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Chief Pretty Officer | (CPO) Record | 11. ​ ​Collagen’s Final Series. ​ The TL;DR:​ We’ve built, protected, and boosted collagen on the outside now we’re turning inward. In this finale, I’m talking food, supplements, and how to nourish your glow from the inside out. Collagen isn’t a cream. It’s a commitment. We will close out the Collagen series and entire a new series "Masking", the good the bad and the unforgettable will be up next. ​

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Editor’s Note | The Ritual Moment.

Thank you for your patience! Last week, I was at Nordstrom’s annual Trend Event with one of my hair care brands a whirlwind of beauty titans, cosmetics, fragrance launches, and radiant shoppers exploring what’s next in skincare, haircare, body & sun, cosmetics and fragrance.

We listened to trends coming in 2026, how some of our thought leaders in the industry shared their 'why'.
The energy was electric

By day, I serve as a Brand Manager overseeing Haircare, Skincare, Cosmetics and Fragrance catrgories. I collaborate with prestige brands to grow their business across global markets, e-commerce and international retail markets. It’s exciting work and for the first time, I love it and feel that my professional world and my personal love for writing have finally merged.

For years, I lived in two mental houses one polished for the world, the other under always felt like this secret renovation.
It’s exhausting to constantly “code-switch,” but I’m proud to say those walls are gone.
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My life is integrated now. The same woman who strategizes brands by day writes The C.P.O. Record by night no masks, no compartments. No code switching, every part of my life is a wheel that meant to inspire.

When I began my fitness journey in my thirties, I was an evening workout person. It started after a heartbreak the one I shared in ​
​“Get Out. Stay Out. Take Inventory.” The gym became my refuge, But over time, I wanted evenings for life, not gym therapy.

That’s when I switched to morning workouts. It wasn’t easy, but it changed everything. The 6:00 a.m. gym became my personal board meeting before the world wakes up. And that’s where my wellness rituals found their rhythm gym, skincare, reflection, and eventually, my blender.

The hum of the blender became my soundtrack. Collagen powders. Protein powders. Fruits and vegetables. I started to see skincare as nourishment, not just application.
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​Why not drink my collagen the same way I apply it? Why not eat my retinol and make skin and body care as part of my breakfast?

This isn’t a fad it’s a framework. And as your Chief Pretty Officer, my advice is simple: make this part of your life, not a phase.

Women don’t get medals for aging gracefully but we can honor ourselves through how we care.

We can slow the process, manage it with grace, or, when needed, use modern interventions. There’s no wrong choice only awareness.

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Theme Breakdown | Nourish from Within.

This issue marks the final act of our Collagen Series the inside story. We’ve explored how to build collagen from the outside in. Now we’re going inward, to what sustains it: food and supplements.

I’m 46. Science tells us that by this age, I’ve likely lost around 28% of my collagen. By 56, that number could double especially with hormonal shifts ahead.

That’s not a crisis. It’s a checkpoint. And like any good C.P.O., I want you to have a strategy and not be surprised by your body maturing. What you can do is start thinking forward.

Collagen isn’t just something to apply it’s something to feed. Every choice what you eat, sip, or supplement contributes to your glow over time.

This issue is your invitation to think of collagen as nourishment something to savor, not just swipe on.

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C.P.O. Counter | Collagen on the Menu.

Feeding your collagen doesn’t require a lifestyle overhaul just intentional upgrades. Think of this as editing your plate with purpose.

Instead of chasing every “miracle” trend, here are the timeless staples that deserve permanent residency in your kitchen and on your Counter.

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​CHIEF PRETTY OFFICER - COUNTER.

For the Everyday Glow Builder ​Agent Nateur Holi (Mane) Collagen peptides meet pearl powder and silica. A luxury blend for elasticity, strength, and radiance. Try it in your morning smoothie or a collagen latte. ​Great Lakes Wellness Collagen A clean, hydrolyzed collagen rich in amino acids. Dissolves seamlessly in coffee, matcha, or juice. ​Dose & Co. Collagen Your coffee companion with collagen and MCTs. Smooth, subtle, and effective. ​ Whole Foods That Feed Collagen ​ The Protein Builders Collagen begins with amino acids feed the foundation. Bone Broth: the original collagen elixir, rich in glycine and proline. Eggs: especially the whites proline-packed for synthesis. Fish with Skin: salmon or tuna for protein + omega-3 elasticity. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

The Vitamin C Crew​ ​ Vitamin C is collagen’s best friend it binds amino acids into strong fibers. ​ Citrus + Berries: oranges, kiwi, strawberries easy morning additions. ​ Kale + Tomatoes: a bold, antioxidant-rich duo that strengthens collagen bonds and shields skin from stress. ​ The Mineral Support Team Minerals activate the enzymes that actually make collagen. ​ Leafy Greens: spinach, kale, Swiss chard chlorophyll supports pro-collagen. ​ Nuts + Seeds: pumpkin and sesame seeds add zinc and copper, key cofactors. ​ The Omega + Antioxidant Protectors Preserve what you’ve built. ​ Avocados + Olive Oil: healthy fats for barrier strength. ​ Green Tea + Turmeric: antioxidants that calm inflammation and defend your glow. ​

C.P.O. Glow Smoothie. A ritual for your blender and your mindset. This is a fav! Skin and hair health with a dose of protein. Ingredients: 1 scoop collagen powder 1 scoop protein powder 1/4 cup blueberries (or blackberries, cherries) 3–4 frozen strawberries 1 banana 1 spoon of peanut butter 1 tbsp chia seeds 2 pieces of sliced beets 1–2 ice cubes + water (to desired thickness and coolness) Directions:​ Blend until smooth. Sip slowly. Set your intention for the day. ​ ​ Reflection Prompts. How can I nourish my collagen with the same consistency I apply it? What daily rituals remind me to feed my future self? Which of my current habits are supporting or silently sabotaging my glow? ​ Set the intention to add these into your diets up 4x a week for maximum and satisfaction results. ​ Closing Note | The Next Act. This closes our Collagen Series but it opens a new chapter: innovation and regeneration. ​ ​Up next: WE will have a three part series of The C.P.O. Record Masks. ​ The Physical Mask (types, benefits, timing) The Emotional Mask (identity, protection, self-presentation) The Ritual Mask (integrating masking into weekly self-leadership routines) ​ We’ve all worn them or beauty, protection, and survival. But what happens when we turn masking into a ritual of truth, not hiding? ​ Let’s make it part of our self-care, not our self-defense. Till the next one.