Shows
SwatchedHow Shirley Ibe Built an Inclusive Makeup Brand and Got Into RetailIn this episode of Swatched, Khera speaks with Shirley Ibe, the founder of Madeup Beauty, a clean, inclusive cosmetics brand that’s changing the game for diverse skin tones. Known for her transparency and commitment to representation, she’s also the first BIPOC brand to launch at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada.She breaks down the tactical steps behind her groundbreaking partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, including the pitch that made her the first BIPOC beauty brand at major Canadian retailers. Shirley also shares her honest struggles with managing multiple full-time roles, fighting industry insecurities, and navigating the...
2026-02-1239 min
SwatchedEp 07: Diving Into Skincare Mistakes + Beautyblender Acne with Dermatology PA Sydney GivensIn this episode of Swatched, Khera speaks with Sydney Givens, a seasoned dermatology PA and founder of Skincare by Sydney. Sydney shares her HATE for Beautyblenders (!!!!!) and key methods for anyone with sensitive, hyperpigmented, or acne-prone skin, while emphasizing consistency and a holistic approach to our skincare over trendy quick fixes.Get your best skin ever in 2026 and tap in to snag the easy, straightforward skincare gems Sydney shares.Connect with Sydney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneygivens_skin/ Take Sydney’s Skincare Quiz: https://skincarebysydney.com/pages/the-skincare-matchmaker-quiz
2026-01-3048 min
SwatchedEp 06: Acting on Your Passions with Viral Content Creator Pouja TharanIn this episode of Swatched, Khera sits down with the inspiring beauty content creator, Pouja Tharan, known as Blends by Pouja. They delve into Pouja's journey from a curious child experimenting with makeup to becoming a prominent voice in the beauty community and a creator sharing South Asian-friendly beauty tips. Discover how Pouja manages her love for content creation while being a full-time student and her mission to promote inclusivity in the beauty industry. Tune in for a fun and insightful discussion on overcoming judgment, embracing authenticity, effective time management, and being passionate about the power of r...
2026-01-1545 min
SwatchedEp 05: A Year In Beauty: A 2025 Deep Dive with Khera and SarahIn the first episode of the year, Swatched host Khera is joined by Sarah Carvalho, host of the Cosmetic Chronicles podcast, to discuss some of the buzziest beauty trends and stories of 2025. From the resurgence of '90s makeup to the business moves of beauty giants like Pat McGrath and Huda Beauty to the impact of tariffs on beauty brands, this episode dives deep into the year's highlights. Tune in and celebrate the new year with Khera and Sarah!!!!!!!!To listen to the Cosmetic Chronicles: https://open.spotify.com/show/656Tf...
2026-01-011h 16
SwatchedEp 04: Building A Fashion Rental Oasis with Jules and Ange, Co-Founders of The FitzroyIn this episode of Swatched, host Khera Alexander speaks with Jules and Ange, co-founders of the Fitzroy, a Toronto-based fashion rental business for dresses, gowns, accessories, and formal rentals. They discuss their long-standing friendship, the transition from retail to rental, understanding customer needs, and the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship. The conversation also touches on their roles within the business, the significance of hiring, and their insights on fashion trends and beauty aesthetics. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights of Canadian brands to watch.To learn more about The Fitzroy: https://www.fitzroyrentals...
2025-12-1844 min
SwatchedEp 03: Cultivating Belonging in Medical Aesthetics with Nurse Jo, Founder of The Face LabIn this episode of the Swatched podcast, Khera Alexander speaks with Joanna Auguste, a nurse practitioner and founder of The Face Lab, about the world of medical aesthetics. They discuss Joanna's journey into aesthetics, the importance of representation in the industry, and the stigmas surrounding medical aesthetics in communities of colour. Joanna shares insights on navigating treatments for diverse skin types, starting an aesthetic journey, and the trending treatments for 2025 and beyond. The conversation emphasizes the need for education, empowerment, and personalized care in the field of aesthetics.To learn more about T...
2025-12-0434 min
SwatchedEp 02: Building a Purpose-Driven Business with Jenn Harper of Cheekbone BeautyIn this episode of Swatched, host Khera Alexander sits down with Jenn Harper, visionary founder of Cheekbone beauty. As one the first Canadian Indigenous-owned and founded cosmetics companies, Cheekbone beauty is a B Corp-certified, purpose-driven brand with sustainable, high-quality, clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products. Founded with a core belief in giving back, Cheekbone Beauty supports communities through product, monetary donations, and community projects. To date, the brand has donated more than $200,000 to a wide variety of causes and initiatives, including the Navajo Water Project, One Tree Planted, Shannen’s Dream, and the FNCFCS.
2025-11-2055 min
The Cosmetic ChroniclesEp. 12 Charlotte Tilbury (Feat. Khera Alexander)Welcome to The Cosmetic Chronicles! In this episode, we're welcoming TCC's first ever guest: beauty writer and makeup artist Khera Alexander. We dive into the Charlotte Tilbury brand, what they do best (pinks!), what we predict for the future, and Khera’s top CT products in her makeup kit. You do not want to miss these two beauty nerds, nerding out! Connect with Khera:Khera’s WebsiteKhera's IGSwatched PodcastRecent article for ByrdieConnect with me:Instagram: @glowandflowbysarah Substack: Glow + Flow CollectiveShop the Podcast: LTKKhera's Artist Spotlight Interview Sour...
2025-11-1851 min
SwatchedEp 01: Introducing SwatchedWelcome to Swatched, a podcast hosted by makeup artist and beauty writer Khera Alexander exploring beauty’s intersection with wellness, entrepreneurship, and pop culture. After over 10 years in the beauty industry and digital media space, Swatched was created to cultivate a space where inclusive conversations and multiple passions could exist at once. Every other Thursday, Swatched episodes will explore different aspects of the beauty industry, from expert insights to products that are making waves to honest conversations with leading creatives and entrepreneurs from Canada and the U.S. If you love beauty — not just the products, but the p...
2025-10-3022 min