My very first BeautyView was with Sarah Kugelman, of SkynIceland, a woman I admire and who over the years has become a friend. Is she competition? Yes, but really, there is enough skin in the world for all of us to play our part, and for us to be friends and learn from each other. Another “competitor” I admire is Yael Alkalay, Founder & CEO of Red Flower. Her father was the first dermatologist in Bulgaria! She believes in quiet rituals, in daily sensual moments. She inspires me to seek pleasure in the small daily things and to take more time for myself.
AP: What city were you born in? YA: Philadelphia, PA.
AP: What city to do you live in? YA: New York City.
AP: What is your middle name? YA: Nina,
AP: What is your astrological sign? YA: Virgo.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? YA: Creativity.
AP: Least favorite thing? YA: False promises to the consumer.
AP: What is your most prized possession? YA: My family.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? YA: Whatever it is, I am going to keep it that way…
AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? YA: I don’t wear a watch but I need one! I would love something classic.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? YA: Gold.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? YA: Tina Fey, because I love to laugh.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? YA: Prioritize and feel good about your choices.
AP: What are your three top tips for travel? YA: 1. Hydrate. 2. Stretch. 3. Moisturize. I travel with red flower nature travel kit everywhere I go. With that and a bottle of water, I am ready for anything.
AP: What is your favorite book? YA: I read constantly and enjoy a great range of subjects but love history and non-fiction best. Right now I am reading Postwar by Tony Judt, it is incredible. In a pinch I would have to say Annie Lamont and Oliver Sacks.
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? YA: A chilled sauterne at the end of a great meal.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? YA: Red Flower nature omega berry serum.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? YA: Red flower certified organic quaiac perfume.
AP: Botox or not? YA: NOT!
AP: Hair color: natural or not? YA: NATURAL!
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. YA: Chichornia by Chet Atkins, Yoshimi by the Flaming Lips, and Carmen by Bizet.
AP: Quote to live by. YA: Even the most subtle details matter.
AP: Who is your mentor? YA: My peers, my friends and my family.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. YA: Take risks, don’t wait, you really can do it all, believe.
