In this episode, we dive into how racism exists in the beauty and fashion industries. We also discuss how the body positivity movement is promoting diversity. Zumba Instructor Jackie Arista (@jackiearista) joins us to talk about what drives her to be a better person each day and how she is spreading joy through her Zumba classes. 

This week we talk about the reactions to Adele's weight loss and how it can be harmful to compliment people for losing weight. Soumya also joins us to talk about her passion for fighting climate change, encouraging voter registration, and taking part in laudable initiatives. She notes how this activist work has empowered her and connected her with a larger community.

Adrianna Mateo is an accomplished violinist, actress and singer/songwriter. She just finished her work performing in the pit orchestra on Broadway for the show Tootsie. I had the chance to talk to her about how she creates beauty through her art as a performer, how she battles loneliness as a practicing musician, and how she got to where she is today as an accomplished performer. You can follow Adrianna on Instagram at @adriannamateo.

This week Grace talked to us about dealing with perfectionism and how she strives to value herself for more than her successes and achievements. She discusses the struggles of finding a job after college and talks about what post-grad life is really like. She also shares her wide breadth of knowledge about the health at every size movement and how that fits into female empowerment. To learn more about anti-diet culture, intuitive eating, and health at every size you can check out some of Grace's favorite people to follow/listen to: @chr1styharrison @jesihaggertyrd @recoverybrainfood @scarrednotscared @with_this_body @stefanireinoldrd @immaeatthat

Welcome to the show! I'm so glad you're here! Ignited by Inner Beauty is a podcast about body positivity, female empowerment, and self-love. Sarah kicks off the first episode with her first guest, Ali, a singer/dancer/actress who is currently playing the lead of Anne-Marie on the Disney Cruise Line.