Nourify and Beautify
Is your beauty routine really helping you to be more beautiful? Are the products you use effective, tested, or safe? It’s time to look at the other side of beauty. Every week, we bring you insider information from industry leaders who reveal the secrets behind their products. We explore everything from the personal journeys that led to the creation of your favorite products to the testing procedures used to ensure their safety. Whether you have an established skincare routine or you’re looking for trustworthy beauty insights, let Nourify & Beautify be your guide.
Episodes

Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
10 Winter Wellness Tips | Pria Joshi
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
The holiday season is here, and between cooking and spending time with family, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The added stress can impact your health, leading to issues like hair loss and dry skin. But don’t worry—the Nortify and Beautify team is here to help! We’ve gathered 10 winter wellness tips from Pria Joshi to help you look and feel your best throughout the holiday season.
Do More Indoor Physical Activities
While warmer weather invites you outside, winter’s chill can make it tempting to stay indoors.
But don’t let the cold keep you from moving! As Pria says, “motion is lotion” for the body.
Engage in some form of indoor exercise to stay healthy and strong.
Head to our blog for a list of YouTube channels with winter-friendly workouts to keep you active.
Consider a Vitamin D Supplement
With less sunlight in winter, our vitamin D levels can drop, impacting our skin, hair, and immune health.
If you suspect a vitamin D deficiency, consider getting a blood test to confirm. You’ll find a variety of supplements, including hair growth vitamins and calcium, to help boost your levels.
If you prefer not to take pills, vitamin D gummies offer a tasty alternative that’s like candy for your health!
Set the Tone with a Hydrating Mask
Holiday parties and family gatherings mean you’ll want to be picture-ready.
Pamper yourself with a hydrating mask to brighten and freshen your skin, helping you feel and look your best.
Make Small Changes
Don’t rush change—it will only add to holiday stress.
If your New Year’s goal is to get in shape, start with small, manageable steps now. For example, try a 10-minute YouTube workout every day.
Smaller steps make changes feel more achievable and help you build momentum for the new year.
Reduce Stress with Self-Care
The holidays often lead us to put others first, but it’s essential to make time for yourself too.
Schedule self-care into your calendar to recharge your mind and body. Your hair, skin, and mental health will thank you.
“Anything you do to help reduce the amount of cortisol your body deals with—daily, weekly, monthly—is powerful for every system. Taking time to prioritize self-care consistently is essential.” - Pria Joshi.
Resources
N&B Episode 3: Are My Beauty Products Safe?
N&B Episode 5: Setting Up a Self-Care Routine That Sticks

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Setting Up a Self-Care Routine That Sticks | Linda Yates
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Self-care days are a special time when a girl can relax and get herself together. But with so many people demanding your attention, it’s hard to find time to focus on yourself.
This is why, in this episode, I’m showing you how to set up a self-care routine that will actually fit into your busy schedule. Join me and learn how to kick back, relax, and vibe on your own terms—because you really deserve it.
Why Do You Need a Self-Care Routine?
Have you noticed that when you neglect yourself, everything else in your life starts to fall apart? You didn’t get enough sleep, so now you’re snappy when someone says hello to you.
When you take the time to care for yourself, it improves every aspect of your life—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Self-care routines help you show your true self to others. When you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to show your authentic self to the world.
Decide What Type of Self-Care Routine You Need
There are several routines you can include in your self-care day. Take the time to self-reflect and decide what you need for self-improvement. This can include:
Makeup
Skincare
Exercise
Supplements
I share a personal story of how I started embracing my makeup routine. But during the pandemic, I realized it was time to make changes in that routine. It taught me when it’s time to let go of something that no longer serves you.
I’m sure you’ve experienced something similar. Making changes in your routine allows you to grow and embrace change, even if it’s just a small shift in your makeup routine.
How To Start a New Routine and Make It Stick
I share several strategies to help you create a self-care routine that actually works:
Let your internal motivations guide you, and don’t fall into external pressure
Meditate and envision your ideal self-care routine
Conduct research on your routine
Schedule it on your calendar
If you find it difficult to stick with your routine, open up to your friends and family. They may be able to help you make adjustments where needed.
“In my 40 years of marriage, I’ve learned that when I work on myself, everything improves. When I work on myself, my relationships improve. When I work on myself, my income improves. When I work on myself, my health improves. All of these aspects improve when I prioritize self-care.” - Linda Yates

Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Design Your Personal Image | Linda Yates
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Your inner self plays a big role in your overall beauty. If you’re not feeling positive about yourself, it will show in how you carry yourself and the way people view you. But how can you create a self-image that reflects strength and beauty? Join us in this episode, where we share advice on how to build an empowering self-image and boost your self-confidence.
The Power of Self-Talk
The way you talk to yourself shapes your outer appearance. If you’re always telling yourself negative things, your self-image will be affected.
By reframing negative thoughts and focusing on self-supporting phrases like “That’s so unlike me,” you can improve your self-image and confidence. This mindset shift allows you to project a more positive version of yourself to the world.
What Constitutes Your Image?
Linda has identified 15 different aspects of image, ranging from the clothes we wear to our body language and self-care routines.
Whether it’s through the food we eat, the colors we wear, or the words we use, each element contributes to how we are perceived by others and by ourselves.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Your Image
Linda provides actionable tips for those looking to improve their image:
Mind Your Words: Eliminate filler words like “um” or “ah” to sound more confident.
Color Matters: Choose colors that complement your skin tone and highlight your natural beauty.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirmations to maintain high self-esteem.
Misconceptions About Image
One common misconception is that focusing on one’s image may be seen as shallow or superficial.
Linda dispels this myth by sharing her experience of being perceived as unapproachable due to her strong presence.
By making small tweaks, such as smiling more and adjusting her body language, she successfully changed how she was perceived without compromising her authenticity.
“What are you saying to yourself? What do you tell yourself when you experience victories? And when you face stumbling blocks? Instead of beating yourself up with thoughts like, “Oh, you’re so stupid,” or “This always happens,” change that narrative. Reframe it by saying, “That’s so unlike me.” Doing this will help elevate your image and build your confidence, shaping the way you show up in the world.” - Linda Yates.

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Are My Beauty Products Safe? | Nour Abochama
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
How do you really know that beauty products are safe to use? You can’t always trust what companies say, and even an ingredient that is generally safe may still cause a rash or reaction due to an allergy. In this episode, Nour covers the full details to help you learn whether a beauty product is safe to use.
The Importance of Beauty Product Testing
Before fully using a new beauty product, it’s important to test it on a small area of your body. This way, if you start to experience a rash or an upset stomach, you’ll know it’s because of the new product and not something else.
However, product testing isn’t just about checking for safety—it’s also about ensuring that the product’s claims are accurate.
Big Companies vs. Farmer’s Market Regulations
In the U.S., regulations for natural health products and pharmaceutical products differ.
The regulations for natural health products are less strict than those for prescription drugs.
It's a good idea to review the ingredients list for natural health products before buying to ensure there’s no contamination.
What Happens if a Beauty Product Fails Testing?
When a product fails to meet regulatory requirements, a quality control specialist will take corrective actions to ensure consumer safety.
For example, if a multivitamin does not match its label claims due to contamination or incomplete formulation, the manufacturer may revise the formulation or retest it.
In some cases, the entire batch may need to be destroyed if the contamination cannot be resolved, affecting product availability on the market.
How to Know Which Products Are Safe
Nour’s advice is to stick to organic beauty products from big brands. This way, you know the product was tested and regulated properly.
Also, always trust your body. If you notice a reaction after testing a product on yourself, it may not be safe for you.
“The most important thing is: don’t panic. Trust your body. If there’s something you’ve been using for a long time, it’s probably safe. When you have a problem, your body will usually tell you right away.” - Nour Abochama.

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Beyond Beauty Trends | Ariane Poole
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
In this episode, we talk with renowned makeup artist and entrepreneur Ariane Poole, who shares her expert advice on making informed beauty choices. With over 45 years of experience, Ariane covers everything from industry trends to choosing the best products for your needs.
Meet Ariane Poole
Ariane Poole is a highly respected makeup artist with over 45 years of experience in the beauty industry.
She has worked with celebrities, royalty, and everyday clients, earning a reputation for her expertise in enhancing natural beauty.
As the founder of Ariane Poole Cosmetics, she offers a range of makeup products designed to cater to diverse skin types and ages.
Importance of Demographic Knowledge
Ariane emphasizes the value of choosing influencers and beauty experts who understand your demographic.
She explains that while younger influencers might provide great tips, they may not fully address the concerns of women over 50.
Product Education
Consumers often fall into the trap of buying trending products without fully understanding their suitability.
Ariane highlights the importance of educating oneself on how different skin types, ages, and face shapes require different products and techniques.
One-Size-Does-Not-Fit-All
Contrary to marketing messages, Ariane explains there is no "one-size-fits-all" product.
Every individual has unique skin needs, and it’s essential to find products tailored to your specific concerns.
Confidence is Key
We all have flaws and unique traits, but we often tend to only notice our flaws.
Ariane shares why it’s important to embrace your flaws and how being confident helps you find the right beauty products.
“Our skin is constantly evolving. My skin isn’t the same as it was when I was 50. Now that I’m in my late 60s, I have to adapt to the changes.” - Ariane Poole.
Resources
Ariane Poole on Instagram
Ariane Poole Cosmetics website

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Sales and Marketing Secrets | Donald Kelly
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
As a consumer, you may view anyone in the sales and marketing world as an enemy, especially within the beauty industry.
However, you may want to reconsider. Sellers aren’t just trying to push products on you. Many take the time to review items to ensure they are safe to use and to help consumers make informed decisions.
Don’t believe us? Then listen to our special guest, Donald C. Kelly, a seasoned sales professional and CEO of TSE Studios. Join us as we explore ethical marketing practices, build awareness, and learn how to navigate online purchases.
Meet Donald Kelly
With years of experience in sales and marketing, he’s sharing exactly how sellers make safe and informed decisions about the products they sell to consumers.
He breaks down complex sales and marketing concepts and provides advice for businesses aiming to navigate the modern marketplace.
Donald advocates for businesses to prioritize integrity and trust in their marketing efforts, explaining how ethical practices can actually improve customer engagement.
Influencer Marketing Dynamics
There’s no denying the fact that video-based social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become top tools for marketing.
However, influencers aren’t required to follow the same regulations as companies, meaning they can say whatever they want about a product they’re promoting, whether it's true or not.
Some influencers are only in it for the money, while others actually take the time to test products and provide real, honest reviews.
To promote transparency, companies are now requiring influencers to disclose affiliations to enhance their credibility and accountability.
Enhancing Consumer Awareness
How can you trust and believe what you see and hear on social media? Take the time to assess an influencer’s recommendations.
Try using an app like Yuka, which scans product barcodes and rates them based on their contents.
Researching beauty products helps you avoid falling for manipulative marketing tactics.
Navigating Online Purchases
If you're not convinced about a specific product and don't want to waste money, but still want to test it, buy the sample.
This allows you to decide if the product is worth the investment before making a significant purchase.
Strategies for Small Businesses
If your business isn’t on TikTok or Instagram yet, you need to create an account now.
People want information quickly, and the best way to share it is through video-based content.
You can use YouTube as a platform for informative content on beauty products.
It’s still important to create blog posts and target long-tail keywords to improve your organic search visibility.
LinkedIn is ideal for B2B businesses looking to reach their target audience.
"And the idea of an influencer or individual with clout sharing and giving their feedback is important, but it's also critical to ensure that there is some level of responsibility involved." - Donald Kelly.
Resources
Donald Kelly on LinkedIn
TSE Studios

Monday Oct 07, 2024
What is Nourify and Beautify? | Nour Abochama and Linda Yates
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
How do you know that your cosmetic products are safe for you? Honestly, you don't know, and a product that's perfect for you may be the culprit behind your teenage daughter's extreme acne.
This is why we've come together, Nour Abochama and Linda Yates, to kick off the Nourify and Beautify podcast. In this very first episode, we're diving into what our new podcast is all about and what you can look forward to from us. Are you excited to learn more about your favorite makeup products?
Meet Nour Abochama
Nour Abochama is a prominent figure in quality control for supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
As the co-founder of Labophine Garmin Laboratories and American Testing Lab, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to excellence and consumer safety.
Her dedication to transparency and accountability has set a benchmark in the industry, motivating her to bridge the communication gap between manufacturers and consumers.
Meet Linda Yates
Linda Yates is a multifaceted professional who excels as a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, executive coach, corporate trainer, author, stylist, and voice-over talent.
Linda is deeply passionate about teaching effective communication strategies that boost personal and professional image.
She is also the dedicated host of the podcast "Int-HER-rupt," where she continually empowers women to break barriers and lead confidently.
The Inspiration Behind the Podcast
Nour shares a personal revelation that sparked the creation of this podcast.
She recalls the shock of discovering a product she had tested being used by her own twin daughters. This moment made her realize the wider implications of her work in the lab and the urgent need for public awareness about product safety.
Nour believes that industry experts must step out of their 'bubbles' and engage in candid discussions with consumers about the products they use.
Why Informed Choices Matter?
We delve into why consumers must be informed about the products they use. From potential chemical interactions between multiple products to questions about the suitability of specific items for different age groups, the hosts underscore the importance of understanding what's really in your beauty products.
Through our commitment to helping you make informed choices, you can expect us to cover topics such as cosmetic surgeries, beauty products, natural health remedies, and weight loss medications.
We will also feature experts and creators who will provide valuable insights into the beauty industry to help you make safe and informed decisions.
“It matters a lot. Sometimes, you're using multiple products that contain one small quantity that's safe in one product, but if you combine it with different products, it's not safe anymore. And we never think about that." - Nour Abochama.
“I have all these different jars and bottles in my cupboard, and, yeah, I haven't really thought about what I'm doing and putting and how they're interacting." - Linda Yates

Monday Oct 07, 2024