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Today, I’m chatting with Tolu Funso, an Atlanta-based makeup artist. Tolu describes her approach to makeup as “skincare-obsessed natural glam,” and she truly does take her time to ensure every detail looks flawless—from your foundation to eyeshadow.  Though she’s now an in-demand makeup artist in Atlanta and beyond, Tolu didn’t set out to become a beauty professional. She graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. But eventually, her interest in makeup grew, and she started educating herself on techniques and growing her client base. In 2020, Tolu made makeup artistry her full-time career, and she’s been soaring ever since. She’s worked with celebrities like Michaela Coel and beauty brands like Glosshood. She’s also gearing up to launch a makeup course for beginners.  Press play to hear from Tolu, and I hope you enjoy the episode!  Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com Stay connected with Tolu on Instagram: @goldfacedartistryJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ 

Today, I’m chatting with Gwen Jimmere. Gwen is a natural hair guru and CEO/Founder of Naturalicious. The idea to launch a natural hair brand came to Gwen in 2013. That year, she was dealing with being laid off, a divorce, and caring for her 1-year-old son. At the time, she had $32 to her name and had to think critically about what to do to generate income. That’s when she decided to turn her hobby of creating all-natural hair care products into a business. Gwen’s resilience has propelled Naturalicious to incredible success—the brand is sold in major retail stores like Whole Foods, Sally Beauty and Ulta Beauty. She’s also made history as the first African American woman to hold a patent for a natural hair product. Gwen has also grown her Detroit-based team from 1 to 13, expanded into skincare and supplements, and written a book.  During the episode, Gwen and I chatted about her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Press play to hear from Gwen and I hope you enjoy the episode!  Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com Stay connected with Gwen Jimmere on Instagram: @gwenjimmereStay connected with Naturalicious on Instagram: @naturalicious_beautyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_  Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with the one and only Kiyah Wright. She is a 2x Emmy-award-winning hairstylist. Her client roster includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood—like Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Halle Berry, and Taraji P. Henson.  Kiyah joined me on the podcast to discuss her incredible beauty career. We talked about how she went from doing hair in DC to immersing herself in the world of celebrity hairstyling in New York and LA. She filled me in on what it was like being the in-house hairstylist for Bad Boy Records and the Tyra Banks Show. We also talked about what she’s been up to lately. She runs a hair brand called Muze Hair. She is also gearing up for the launch of her book, From Beauty to Business, which debuts this month.  Press play to hear from Kiyah, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do! Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Kiyah Wright on Instagram: @kiyahwrightJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_

Today, I’m chatting with Jazmin Alvarez, the founder of Pretty Well Beauty; a digital destination focused on making clean beauty accessible. Jazmin grew up connected to the beauty industry as her mother was a hairstylist. However, she embarked on a career in the casting and production industry. She’s worked with brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Fenty Beauty. Eventually, she launched Pretty Well Beauty. It is an endeavor that was truly born out of her desire to shift perceptions around clean beauty and create a more inclusive clean beauty and wellness marketplace. If you want to hear about what it’s been like building Pretty Well Beauty and some of her product must-haves, press play to hear from Jazmin. I hope you enjoy the episode! Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com Stay connected with Jazmin Alvarez on Instagram: @shoegirlnyc Stay connected with Pretty Well Beauty on Instagram: @prettywellbeautyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereport Stay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_  Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with Schae Graham, a beauty content creator and the social media manager for Topicals. Schae is really that girl when it comes to content—she has an eye for creating beautiful, aesthetically pleasing videos and photos. But beyond that, her reviews and tutorials are so engaging and fun.  During the episode, Schae and I chatted about so much. We discussed her career as a social media manager for beauty brands like Topicals and Mayvenn, the highs and lows of being a creator, the tools she uses to create her content, and her favorite products. Keep listening to hear from Schae, and I hope you enjoy the episode!  Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com Stay connected with Schae on Instagram: @schaebreezy_Join The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereport 

Today, I’m chatting with Toshia Baker, the founder of ButterMeUpGoods. Toshia’s brand offers luxurious skincare and body care products made with plant-based ingredients. She began building her company in 2011 when she was going through personal evolution. Toshia decided to go vegan, which led her to pay closer attention to the body care products she was using. Ultimately, this led her to start her skincare line. During the episode, Toshia opened up about growing up in a small town in Alabama, turning her passion for skincare into a brand recognized by influencers like Jackie Aina, and her plans for 2022. Keep listening to hear from Toshia, and I hope you enjoy the episode! Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com  Stay connected with Toshia Baker on Instagram: @songbirdshia Stay connected with ButterMeUpGoods on Instagram: @buttermeupgoodsJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_  Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with Barbara Jacques, the founder of Jacq’s Skincare. Barbara’s journey began in 2010 when she learned she was pregnant and had an ovarian tumor. Her diagnosis set her on a path to learn more about what she was putting in and on her body. That’s when she discovered the glaring fact that products marketed to black women contain more toxic chemicals than those sold to other women. Ultimately, this inspired her to launch her vegan skincare line for women of color. During the episode we chatted about what it was like transitioning from being product-obsessed to a more intentional beauty consumer, the lessons she’s learned as a founder, and what her current beauty routine consists of. Keep listening to hear from Barbara and I hope you enjoy the episode!Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com  Stay connected with Barbara Jacques on Instagram: @_barbarajacquesStay connected with Jacq's Skincare on Instagram: @shopjacqsJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_  Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I'm chatting with Camille Bell, the co-founder of Poundcake. The brand has become known for its red lipsticks formulated for your unique skin and lip tone. During the episode, Camille discusses how a trip to Sephora sparked the idea to launch a beauty brand, why she rejects the idea of universal lipstick shades, and why it took working with three different labs to land on a formula she loves. Press play to hear from Camille, and I hope you enjoy the episode!  Let me know your thoughts on the episode! Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport or email me at hello@thehuereport.com  Stay connected with Camille Bell on Instagram: @camilleashleybellStay connected with Poundcake on Instagram: @poundcakeJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereport Stay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_  Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I'm chatting with Khadidja Toure, the founder of Kubra Kay Skincare. Khadidja's interest in skincare started at an early age as she would watch her mother concoct different skin remedies in the kitchen inspired by her West African roots. When she got older and landed her first job out of college, Khadidja began traveling frequently, and being constantly on the go affected her skin. During her travels, she began to seek out locals for their best-kept skincare secrets. She saw that different cultures relied on various powerhouse ingredients, many of them being some of her mother's favorites like shea butter or cocoa butter.  These experiences laid the groundwork for Kubra Kay. Since launching, Khadidja has been working to empower others every day through Kubra Kay's clean, high-performing products. During our conversation, Khadidja and I chatted about her skincare journey and what it's been like building Kubra Kay. Keep listening to hear from Khadidja, and I hope you enjoy the episode!  Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.com

Today, I'm chatting with Mimi Johnson, an Atlanta-based celebrity makeup artist. She is also the founder of makeup brand The Glamatory and membership community/ subscription box for women entrepreneurs Grind Pretty.  I was really excited to finally connect with Mimi because she's helped support The Hue Report in a major way. Last year, the podcast received a grant from Grind Pretty and Lottabody.  With it, we were able to do our brand refresh and come back for season two.  During our conversation, Mimi and I chatted about when her passion for beauty began, how she transitioned from her corporate career to being a full-time makeup artist, and the products she always keeps in her kit. Press play to hear from Mimi J and I hope you enjoy the episode!Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.com Stay connected with Mimi Johnson on Instagram: @mimijonlineSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + Spotify Join The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereport Stay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with Tisha Thompson,  a veteran in the clean beauty space. She started as a makeup artist in the early 2000s and spent most of her career working with PÜR Cosmetics in Atlanta. Tisha started with the brand as a marketing manager in 2007 before becoming vice president of marketing and innovation in 2012. While she was there, she was committed to diversifying clean beauty and was the driving force behind PUR Cosmetics' 100-shade foundation collection. Throughout her career, Tisha has noticed this perpetuated myth that clean, non-toxic ingredients, deep shade ranges, and high-performance products could not coexist. Wanting to put this idea to rest, Thompson decided to leave her job and launch LYS Beauty earlier this year. And right out the gate, she’s made history as Sephora's first Black-owned clean color cosmetics brand.  During our conversation, we chat about when her interest in beauty began, climbing the ranks at PUR Cosmetics, and building LYS Beauty. Keep listening to hear from Tisha and I hope you enjoy the episode.  Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with LYS Beauty on Instagram: @lysbeautyofficialSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with St. Clair Detrick-Jules, an Afro-Caribbean-American author, photographer, and activist. She’s joining me on the show to talk about her photojournalism book, My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood. The book debuts today, and it is the most beautiful love letter to Black women and our hair.  St. Clair specifically created the book for a special little girl in her life, her sister Khloe. We dive deep into the backstory during the episode, but to give a bit of insight, when Khloe was four, she came home crying because her classmates had bullied her about her afro. After hearing about her sister’s experiences, St. Clair felt compelled to do something to remind Khloe and every other Black woman that their hair is beautiful. And that’s how this book was born.  St. Clair interviewed 101 Black women of all ages for the book, and we chatted about what that process was like. We also talk about the Black hair experience—everything from the big chop to overcoming natural hair discrimination. Keep listening to hear from St. Clair, and I hope you enjoy the episode!Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with St. Clair Detrick-Jules on Instagram: @stclairdetrickjulesSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with Nickie Nougaisse, the founder of Curls Dynasty. When Nickie decided to transition away from relaxers, she found herself in the kitchen trying to concoct things that would help nourish her hair. Her efforts were successful, and it wasn't long before her family and friends took notice. After getting consistent requests from co-workers and friends to make products for them, Nickie realized she had something special, and Curls Dynasty was born. During our conversation, Nickie talks about the journey from just selling her products to her inner circle to opening an Etsy shop to having Curls Dynasty on the shelves of major retailers like Target. Keep listening to hear from Nickie, and I hope you enjoy the episode!Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Curls Dynasty: @curlsdynastySubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with Bernard and James Bronner, who are a part of the legendary Bronner Bros. family. The brand’s history dates back to 1947 when Dr. Nathaniel Bronner, Sr., his brother, Arthur Bronner, Sr., and their sister, Emma Bronner, began teaching cosmetologists at the Butler Street YMCA in Atlanta, Georgia. In the years that followed, Bronner Bros. became known for iconic hair products like SuperGro and their International Beauty Show, which is usually based in Atlanta. Bronner Bros. is one of those brands that is so connected to Black culture and Black beauty culture. My mom and her sister used the products, and then my mom used them on me as a kid. So, needless to say, it was a pleasure to chat with James and Bernard Bronner and learn more about the company’s seven-decade history. During our conversation, we chat about the brand’s roots in Atlanta, the business and life lessons they learned watching their father grow the business, and what to expect from the next generation of their family. Tune in to hear from the Bronner Bros., and I hope you enjoy the episode. Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Bronner Bros: @bronnerbrosSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!

Today, I’m chatting with Tamika Gibson,  the woman behind Bold Hold. With over 348K followers on Instagram, Bold Hold has become the go-to brand amongst stylists for wig products like adhesives. Tamika is a wig expert and has worked with everyone from Faith Evans to Keke Wyatt. Before becoming a full-time hairstylist, she was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and did her fellow soldiers’ hair. During our conversation, we talk about how her time in the military prepared her for her career as a hairstylist, retiring from styling at 40 and launching Bold Hold, and her tips for wig beginners. Tune in to hear from Tamika, and I hope you enjoy the episode! Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Tamika: @iamtamikagibsonStay connected with Bold Hold: @boldholdlaceamericaSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people! 

Today, I’m chatting with Brittaney Trent, a brand marketing expert and aesthetician. Brittaney has worked in editorial roles at companies like AOL, Yahoo, Buzzfeed, and TULA. She’s covered everything from sports to entertainment, but she found her true passion in beauty storytelling and skincare. During our conversation, we chat about the lessons she’s learned while navigating her career in journalism, how her love for skincare led her to pursue her aesthetician license, and her tips on building a skincare routine. Keep listening to hear from Brittaney, and I hope you enjoy the episode!Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Brittaney Trent: @brittaneytrentSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people! 

Today, I’m chatting with Jamila Powell, who is the founder of Naturally Drenched. Jamila has an incredibly interesting story—she’s an attorney turned beauty entrepreneur. Her official debut into the beauty world came after she became a mother. After having a conversation with a friend about weaves and haircare, she decided to open up a natural hair salon in Florida called Maggie Rose. This year, Jamila decided to deepen her footprint in beauty by launching a vegan hair product line called Naturally Drenched.  During our conversation, we talk about her journey from salon owner to beauty brand founder, developing products, and her haircare tips. Press play to hear from Jamila, and I hope you enjoy the episode!Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Naturally Drenched: @naturallydrenched Subscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people! 

Today, I’m excited to be chatting with Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen. During our conversation, Shontay discusses what it’s been like building a better sunscreen for Black people. She talks about how she started by doing some very simple Google searches like “sunscreen for brown skin” and “sunscreen for black skin.” The results she saw offered nothing that spoke to her. So, from there, she hit the ground running to develop what we know today as Black Girl Sunscreen. The brand's products offer sun protection sans the sticky, white residue many SPF products leave on melanin-rich skin. Tune in to hear all of the personal and professional insights Shontay shares! Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Tag me on Instagram @thehuereport while you're listening or email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Black Girl Sunscreen: @blackgirlsunscreenStay connected with Shontay Lundy: @shontaylundySubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people! 

When Alisia Ford left Los Angeles and moved to Portland, she lost access to her trusted aestheticians and dermatologists. This prompted her to start thinking about the lack of widespread access women of color have to non-toxic skincare products and experts that understand their needs. And that’s when she decided to launch Glory Skincare, an online destination that provides clean skincare and self-care essentials for every hue. During our conversation, we chat about transitioning from a career in law to beauty, her skincare essentials, and her advice for budding beauty entrepreneurs. Press play to hear from Alisia! Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Email me at hello@thehuereport.comStay connected with Glory Skincare: @gloryskincareStay connected with Alisia Ford: @alisiamfordSubscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + SpotifyJoin The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereportFollow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereportStay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people! 

The Hue Report is back! I’m kicking off season two with a chat with Maya Smith, founder of The Doux. The brand is known for its affordable salon-quality natural hair products that have a Hip-Hop flair.  During our conversation, we talked about what it was like running a natural hair salon in Germany, returning to America and growing The Doux, and the future of the natural hair care industry. Press play to hear from Maya Smith! Have thoughts/comments on the episode? Email me at hello@thehuereport.com Stay connected with The Doux: @ilovethedoux Stay connected with Maya Smith: @ouidoux Subscribe and support The Hue Report on Apple Podcasts + Spotify Join The Hue Report community on Instagram: @thehuereport Follow The Hue Report on Twitter: @thehuereport Stay in touch with me on Instagram: @oliviahancock_ Thank you so much for listening, beautiful people!