Ep. 35: Do More With Less Ft. Mekdela Maskal

“It’s realizing how much you don’t need and seeing how much we are brainwashed to think that what makes us happy is being able to buy something. Letting that go is really freeing…not having this attachment to material objects as a measure of happiness.” — My guest, Mekdela Maskal

Mekdela is a media activist, living in Brooklyn, and fellow nature-lover with amazing style and beautiful natural hair. We go deep on her routine for the ideal wash day — from coconut oil pre-poo treatments to long finger-detangling sessions in the shower. I learn about what beauty wisdom she’s taken in from her Ethiopian parents and what the popular styles and approaches to beauty are in Ethiopia. Mekdela talks to me about what natural oils she loves, her yoga practice, how intentionally sweating is key for her skincare routine and gives me some INCREDIBLE make-up tips like using lipstick as eyeshadow (why haven’t I ever thought of this?!) .

We also get into the commercialization of the feminist movement and her issues with the way diversity and inclusion is used as a marketing tactic, how she developed her personal style and why she feels most beautiful surrounded by nature.

Follow Mekdela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekdeezy/?hl=en

Follow @NakedBeautyPlanet

Some Faves Mentioned in the Episode:

Outdoor Voices leggings https://bit.ly/2Gayq0Y

Coconut & Hibiscus Leave-In Conditioner and Curling Cream from Shea Moisture https://www.sheamoisture.com/products/hair.html?p=3&product_collection=228

Everyday Oil - mixture of different essential oils Mekdela loves https://shopeverydayoil.com

Sacred Yoga Studio in Brooklyn https://sacredbrooklyn.com

Arkins - sustainable women’s wear line https://shop-arkins.com