Breaking Barriers: A 37-Year Old Mum's Unique Outlook on Beauty in a Perfect-Obsessed Culture

Welcome to Difficult Conversations About Beauty, a podcast hosted by Anita East — author of the book Beautiful Unique Faces and a Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in dermatology, primary care, non-surgical cosmetic medicine, women’s health, and nutritional medicine.

This podcast explores the science, psychology, and social impact of beauty through honest and evidence-based conversations.

Before we begin, please note that the information shared in this podcast is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s health needs are unique, and listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from a qualified health-care professional who understands their personal medical history.

If medicines or prescription-only products are discussed in this episode, that information is intended solely for registered health-care professionals and is provided in accordance withAHPRA and TGA regulations. These discussions are not advertisements, endorsements, or recommendations for use.

By continuing to listen, you acknowledge that Difficult Conversations About Beauty provides professional discussion and education — not direct clinical advice.

I met 37-year-old Brooke as a school mum a few years ago, and we quickly became firm friends. In fact, she is one of my favourites. An aura that radiates true inner beauty, meant I needed to chat with Brooke about self-image, her unique outlook on the world, and how as a mum to three daughters, she strives to impart positive self-love to each.  A schoolteacher of the arts, Brooke is currently using her creative ability in training to be a cosmetic tattoo artist, a career she has longed to pursue. As a cosmetic tattoo artist, Brooke is delighted to work mostly with women whom, like me, she adores. Women are pretty incredible. Take Brooke, for example, a busy and present mum, thriving in two fulfilling careers. Brooke believes joy is found in enjoying a varied life.In this image-crazed culture any parent will profess the importance of our kids' mental health. Brooke's daughters are her universe. Her unique experience as a teacher, mum, and now beauty practitioner, Brooke's outlook on keeping her girls safe in this 'perfect face,' 'perfect body' obsessed culture is at the forefront of her mind. Having daughters nearing the ages of social media, importance lies in building our girls' self-esteem with all they are and all they do, as opposed to what they look like. The likes will always bring a false dopamine hit, but true and honest connections with others remains the only way to feel beautiful in your skin. Our children will endure heartbreak from thinking they are not beautiful enough. They’ll want to look anything but how they do. By complimenting others, finding the beauty in the small and large things around them, and discovering their own Unique Facial Feature, our own daughters and yours will feel beautiful when society is trying to convince them otherwise.   

A valuable reminder is that happy people are the most beautiful people, and the most beautiful people are those who are happy. 

Finally, honesty and integrity in relationships, including your most important relationship, the one with yourself. Be brave and true. Know yourself deeply and make wonderful connections throughout your rich and fulfilling life.

To learn the best approach for discovering your unique beauty and how to keep young women and girls’ beauty safe, listen here.