nechami tennebaum defiance beauty

Body image vs. body ideals

When we talk about eating disorders, the conversation often revolves around body image – from the harmful effects of body shaming to the empowering message of body positivity. But there's another aspect of this conversation that often goes overlooked: beauty ideals.

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There are so many tough questions to answer:

Is there such a thing as a "perfect" beauty standard? How does makeup fit into the narrative of body positivity? Can beauty ideals coexist with self-love? And most importantly, how can we redefine beauty on our own terms?

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend, Nechami Tennenbaum. Nechami isn't a typical guest on the show – she's not a clinician or a therapist, but her journey is just as fascinating. She is the founder and CEO of Defiance Beauty, a high-performance, natural cosmetics brand that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry.

She shares that throughout her journey, she has learned that makeup isn’t just about superficial beauty – it's about empowerment, self-expression, and even a bit of psychology. 

From makeup to surgeries and everything in between, we’re exploring whether the pursuit of beauty is just as complex as our relationship with our bodies. Spoiler alert: there might not be a clear-cut answer.

Nechami Tenenbaum, MBA in Marketing, is the Founder & CEO of Defiancebeauty.com, a high-performance, natural cosmetics brand that complements all skin tones, bringing visibility to minorities and women who have been underrepresented in the beauty industry. Her other passion is as a Business & Marketing Consultant/Enneagram Coach, where she empowers high-achieving, creative female entrepreneurs to uncover their superpowers to rapidly increase their visibility and revenue! Her podcast “We Are Women,” is a show where women speak their truth & celebrate their victories. Nechami has been featured on FOX, Thrive Global, Bustle Magazine, The Ed Kalegi Show, & more. You can reach her via email: Nechami@Nechami.com/ Instagram: @Nechamit/@Defiancebeautybn or through her website: Defiancebeauty.com

In this episode, we’re diving into:

  • Body ideals vs beauty ideals.

  • The societal standards of beauty and the impact on individuals' self-esteem.

  • Nahami's journey with makeup and self-confidence.

  • The continuum of beauty enhancement from makeup to surgery.

  • The importance of understanding personal motivations behind beauty practices.

  • How self-confidence can lead to reduced reliance on external enhancements.

  • The goal of building self-confidence beyond external appearance.

  • The complexity of individual preferences and experiences.

  • The importance of personal choices regarding makeup, diets, and cosmetic procedures.

  • The role of makeup as a tool for confidence and self-expression.

  • The psychological aspects behind makeup use and cosmetic procedures.

  • Societal beauty standards and their impact on individuals' self-esteem.

  • Inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry.

  • The influence of social media influencers and the portrayal of "perfect" lives.

Tweetable Quotes

"If you're able to look in the mirror and point out things that you're appreciative of, then you're already ahead of the game." - Rachelle Heinemann

"I want every woman to feel seen and feel visible... when you see yourself, you don't have to start changing your body or changing your face to look like someone else." - Nechami Tennenbaum

"There's something so powerful about feeling like we belong that allows us to be individuals." - Rachelle Heinemann

"Unfollow if someone's making you feel lost." - Nechami Tennenbaum

Resources

Grab the replay of my Basics of Assessment and Early Treatment of Eating Disorder Webinar

Grab my Journal Prompts here!

Connect with Nechami on her website: https://www.nechami.com/ 

Connect with Nechami on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nechamit/  https://www.instagram.com/defiancebeautybn/ 

Related Episodes 

Episode 116. Bariatric Surgery and Eating Disorders with Dr. Marianne Miller

Episode 98. Body Stuff with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani

Episode 77. How to Accept Your Body

Episode 65. 7 Tips for Positive Body Image

Episode 10. Social Media, Societal Pressure, Disordered Eating, and Poor Body Image


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Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.

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Ozempic, Wegovy, & Mounjaro with Laura Cipullo