Shoshana Bean
Shoshana Bean’s radiance transcends beyond the Broadway stage she dazzles as Jersey in Alicia Key’s production of “Hell’s Kitchen” - it is no shocker to us that she is a two-time Tony award nominee. As she sat with BARE she gave us a glimpse of all the grace and glory that makes her the star she is, from the car ride to the theatre, her daily skin care/hair care routine, product musts, to her up and coming clothing line The Ladies Club.
The Bare Magazine: You have graced the broadway stage many times ...in what way is this story of Hell’s Kitchen and the creative process so special and unique?
Shoshana Bean: The chemistry of this cast and creative team is lightning in a bottle and the creative discovery process has been collaborative in a way I’ve never experienced. The story is special because we are seeing things we have never seen before on a Broadway stage. We are seeing a story completely centered around a young woman of color with mixed race parents, we are seeing an ingenue boyfriend like we have never seen before…I think our show disrupts some old and traditional archetypes and I love that. It’s exciting to me.
Bare: Can you share some of your favorite responses to the show from friends and family?
SB: I think my favorite responses have come from friends of mine who come from mixed race families and how thrilled and delighted they were to see their family represented and reflected on a stage for the first time.
Bare: Is there anything about your journey to your present day success that you might tweak or do differently?
SB: Oh sure, but honestly I wouldn’t change a single one. I think every choice, both small and large, led me to this very moment in time. I work hard to align myself with the belief that I am always exactly where I’m supposed to be and to be present and grateful inside of that. I may have delayed things a bit at times, I may not have been ready. I may not have felt worthy, I may not have felt deserving. But I know I’m always expanding and growing and walking down the path of least resistance and that takes the time it takes. Zero regrets.
Bare: Can you list 4 of your favorite qualities about Alicia Keys that continue to inspire you?
SB: Her temperament for starters. she’s so patient and steady and no matter what or how much she’s juggling she never changes her tempo. Her work ethic and her ability to accomplish so much in the same 24 hours that I have is astounding to me. Her self care definitely inspires me. She is so consistent and intentional about the way she treats her body inside and out. Her kindness. She is so loving and positive and open, which astounds me considering how many people tug at her on a daily basis. She is definitely my hero.
Bare: Tell us about your mane if gorgeous curls. have you always loved to embrace its texture? where do you get cuts and color?
SB: Nooooo embracing my natural texture is only about a year and half old for me. My friend Jackie and I are always on the quest to be our most authentic selves and when she decided to really embrace her curls as a part of that journey I was inspired to do the same. It’s become a metaphor for life really because curls are gonna do what they do. You can try to have a routine and products in an attempt to control them and shape the outcome but really every day is different. conditions on the ground change and it has become a lesson in embracing imperfection and accepting things as they are in each moment. I get my cuts by Jae Cardenas and color by Gina Gilbert.
Bare: How do you take care of your skin...any treatments or products you rely on to keep it so luminous and smooth?
SB: I’m obsessed with the NuFace toning device and I’m a moisture addict so I love La Mer and Weleda Skin Food. I’m also newly into Keys Soulcare Comforting Balm from Alicia’s skincare line.
Bare: You have started a one-of-a-kind, up-cycled, golf-inspired clothing line called The Ladies Club. Please share your inspiration and interest in creating cool wearable pieces?
SB: I’m a golfer and I was very unhappy with women’s golf wear so I decided to make pieces I would want to wear on the course myself. The line was initially inspired by the game, and while it can be worn to play, it really is street wear. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and hand designed and made by me using up-cycled, pre-owned and vintage pieces, so it’s sustainable which is very important to me and our planet.
Bare: Please list your top 5 Bare essentials.
SB:
Bubble baths
Journaling
Burt’s Bees chapstick
My girlfriends
Marco Polo
Photos/Makeup: Tina Turnbow
Hair: Shoshana Bean
Shoshana wears her own clothing
Editor: Randa Jumean
Shot in Harlem
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
