Drew Afualo, the 30-year-old author, podcast host, and content creator, has recently collaborated with Gillette Venus for a campaign aimed at promoting personalised body care and addressing urgent shaving scenarios. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Afualo reflects on her evolution from a digital media coordinator in the NFL to becoming a prominent feminist voice and advocate for women’s autonomy in grooming choices.
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Afualo has established her presence through various platforms, including her podcast, *The Comment Section*, and her bestselling book, *Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve*. Her work is characterised by an assertive message rooted in feminist principles, which have earned her a reputation as a formidable advocate for women’s rights.
Despite her current success, Afualo’s journey has not been without its challenges. Reflecting on her past, she recalls her position with the NFL, which she initially believed was her ideal job. However, losing that role became a pivotal moment for her. “I had to really sit with myself and unpack, like, do I even like sports?” she candidly shares. This moment of introspection not only led to a realisation about her genuine interests but also marked the beginning of her journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.
This self-reflection has significantly influenced her latest partnership with Gillette Venus, which features the Smoothguard campaign. This initiative is described as a blend of humour and education, aimed at tackling “shaving emergencies” while simultaneously promoting a more nuanced understanding of body care. Afualo admits her lifelong loyalty to Gillette razors, stating, “I have used Gillette razors since I started shaving, so it was really a dream to partner with them.”
The essence of the campaign resonates with Afualo’s emphasis on personal choice and body autonomy. “A beautiful thing they’re distinguishing is the fact that every body type has different skin, just like your face is different and your hair grows different,” she explains. This focus on individuality aligns with her goal of encouraging women to embrace their own grooming preferences, free from societal expectations.
Education is a central theme of Afualo’s messaging, as she encourages her followers to engage with their grooming routines on a personal level. “How do I like to do my hair? How do I like to do my makeup? How do I like to dress? How do I like to shave if I like to shave at all?” she prompts, advocating for a self-exploratory approach to beauty and grooming.
Confidence, according to the bestselling author, isn’t merely a matter of waiting to feel secure; it’s a mindset that one must actively adopt. “A lot of people, rightfully so, ask me if I’ve always been this way, if it just kind of happened, or if I had to do something — this isn’t like a superpower I have,” she contemplates. She believes that everyone possesses the potential to embrace their authenticity; it simply requires granting oneself permission. “I just gave myself permission a long time ago,” she remarks.
This permission, Afualo explains, alters how individuals value external opinions. She emphasises that it is vital to disregard the judgment of those who do not hold significance in one’s life. “I don’t weigh the opinions of people I don’t respect and don’t matter to me, especially not a stranger,” she insists. Her philosophy is straightforward: life is too precious to waste on attempts to impress those who are ultimately irrelevant.
With her work continuing to inspire countless individuals, Afualo aims to normalise conversations surrounding women’s body hair and seeks to encourage a holistic embrace of personal grooming. Her intentions resonate with many, reinforcing the idea that self-care and beauty are deeply personal experiences deserving of respect and autonomy.
In an era where body positivity and feminist discourses are more critical than ever, Drew Afualo is at the forefront of these conversations, blending her passion for women’s rights with personal experiences in a poignant manner. As she navigates her career, her collaboration with Gillette Venus stands as a testament to her commitment to advocating for women’s choices in a society often burdened by restrictive beauty standards.