex conditions like endometriosis or hormonal imbalance.
Beware of black-and-white thinking: Whether in wellness or online discourse, allowing for nuance and curiosity is healthier than rigid echo chambers.
Entrepreneurial inspiration: Starting with very little capital and no outside funding is possible if you combine relentless grit, personal vision, and product integrity.

Follow Jena:

Instagram: @jenacovello
Brand: @agentnateur | agentnateur.com (Code "skinny" for 15% off)

Listen for:

Unexpected and honest takes on beauty standards, hormone health, and entrepreneurship.
Practical tips for detoxifying your routine and healing your body, inside and out.
A refreshingly candid look at what resilience and self-belief look like behind the scenes.

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dealing with Online Criticism, Bullying & Staying Authentic

Internet Hatred & Bullying:
- Jena talks about being both loved and hated on the internet, facing criticism over trivial things like wearing gel nail polish ([01:01], [45:50]).
- “They, like, love to hate me. But you know what? If you don’t have haters, you’re not successful, right?” – Jena Covello [01:06]
- Michael and Lauryn relate this to wider experiences of bullying, especially over the Internet – “...the people that are constantly trying to conform and like please strangers on the Internet are the ones that get it the worst.” – Michael Bosstick [01:35]
Transforming Negativity:
- Jena explains she transmutes negative energy into motivation and growth:
  “I thank them for it because every time they give me that energy, I look at it as more success.” [04:29]
On Being Polarizing:
- Jena attributes polarizing responses to her directness and honesty, and to not trying to be “perfect” or inauthentic online:
  “I’m just myself...I don’t think we know how to be fake from New Jersey.” [04:58]

2. Entrepreneurial Journey: Hustle, Vision, and Agent Nateur’s Origin

Tough Upbringing & Early Hustle:
- Jena shares about growing up in Trenton, NJ amid violence and intolerance, fueling her ambition early on.
  “I used all of that as motivation to say, one day I’m going to be very successful. Success is the best revenge, right?” [05:44]
Formulating (& Trapping) in the Kitchen:
- Her earliest entrepreneurial activities included “cooking” (formulating) and selling drugs as a teen ([06:47], with tongue-in-cheek humor), later paralleled in hand-making her first natural deodorant in her kitchen for nine months ([07:42], [16:05]).
- “You were whipping stuff up in the kitchen, and now you still are.” – Lauryn [07:44]
Genesis of Agent Nateur:
- Sparked by her search for a natural deodorant that worked during her battle with endometriosis and post-ayahuasca ceremony ([13:27], [15:53]).
- Jena started with $300:
  "I started this brand with $300 and I was able to take it to X amount on my own without loans, debt, or VCs." [43:49]
First Product Wins:
- Early product—her signature deodorant—quickly became a hit with friends, family, even Naomi Campbell, and had immediate profitability [17:43].

3. Clean Beauty, Formulation Integrity & Industry Critique

Formulation Over Marketing:
- Jena describes how Agent Nateur puts maximal focus and budget into ingredients and potency, not just marketing:
  "They’re spending all their money on marketing versus putting that money into the formulation, and that’s really what sets Agent apart.” [09:35]
- “If you’re going to buy a product, it has to be efficacious. Why buy it if it doesn’t work?” [11:48]
Global Sourcing & Standards:
- She sources actives from Europe, adheres to strict EU standards, and pushes for potent, safe, and pregnancy-friendly formulas [09:35–10:58].
Raising Industry Red Flags:
- Critiques other brands for diluting formulas, misleading about product efficacy, and using less-than-transparent ingredients.
  “A lot of brands market ‘clean,’ but their formulas don’t really work.” [54:36]

4. Endometriosis, Hormone Health & Personal Healing

Struggles with Endometriosis:
- Jena shares her health struggles and how eliminating aluminum-based antiperspirants played a part in her healing, alongside other holistic practices [13:34].
- “I was using these natural deodorants, and they made me smell so bad...so I cooked my own deodorant.” [15:53]
Collagen, Supplements & Hormone Balancing:
- Collaborated with Dr. Will Cole to design supplements and understand estrogen dominance.
- Jena busts myths about collagen: “They dilute it. So you’re not getting a true efficacious dose.” [33:36], [19:24–34:35]
- On balancing hormones: strict anti-inflammatory AIP diet, avoidance of phytoestrogens, and individualized care ([34:35–35:53]).

5. Personal Brand, Controversy & Cancel Culture

Navigating Social Media Authentically:
- Jena discusses showing up unapologetically as herself, then moving some of her most polarizing views off the main brand page due to retailer pressures ([36:07]).
- On political content and cancel culture: “There are always two sides to the story...I appreciate having an open dialogue...instead of being in an echo chamber.” [38:01]
- “The people who are canceled are the ones who build outside leverage they can’t control. If you keep showing up and creating, you cannot be canceled.” – Michael [43:07]
Why She Refuses VC Money:
- “I don’t want to be controlled. I want to be able to say and do what I want. I run my brand from an intuitive place." [43:49]

6. Beauty, Lifestyle & Wellness Hot Takes

Fragrance & Toxins:
- Nuanced take: "Not all synthetics are bad and not all naturals are great...Fragrance is not always listed, so you can’t always know what’s in it.” [62:10]
- “The two most important things to cut out are fluoride in toothpaste and aluminum” ([64:42])
Body Signals & Self-Awareness:
- Advocates for listening to your body rather than masking symptoms (odor, bad breath), and for spiritual as well as physical health [65:47]
- “When people’s lives are not working, take a look and observe everything—friends, family, what they’re eating, their spirituality…” [53:24]

7. Rapid-Fire Tips, Products, and Fun Personal Moments

Best Hair Growth Tips ([69:08])

Know if hair is shedding or breaking
For breakage: thyroid, anemia, low vitamin D, or over-processing
#1 tip: “Coat your hair in coconut oil, especially in the sun/saltwater. I came back from Europe with the best hair of my life!” [69:08–70:11]
Product: Holy Growth topical spray, Holy Mane collagen, astragalus supplements, and spermidine for gray hair delay

Must-Have Agent Nateur Products

Jena’s pick: “Holy Mane. It’s the one thing everyone should use.” [72:30]
Lauryn’s faves: Collagen (“I froth two scoops in the morning”), Body Balm (“gives you the prettiest clavicle, gorgeous legs”) [72:32–72:48]
Both rave about the scalp spray and body balm for skin and hair hydration [73:07]

On Nail Polish Drama

Jena faced “cancellation” for wearing gels: “They need to go work. When you’re picking apart someone for nail polish, it’s time to look in the mirror.” [45:41–46:32]

Balance & Moderation

All agree: 80/20 lifestyle—mostly clean and non-toxic, but not black-or-white rigid.
- “If you can live 80–90% of your life clean...then you don’t have to face toxic overload all the time.” – Michael [49:03]
- “I follow the 80:20 rule too.” – Jena [49:32]

Relationship Realness

Discussions around separate bathrooms and beds for relationship harmony (“Patricia from Southern Charm says, the key to marriage is not to sleep in the same bed”) [74:47–76:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Exchanges

On haters and success:
“If you don't have haters, you're not successful, right?” – Jena [01:06]
On adversity:
“I used all of that [bullying] as motivation...Success is the best revenge, right?” – Jena [05:44]
On efficacy in clean beauty:
“They’re spending all their money on marketing versus putting that money into the formulation, and that’s really what sets agent apart.” – Jena [09:35]
On online authenticity:
“I’m just myself...I don’t think we know how to be fake from New Jersey.” – Jena [04:58]
On cancel culture:
“If you keep showing up and creating and saying your thing, you cannot be canceled.” – Michael [43:07]
On product integrity:
“They dilute it. So you’re not getting a true efficacious dose.” – Jena on other collagen brands [33:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:01] Reddit criticism & bullying online
[05:44] Growing up in Trenton; adversity fueling ambition
[07:42] Early entrepreneurial hustles ("trapping in the kitchen")
[13:27] Ayahuasca, endometriosis, health turning point
[17:43] First momentum with Agent Nateur
[19:24] Collagen myths, supplement formulation, and Dr. Will Cole
[34:35] Healing protocols & hormone balancing
[36:07] Separating business and personal brand online
[38:01–41:43] Cancel culture, echo chambers, political identity
[43:49] Refusing VC and maintaining creative control
[54:36] Misleading practices in beauty industry
[62:10] Hidden toxins, fragrance controversy
[69:08–73:07] Hair growth tips, hero products, rapid-fire wellness
[74:47–76:50] Relationship/bedroom & marital success stories

Final Takeaways

Authenticity is everything: Jena’s refusal to conform or filter herself—despite waves of criticism—remains her superpower both online and as a brand founder.
Clean beauty must also be effective: The industry is rife with greenwashing and diluted claims; Jena’s obsession with ingredient purity and efficacy sets Agent Nateur apart.
Advocate for your own health: Pay attention to body cues, question mainstream narratives (from beauty to supplements to food), and consider a holistic approach, especially for complex conditions like endometriosis or hormonal imbalance.
Beware of black-and-white thinking: Whether in wellness or online discourse, allowing for nuance and curiosity is healthier than rigid echo chambers.
Entrepreneurial inspiration: Starting with very little capital and no outside funding is possible if you combine relentless grit, personal vision, and product integrity.

Follow Jena:

Instagram: @jenacovello
Brand: @agentnateur | agentnateur.com (Code "skinny" for 15% off)

Listen for:

Unexpected and honest takes on beauty standards, hormone health, and entrepreneurship.
Practical tips for detoxifying your routine and healing your body, inside and out.
A refreshingly candid look at what resilience and self-belief look like behind the scenes.

Agent Nateur's Jena Covello On The Secrets Behind Clean Beauty, Healing Endometriosis & Balancing Hormone Health

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Summary

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dealing with Online Criticism, Bullying & Staying Authentic

2. Entrepreneurial Journey: Hustle, Vision, and Agent Nateur’s Origin

3. Clean Beauty, Formulation Integrity & Industry Critique

4. Endometriosis, Hormone Health & Personal Healing

5. Personal Brand, Controversy & Cancel Culture

6. Beauty, Lifestyle & Wellness Hot Takes

7. Rapid-Fire Tips, Products, and Fun Personal Moments

Best Hair Growth Tips ([69:08])

Must-Have Agent Nateur Products

On Nail Polish Drama

Balance & Moderation

Relationship Realness

Notable Quotes & Memorable Exchanges

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Takeaways

Summary

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dealing with Online Criticism, Bullying & Staying Authentic

2. Entrepreneurial Journey: Hustle, Vision, and Agent Nateur’s Origin

3. Clean Beauty, Formulation Integrity & Industry Critique

4. Endometriosis, Hormone Health & Personal Healing

5. Personal Brand, Controversy & Cancel Culture

6. Beauty, Lifestyle & Wellness Hot Takes

7. Rapid-Fire Tips, Products, and Fun Personal Moments

Best Hair Growth Tips ([69:08])

Must-Have Agent Nateur Products

On Nail Polish Drama

Balance & Moderation

Relationship Realness

Notable Quotes & Memorable Exchanges

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Takeaways