My #WCW this week , Susan Yara, is the epitome of beauty and brains — Susan is the creator, producer and host of the totally addictive YouTube channel, Mixed Makeup. I have so much admiration for Susan’s work ethic and I loved finding out more about how her past work experiences (she’s been a new caster in NYC and a writer for CNBC.com!) culminated to bring her to where she is today. If you haven’t checked out Mixed Makeup yet — get over there! It is just like a video magazine with great sections for every gal. Read on to find out more about Susan and what makes her the perfect #wcw.

Introduce yourself:

My name is Susan Yara. I’m the founder of Mixed Makeup, a YouTube channel filled with beauty, diet and fitness content for women. I produce, host and run the whole operation with my awesome team. I come from a long editorial background, both on camera and as a writer. I started in New York City as a news reporter for News 12, but really fell in love with beauty, diet and fitness when I became a lifestyle writer and reporter for Forbes.com. Since then my work has been in several publications including People Magazine, NY Post, and online at CNBC.com and TotalBeauty.com. I eventually moved to Los Angeles and got back on camera as a beauty host and producer at PopSugar and went on to create NewBeauty Magazine’s YouTube channel before leaving to start Mixed Makeup. It’s been a fun ride!

Why did you create (your brand/product):

We all know that online video will eventually be the main source of entertainment (I feel like it’s there already) and take over television. I decided to start Mixed Makeup because I think there’s still a need for quality on-line content that is well thought out and produced. I realize the main attraction on YouTube is homegrown personalities and viral videos, but the landscape is changing and as we see more channels pop up, I think the best channels will rise to the top. I hope we’ll be one of them.

What is one sentence of advice that you would give to a young lady starting out in your field:

Find your niche and stick with it. Become an expert and really run with it, otherwise you might find yourself starting over again often. 

I take a 50 minute pilates-type class at The Studio (MDR) at least three times a week. It’s a really intense workout on the Megaformer using the LaGree Method that feels like Pilates on steroids. I’ve been doing it for almost a year now and I still get the best workout ever. The classes are pretty small, so you get lots of personal attention from their wonderful instructors and as you get stronger, the workout only gets harder because you work harder. I feel like I really maximize my time and that makes it completely worth  it to me. We stretch, strengthen and get our heart beats up. I like to multi-task so it’s perfect for me.

What are your favorite healthy foods:
I’m constantly on the lookout for gluten-free food that actually tastes good and have really been into Rudi’s cinnamon and raison bread. It’s the best for banana and almond butter toast in the morning. Just note, it’s not low in calories. It’s just gluten-free. Other than that, healthy food to me is anything organic and fresh like fruits and vegetables. But really, my rule is: if it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, I probably won’t eat it. Rice, quinoa and honey are my only exceptions.