Speed, Confidence, and a Little L’Oréal: A Conversation with Nicole Havrda

She races cars, and now she’s racing to change the narrative for women in sport. Beauty Hub Magazine sat down with Nicole Havrda, newly announced L’Oréal Paris Canada Ambassador, to talk femininity, fearlessness, and what it really means to be worth it.

Nicole Havrda is not your average brand ambassador. The Canadian motorsport driver is a rising force in a world long dominated by men, competing at a level where composure, precision, and nerve are non-negotiable. Now, she’s the face of L’Oréal Paris Canada, a partnership that feels less like a brand deal and more like a statement. We talked with Nicole about breaking barriers on and off the track, why visibility matters for the next generation, and what goes through her head when the helmet goes on.

Beauty Hub Magazine: You’ve just been announced as a L’Oréal Paris Canada Ambassador. What does this partnership mean to you personally, and why did it feel like the right fit?

Nicole Havrda: Becoming a L’Oréal Paris Canada Ambassador is incredibly special because it represents two parts of who I am, my passion for racing and my confidence as a young woman. Motorsport has traditionally been a male-dominated space, and I love that this partnership shows you don’t have to choose between being strong, competitive, and embracing your femininity. L’Oréal Paris’ message of confidence, self-worth, and empowering women really aligns with my journey, which is why it felt like such a natural fit. I’m proud to represent both the brand and motorsport and, hopefully, inspire young girls to pursue whatever they’re passionate about.

BHM: L’Oréal Paris has partnered globally with Formula 1 drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, but you represent something different, a rising female voice in a male-dominated sport. How does it feel to be the one shifting that narrative for Canadian women in motorsport?

NH: It’s an incredible honor. Growing up, there weren’t many female drivers competing at the highest levels of motorsport that I could look up to, especially in Canada. Being able to represent not only Canadian motorsport but also young women chasing their goals in a traditionally male-dominated sport is something I’m really proud of. I don’t see it as changing the narrative on my own, but hopefully helping move it forward. If my journey shows even one young girl that she belongs in racing and that her goals are possible, then that’s something very meaningful to me. The more visibility women have in motorsport, the more normal it becomes for the next generation.

BHM: Women’s participation and viewership in racing are growing every year. What do you think is driving that shift, and where do you see it going?

NH: I think visibility is a huge part of it. Young girls are finally seeing more women competing, working, and succeeding across all areas of motorsport, which makes the sport feel more accessible and achievable. Programs and increased media coverage have also helped shine a spotlight on female talent and create more opportunities. As more women enter the sport, that momentum continues to grow. I think we’re only at the beginning, and I’m excited to see a future where women competing at the highest levels of racing is simply the norm.

BHM: What barriers still exist for women in motorsport, and how are you navigating them?

NH: While the sport has made a lot of progress, there are still barriers when it comes to access, opportunities, and representation. Motorsport is incredibly competitive, and for many young women, it’s about proving that you belong in the same conversations as everyone else. For me, the best way to navigate that is by focusing on performance, continuing to learn, and making the most of every opportunity. I hope that by competing at this level and sharing my journey, I can help make the path a little more visible for the next generation of female drivers.

BHM: L’Oréal Paris says, “Because you’re worth it.” What does that phrase mean to you as an athlete and as a woman?

NH: To me, “Because you’re worth it” is about believing in yourself, even when the path ahead isn’t easy. As an athlete, there are always challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but having confidence in your abilities and knowing your value is what keeps you moving forward. As a woman, it’s a reminder that you don’t need anyone else’s permission to pursue your goals, take up space, or be ambitious. It’s about owning who you are and believing that you’re worthy of every opportunity you work hard for.

BHM: When you’re on the track, how do you overcome fear?

NH: Fear is a natural part of racing. If you don’t have any fear at all, you’re probably not respecting the risks involved. For me, it’s not about getting rid of fear, it’s about trusting my preparation, my team, and myself. Once the helmet goes on, all the work you’ve put in takes over. I focus on the job I need to do, one corner at a time, and turn those nerves into focus and performance. In a way, that balance between fear and excitement is what makes racing so rewarding.

BHM: What do you want young Canadian girls watching you race to take away from seeing you represent both motorsport and a brand like L’Oréal Paris?

NH: I want them to know that they don’t have to fit into just one box. You can be competitive, ambitious, and chase big goals while still being completely yourself. Whether their passion is racing, sports, business, science, or something entirely different, I hope they see that there isn’t one path to success. If my journey encourages even one young girl to believe in herself and go after something that excites her, then that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

Follow Nicole Havrda’s journey on Instagram and keep your eyes on the track. She’s just getting started.