Conscious Beauty And Beautiful Minds: Interview w/ Emily Heathe Rudman
Growing up as an Adopted Korean American Jew in NYC, Emily Heathe did not see others like herself in main media. She drew comic books as a way for creative expression and as an escape. Years later, her love of comic books grew into a love of playing around with makeup. At first, she used makeup to hide her Asian features but, years later, through her work on self-acceptance she wanted to create a brand that celebrates and embraces our differences.
What was the first beauty routine you adopted as a child or teenager? Which emotions do you connect with this memory?
My first beauty routine consisted of Benetint for blush. It was something my mom loved, and I would use daily before school. I felt like it livened up my face and made me feel good, but without adding too much to my face at that time. Feeling hopeful.
CONSCIOUS BEAUTY — What meaning do you give this term?
Conscious beauty to me is beauty that is aware of what it is doing and it’s intent. We like to take it a step further and say that we make conscientious beauty consciously. Where we are working to create better beauty products with impact and are doing this authentically and with intent.
Which aspects of sustainability in beauty are especially important to you?
The overall impact we have on the planet’s health. Not wasting things or harming the planet irreparably for our children and their children. Using PCR material, but also looking at the carbon footprint, manufacturing practices and trade offs.
When do you consciously feel beautiful?
After stepping out of the shower, doing my hair, adding a touch of makeup and when my daughter applies my lipstick for me.
Did your approach to beauty change within the last 1–2 years?
Absolutely. After pregnancy my skin was all out of wack. Everything changed and I had to experiment again to find what works for me. Skin has become more and more important with age, and I am using more products for skincare than I did pre-pregnancy.
How would you like to see the image of beauty change within the next 5 years?
I would like to see beauty for all, represented by all. Where it is not done performatively, but implicitly. Where everyone aspires to be better, do better, and feel beautiful for themselves first and foremost.
What or who inspires your beauty routine?
My friends, my mood, and too many artists to name: Kevyn Aucoin, Bobbi Brown, Mario, Hung Vango, Daniel Martin, Patrick Ta, Val Garland, Dausell, Ashlee Glazer, and so many more.
What is your best beauty advice to others?
Have fun with it!
Is there anything you would like to share that we have not asked you here?
There is a lot of noise in the industry now, and it’s amazing to see all these brands launch and initiate changes to the large industry as a whole. I believe in supporting. There is space for everyone. I believe that being good and doing good will get you farther than anything.
THANK YOU!
Demee Koch about the MEDIUM interview series on CONSCIOUS BEAUTY:
Hello! I am a serial entrepreneur with more than 2 decades of experience in the health & beauty industry. This interview series is intended to create awareness about the movement of Conscious Beauty.
We are in a beautiful time of Conscious Beauty — you may have heard of this term, but what does Conscious Beauty mean, and why does it matter?
For us, beauty is a way to love — it is about self-care, art, nutrition, exercise, life, self-love. I invite you to become part of a movement that re-defines beauty. Let’s empower beautiful minds.
Thank you for being the change. I’m looking forward to learn from you. Reach out to me via LinkedIn.
Demee ❤︎
