From Beauty Director to Influencer — Emira D’Spain Breaks Barriers and Shares Influencer Secrets

Summary

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Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: From Beauty Director to Influencer — Emira D’Spain Breaks Barriers and Shares Influencer Secrets
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson & Sara Tan
Guest: Emira D’Spain
Date: March 13, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features model, influencer, and television personality Emira D’Spain, known for her trailblazing work in beauty, fashion, and media. The conversation dives into Emira's journey from a beauty director at Paper magazine to becoming a major influencer and television personality—breaking multiple barriers along the way as the first Black trans model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and as a Bravo reality star. The hosts and Emira discuss the evolution of beauty media, influencer strategies, setting boundaries in public life, the reality behind glamorous events, brand partnerships, and tips for aspiring creators.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Emira’s Beauty Routine and Favorite Products

• What’s On Her Face
  • Lawless Gloss in "Strawberry Popsicle"
  • Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream ("I will always be a Tatcha Dewy skin cream Stan till the day I die." - Emira, 02:21)
  • Charlotte Tilbury’s new concealer ("Not too matte, but still actually glam." - Emira, 03:12)
  • Huda Beauty Powder ("Most blurring, iconic... forever." - 03:16)
  • Kosas powder for everyday, but only with a brush
  • Old-school Bare Minerals "Blonzer" and Haus Labs Rose Quartz blush
  • Makeup Forever’s Artist Color Pencil for lip liner ("She does not budge. Like, it’s crazy." - Emira, 03:55)

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2. From Editorial to Influencer: Career Shift

• Emira shares the anxiety and risk of leaving a "safe" editorial job (Paper magazine) for the unknowns of content creation, especially as the child of immigrant parents ("My mom’s like, what are you doing? You’re not quitting your job, are you crazy?").
• She leveraged her Paper show on Snapchat ("Snatch Rule") to build a following and demonstrate her value to brands, making her influencer jump possible.

Notable Quote:
"I sold it to them. And then they were like, all right, yeah, quit your job. And things started picking up..." — Emira, [04:25]

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3. Industry Evolution — Building a Personal Brand

• Unlike many publications, Paper encouraged Emira to develop her own social presence—a rarity at the time.
• Now, publications seek beauty editors with a following and on-camera experience.
• Emira credits her marketing/communications education at NYU for providing a foundation for the business side of influencing.

Notable Quote:
"They really did see the value in me...they really championed me." — Emira, [05:45]

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4. Content Strategy & Balancing Public/Private Life

• Emira treats content like editorial work: every piece should educate, entertain, or inspire.
• Separates reality TV (Next Gen) from beauty content. On the show, she's more candid; on social, she curates.
• Struggles with losing content control in television editing vs. total control as an individual creator.

Notable Quote:
"My content...that’s just like things that I love and that I find enjoyable. But it’s not everything, you know, like on Next Gen...you’ll get the good, bad and the ugly." — Emira, [09:09]

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5. Brand Partnerships and Authenticity

• Emira selectively participates in Pride campaigns, prioritizing brands that support her year-round rather than just for publicity.
• L’Oréal and Victoria’s Secret lauded for year-round partnership.

Notable Quote:
"It’s about whether or not the brand champions me year round. And it’s not just a one off thing...That, to me, is always the most meaningful." — Emira, [12:23]

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6. Business Mindset & Being Underestimated

• Emira describes herself as a "control freak," handling her own admin, editing, and more ("monitors on monitors in my apartment" – 14:32).
• She sometimes plays up the "ditzy" influencer persona in meetings but is highly detail-oriented and business savvy behind the scenes.
• Was previously underestimated for balancing "hot girl" aesthetics with brains ("Big mistake. Huge." - Pretty Woman reference, 15:29).

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7. Influencer Realities and Event “Tea”

• Attending brand events can be awkward, especially when alone — many mutuals online have never met in person.
• Younger influencers especially can be shy at events, and there’s often awkwardness in asking for content help.
• Plus-ones are essential for comfort and efficiency at events.

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8. Content Formats That Work & Flop

• Best-performing: "Your makeup looks like" series—relatable and rooted in personal experience with bad makeup.
• Phasing out: "Get Ready With Me" format; once innovative, now oversaturated.

Notable Quote:
"I think it's the best performing. It's just so relatable...I’ve had very documented public instances of bad makeup." — Emira, [17:50]

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9. Monetization and Partnerships

• Emira’s highest single partnership payment: mid six figures for a year-long campaign with many deliverables.
• Importance of long-term brand relationships.

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10. Social Platforms & Algorithm Gripe

• Wishes platforms prioritized existing followers’ feeds vs. always pushing to new users.
• Hosts suggest Instagram’s new "Show to Your Followers for 24 hours" feature; Emira vows to try it.

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11. Mental Health, Delegation, and Personal Growth

• Hardest lesson: Delegation—learning not to do everything herself and accepting help from her team.
• Therapy is essential to navigate the stress, scrutiny, and "unnatural" experience of constantly seeing and sharing oneself online.

Notable Quote:
"This industry in general, just receiving that much attention is not normal...I have to prioritize my mental health over creating content." — Emira, [25:10]

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12. Influencer Success Secrets

• Top three tips for aspiring creators:
  1. Love the work: Genuine passion is key—don’t do it for money or fame.
  2. Build a strong team: From agent and manager to family or friends, support is crucial.
  3. Have fun: If it’s no longer fun, reconsider your path.

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13. Who Does Emira Follow?

• Currently obsessed with Michaela’s post-divorce journey—praises authenticity and resilience in the face of public opinion and hate.
• Emira’s fanbase is fiercely protective, dubbing themselves the "Country Barbies."

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Notable and Memorable Moments

• [02:21] "I will always be a Tatcha Dewy skin cream Stan till the day I die." — Emira
• [04:25] "My mom’s like, what are you doing? You’re not quitting your job, are you crazy?" — Emira
• [12:23] "It’s about whether or not the brand champions me year round..." — Emira
• [14:32] "Business Amira is very control freaky. Like, I take my business very seriously, and it’s like monitors on monitors in my apartment..." — Emira
• [17:50] "My series, your makeup looks like is...my favorite series to film, but I think it’s the best performing. It’s just so relatable..." — Emira
• [25:10] "This industry in general, just receiving that much attention is not normal." — Emira

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introductions & Product Favs: 00:47 – 04:03
• Career Shift, Building a Following: 04:05 – 06:08
• Paper Magazine & Editorial Landscape: 06:08 – 07:50
• Content Creation Mindset: 08:12 – 09:41
• Next Gen & Separating Identities: 09:41 – 10:38
• Pride, Authenticity, & Brand Partnerships: 12:23 – 13:59
• Business Persona & Being Underestimated: 14:09 – 16:20
• Influencer Event Realities: 16:48 – 17:50
• Best & Worst Content Types: 17:50 – 18:44
• Monetizing and Brand Deals: 18:54 – 19:04
• Algorithm Grievances & Social Platform Tips: 19:11 – 20:41
• Mental Health & Therapy: 24:46 – 25:10
• Three Top Tips for Aspiring Influencers: 21:48 – 22:26
• Emira’s Influencer Inspiration: 22:51 – 23:58

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Episode Tone and Takeaway

Upbeat, candid, and genuinely informative—this discussion showcases Emira D’Spain’s wit and transparency about both the glamour and grit of influencer life. She offers both an insider’s look and a dose of practical wisdom for next-generation content creators, blending humor with real talk on business, boundaries, and staying grounded in the public eye.

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Summary prepared for listeners and readers seeking insights and practical takeaways from Emira D’Spain’s multifaceted journey in beauty, fashion, and digital influence.

Transcript

[Amira Despain]

Big news.

[Boost Mobile Representative]

Boost Mobile is now sending experts nationwide to deliver and set up customers new phones at home or work.

[Amira Despain]

Wait, we're going on tour?

[Boost Mobile Representative]

Not a tour. We're delivering and setting up customers phones so it's easier to upgrade.

[Amira Despain]

Let's get in the tour bus and hit the road.

[Boost Mobile Representative]

No, not a tour bus. It's a regular car we use to deliver and set up customers phones at home or work.

[Amira Despain]

Are you a groupie on this tour?

[Boost Mobile Representative]

We deliver and set up phones. It's not a tour.

[Amira Despain]

Oh, you're definitely a groupie.

[Boost Mobile Representative]

Introducing store to door switch and get a new device with expert setup and delivery wherever you're at.

[Amira Despain]

Delivery available for select devices [e-mail] foreign.

[Kirby Johnson]

Los angeles hi, kirby. Hi, sarah. Welcome to los angeles.

[Sarah]

All right, everyone. Today's guest is a model, influencer and television personality who got her start as beauty director of Paper magazine. She's broken barriers in fashion and television by being the first black trans model to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion show and and the first full time trans cast member on Bravo. You've probably seen her sharing her best makeup and hair tips while slightly dragging herself in the process. Amira Despain, welcome to Gloss Angeles.

[Amira Despain]

Hi.

[Sarah]

Stunning. Stunning.

[Amira Despain]

Thank you.

[Sarah]

Snaps round of applause.

[Amira Despain]

I'm so happy to be here.

[Kirby Johnson]

We like, the glow is blinding.

[Sarah]

We first met Amira two years ago at the night before party, which is this big annual Oscars party. And I mean, you are a model, but you could tell you were a model because everyone was just like looking up at you. Star.

[Amira Despain]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Sarah]

We're so happy to have you because there's an influencer, right? And there's models and there's pretty faces, but you have brains.

[Amira Despain]

Thank you.

[Sarah]

You have big brains and you are one of us. You come from the editorial background of working at Paper magazine. And I think that's what was so sexy to us about having you on the podcast.

[Kirby Johnson]

Totally.

[Sarah]

Before we get into all of that, we would love to know, Amira, what is on your face?

[Amira Despain]

What is on my face right now? I'm obsessed with the lawless gloss. I have it on. It is like the shiniest, glossiest gloss ever. And I use the shade Strawberry Popsicle Gorge. What else is on my face? I feel like I will always be a Tatcha Dewy skin cream Stan till the day I die. Like, it's crazy, right?

[Kirby Johnson]

It is like my number one as well.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Kirby Johnson]

I think it's the number one moisturizer at Sephora.

[Amira Despain]

Like that makes sense. Yeah, yeah.

[Kirby Johnson]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

And it works for every skin type. I'm oily and I love it.

[Kirby Johnson]

So I go through like jars and jars.

[Amira Despain]

It's like disgusting how much I go through that. Like, it's crazy.

[Sarah]

They just need to make a giant tube and like kind of squeeze it

[Kirby Johnson]

out of my body into. That'd be great.

[Sarah]

I'd love to know what your skin situation is right now because I love when you're like your under eyes look like fucking shit.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

So what currently are you using for your under eye?

[Amira Despain]

Ooh, for my under eye? For concealer. I've been loving the new Charlotte Tilbury concealer. I was like pleasantly surprised because I feel like Charlotte Tilbury. Sometimes it's like a little too heavy for like the complexion. But that one is like the perfect amount of like, not too matte, but still like actually glam, you know?

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Amira Despain]

Obsessed with it, love.

[Sarah]

And then do you have a powder that you like to set with?

[Amira Despain]

The Huda beauty powder is like forever the most blurring, iconic, snatching powder ever. But the Kosas one for like the everyday is like really good with a brush though, not a puff.

[Sarah]

Yes, exactly. Over light brush moment.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Kirby Johnson]

What about this blush?

[Amira Despain]

This blush is the new actually. Sorry, not new, very old. Bare minerals blondes are like the original blonder shade from bare minerals. Love. Love and OG Love and OG and then house labs, rose quartz. I love like a glowy blush.

[Kirby Johnson]

Yeah.

[Amira Despain]

You know.

[Kirby Johnson]

No for sure.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

You mentioned your gloss. Do you have liner on?

[Amira Despain]

It's the makeup for everyone that doesn't budge no matter what you do.

[Sarah]

Yes. So not the artist pencil.

[Amira Despain]

The artist color pencil. Extreme. Oh, she does not budge. Like, it's crazy. I'm like scrubbing it off in the bathroom. I'm like, get this off, please.

[Sarah]

I mean, hey, that's a great endorsement for it.

[Kirby Johnson]

Okay, so as Kirby mentioned, you were at paper. You were both in marketing and editorial and then you were the beauty director. So you have this writing background. You're one of us. Then Victoria's Secret reached out. Why did you feel comfortable making that leap from that full time job to content creation?

[Amira Despain]

Honestly. So my, my mom's an immigrant and like that's like number one immigrant parent rule is like if you're not a doctor, a lawyer. Like my mom's like, what are you doing? Like, both of my parents are. You're not quitting your job, Are you crazy? And I was like, just hold on. Let's think about this, guys. Like, this could be like a major moment. So I guess after some Convincing to my parents. And like, we started, like, really thinking about, like, where my career could go from this moment. And yeah, I think that I sold it to them. And then they were like, all right, yeah, quit your job. And things started picking up because when I was a paper, when I was a beauty editor and then beauty director, I had my own show, like within paper, like on Snapchat, called Snatch Rule. And it was so funny and like, that did numbers. But then I started getting a following of my own from that show. And so that's how I, you know, started like, building an audience, getting brand partnerships and everything. And then it was very obviously gonna become a viable career, so.

[Kirby Johnson]

Totally.

[Sarah]

Did you feel held back at all at Paper? Because one thing when I was reading your story is I was kind of impressed that paper was allowing you to grow your own socials on the side

[Kirby Johnson]

because that was not happening at the other publications. Like, I mean, both Kirby and I, you know, were at these digital brands, even who you would think would be a little bit more progressive, but it was always sort of a conflict.

[Sarah]

Yeah, if it wasn't about the publication, you weren't doing it right.

[Amira Despain]

And I've had so many editor friends at, like, Hearst and all the other big companies, they had to leave because they wanted to pursue that full time. And, you know, I was so blessed with Paper because they really did, like, see the value in me and they. They loved me. Like, they're incredible. I love my. I still am friends with my team at Paper that some of them are still there, some of them are not. My old boss and I are still friends. Like, I think it's great. Like, they really championed me and I was the only person leading the beauty department because it was all so new. And yeah, they were just excited, you know, to be part of it and have me be there. And I had been there for so long, I think they just knew that, like, whatever I did, it was with paper's best interest at heart.

[Kirby Johnson]

Totally. And I just don't understand how. Well, now when you're looking at the beauty editor and beauty writer, like job postings or job listings, it's like if you have a following, that's actually detrimental to. Yeah, no, they're.

[Amira Despain]

They're positive. They want that.

[Kirby Johnson]

They're looking for people who have a following and you're like, see, we told you. Yeah, that's crazy.

[Amira Despain]

Cuz see, back then it was not that way at all. Yeah, it was.

[Sarah]

No, we want to take you and make you into something so then we have something to kind of hang over your head. Well, we did this for you, right? Right now job listings are like if you have on camera experience, if you have a following of your own, they're hiring talent coaches at places like the Washington Post and New York Times to teach people how to do what we do.

[Amira Despain]

That's crazy.

[Sarah]

Isn't that bonkers?

[Kirby Johnson]

Yeah.

[Amira Despain]

So Paper New, they're always ahead of the game.

[Sarah]

Totally. And what did you study in school?

[Amira Despain]

Marketing.

[Sarah]

Marketing.

[Amira Despain]

I would tell you. For marketing?

[Sarah]

Yes. Okay, so I love this because we are a decade older than you, Amira, but when I was in school we didn't have like a social media or like even like digital plan. There wasn't there a trajectory like that didn't exist. So I studied advertising and public relations and I feel like your marketing background has probably really helped you with the social media side of things.

[Amira Despain]

Totally.

[Kirby Johnson]

Yeah.

[Amira Despain]

I did communications within NYU and then I also did marketing, so I double majored and they like that combination. I feel like has set me up for not only like the paper side of it, which obviously got me to where I am now, but then even now I still use some of the things that I learned in school.

[Sarah]

Yeah, 100%. How did being the beauty director at Paper help you become a better content creator and influencer? I think that something about you is you have that edge where you didn't just leap into content creation. You didn't decide, okay, I'm graduating from high school or I'm in high school, I'm going to do this. You went to school, you had a different career idea of what you maybe you wanted to do.

[Amira Despain]

It's cool because I feel like I treat my content like the same way I would treat an editorial piece. And I feel like you guys probably identify with this too. It's like it's, it's like a different way of thinking. And I try to make sure that my audience will always walk away either educated, entertained, or you know, just inspired in some way. And I feel like I would do the same when I would write. So. And I love writing so much. I do miss it. But it's also a double edged sword because now sometimes it's hard to then showcase the like lifestyle. Like people are like invested in you as a person, not only just your advice and the things that you're talking about. So yeah, I have to find the balance.

[Sarah]

Do you feel like it's been harder since you joined Next gen, where people are really now wanting to know everything about your personal life? Because I remember when I first started following you it really was because you were giving amazing tips and tricks, makeup wise, and I thought you were funny, but you weren't really, you know, sharing a lot of details about what you were going through behind the scenes.

[Amira Despain]

You know, I feel like I kind of now treat them like two separate worlds. And I think that's been really helpful. Is like, when I'm on the show and when I'm, you know, sharing my life on Next Gen, that is the moment for my audience to, like, take that all in because it truly is the most unfiltered it could ever possibly be. Like, that's just how it is. And then my content, my beauty content, and every now and then, like, the lifestyle stuff, like, that's just like, things that I love and that I find enjoyable. But it's not everything, you know, like on Next Gen, especially this next season, like, you'll get the good, bad and the ugly. Like, it's everything.

[Kirby Johnson]

Do you feel like you turn it on a little extra for the show or like that's who you are in real life?

[Amira Despain]

I actually think I. That's who I am in real life, 100%. And I think I turn it on more when I'm creating content at home because I know it's going to be like, you need to be, like, engaging, entertaining. Like, it's so fast and you have to be, like, funny and quippy and snappy and on the show, it's kind of nice because I can just like, breathe and be like, okay, I'll let them do their thing. How they're ever. They're going to edit it and make us look good, look bad, whatever.

[Sarah]

Oh, my gosh. I would have a hard time letting go of the reins and having an edit.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Being handled by someone else.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Kirby Johnson]

What was that like for you?

[Amira Despain]

That was hard. I mean, in the first season of the show, I obviously, I was really busy, so I wasn't able to be in it as much. But that was definitely, like, a real anxiety that I had and I still do now, you know, like, it's like I'm so used to controlling my own content.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Amira Despain]

And letting it just all go to someone else is crazy.

[Kirby Johnson]

How did you like how you were shown after the first season?

[Amira Despain]

I think I liked it. I was, like, sad that I was not able to, like, be in more, you know, group things. And I was so busy because we shot a lot of it during Pride and so I was, like, traveling a lot and I had a bunch of, like, work stuff and it was like working both of those commitments and Just being in summer in general, it was difficult, but I think then this next season you'll see a lot more of me because I managed to balance the two way better.

[Sarah]

We've learned from our fashion friends that one of the big trends this spring is something called classic coastal.

[Kirby Johnson]

I am always trying to embrace the classic coastal lifestyle, if I'm being honest.

[Sarah]

Why does this remind me of Diane Keaton? And something's got a gift.

[Kirby Johnson]

Again, like that is. That is the lifestyle for us, 100%.

[Sarah]

Think crisp stripes, airy linen pieces that effortless. I might get my own boat energy.

[Kirby Johnson]

I say let's. Let's get a yacht.

[Amira Despain]

Wow.

[Sarah]

Okay. Dream big.

[Kirby Johnson]

The nice thing is Macy's makes it really wearable, like clean silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and those nautical details that make everything feel. Feel just a little more polished.

[Sarah]

Basically, the vibe is relaxed but put together, which is exactly how I'd like to look this spring. Head to Macy's to get your classic coastal vibes on. One thing that I've read in interviews that you've done in the past is you are a trans woman, but you don't like to focus on that. That's not the thing that you lead with. And I almost hesitated putting that in your intro, you know, with Victoria's Secret and with Bravo. But you are proud of it and you've talked about that. When it comes to things like Pride, how do you decide if a partnership is actually worthy of you being a part of it or not?

[Amira Despain]

That's such a good question. Because this is something that I really do think about and take a lot of time to, like, process. You know, I really think it's about whether or not the brand or the company champions me year round. And it's not just like, you know, a one off thing or like, it's not just like something where they can tokenize me and it becomes more of like an addition to something bigger we're working on. That, to me, is like, always the most meaningful because then it's not only meaningful to them, it's meaningful to me. It's like, wow. This brand that I love and like, work with all the time actually also knows this side of myself and, like, I'm happy to share that with my

[Sarah]

audience, you know, I'm curious, does your rate go up during Pride month?

[Amira Despain]

During Pride, I honestly don't know. Like, I. I know that's like, crazy to say. I really don't know. Like, I want to say yes. Like, I assume that my team, like, will do that.

[Sarah]

You're in Demand. And I'm sure, like you said, there's probably brands that are, like, not walking the talk, and they're like, oh, Amira. Yeah, this one worked for us. She's stunning. And, you know, like, checks these boxes.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Then you're like, pay up.

[Amira Despain]

That's right. And I've turned down some really big checks because I've just been like, I don't really feel like you guys would do this if it wasn't during Pride 100. You know, like, this is kind of sketchy.

[Kirby Johnson]

Is there a partner that does support you year round that you love working with?

[Amira Despain]

Honestly, l', Oreal, I think, is, like, one of my favorite brands to work with. I feel like every beauty creator loves to work with l'. Oreal. Like, it's just like, they're the best. Like, the team is amazing. They, like, know exactly how to get their message across without, like, infiltrating on the creator's, like, Persona and vibe. Obviously, Victoria's Secret, love working with them year round. It's like, they're the best. The best team. And, yeah, those are my faves.

[Sarah]

I wrote this question and so I'm hoping it doesn't come off the way that I'm now reading it. I'm like, I hope she knows this is a positive thing. Okay.

[Amira Despain]

Okay.

[Sarah]

So you mentioned Victoria's Secret. You've modeled for them. Like, you've worked with them in social capacities. You've been on reality tv, but you also graduated magna cum laude. Okay, yes. Pre influencing. Surely you've been doubted by optically being the hot girl.

[Amira Despain]

Oh, yeah.

[Sarah]

And the girl on social media. But behind the scenes, how do you operate? How does business Amira operate?

[Amira Despain]

Business Amira is very control freaky. Like, I. I take my business very seriously, and it's like monitors on monitors in my apartment. I have, like, I do all my own admin stuff. I do all my own editing. I, like, I'm so OCD about it that I. I don't know, I just. I don't let it go. And I think I play up the ditzy, like, oh, like, I don't know, like, what in, like, meetings and stuff. Because it really does, you know, no one wants someone who's just, like, so overbearing on everything. But, like, my team knows when it comes to the finance stuff, that's the one area that I don't touch because I think they know better than I do. But majority, I feel like I lead the charge on everything.

[Sarah]

I love that.

[Amira Despain]

I love that. I respect them so much and I love that they let me do that because that's not common.

[Sarah]

Oh, my God.

[Kirby Johnson]

I can't believe you still do all your admin stuff too.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

That's incredible. Is there an example of a time that you've been underestimated, that you kind of went back and had your Pretty Woman moment? Like, big mistake.

[Boost Mobile Representative]

Huge.

[Amira Despain]

I mean, I think just, like, getting into being on reality tv, like, prior to Next Gen, there had been multiple shows that were like, I auditioned for. I, like, you know, like, got the calls for and they wanted me on. And then they were like, I don't know, like, she. Her life seems a little too crazy. Like, I don't know if, like, she's the right fit for this. Like, this and that. And then finally when Next Gen came, then I was like, okay, yeah, well, obviously. And then last year, I think I was like, the most requested. Like, they wanted to see more of me. And I was like, well, okay, there you go.

[Sarah]

You're like, well, here we go. And also, I have to say, you handled yourself so well. And watch what happens live.

[Amira Despain]

Thank you.

[Sarah]

Because I feel like sometimes Andy can be a little snarky to the women. Although I love Andy, but honestly, like, sometimes when I'm watching, I'm like, yeah, he's oogling and googling over all the boys. And then when it comes to the girls, he's kind of a little bit more catty in some ways. So I was like, mira, she said, yes, Respect me.

[Kirby Johnson]

Amira, is there a reality show that you would love to go on?

[Amira Despain]

Ooh. Honestly, Traitors. I was going to say, I think I would die.

[Sarah]

Like, no, you would win. I would win the sponsorships that will come out of that.

[Amira Despain]

Oh, my God, you crazy.

[Sarah]

You could just retire. It would be crazy. I actually. Wait. Let's get the camera traders.

[Amira Despain]

Traders, where you are? NBC. Come on.

[Sarah]

Come on, NBC. It's all in the family. It's all in the family.

[Amira Despain]

That's right.

[Sarah]

Okay, I want some influencer tea.

[Amira Despain]

Okay.

[Sarah]

When you're attending an event on behalf of a brand, what do most people not know about that experience for you versus what they are seeing?

[Amira Despain]

Visually, I think that it's really difficult if you don't have someone going with you. And it's so awkward because a lot of us are mutuals online and especially, like, the younger, like, I'm 29, but I feel like a lot of, like, the NYC influencer girlies are like, you know, in their, like, early, early 20s. Like, 21, 22. Everyone's just kind of like, awkward. And I'm like, someone has to, like, break that tension. And, you know, you're not just going to be like, hey, like, can you take this video of me? I have like a deliverable for this brand. Like, I'm like, do you mind? Exactly.

[Sarah]

It's a lot of awkward interactions.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Even though it looks glam and you're having this once in a lifetime experience. For the most part.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Kirby Johnson]

I mean, that's why plus one is always a good thing.

[Amira Despain]

Yes.

[Sarah]

100.

[Kirby Johnson]

When it comes to your content right now, what performs best for you? Is there something where you're like, okay, this is gonna do well?

[Amira Despain]

My series, your makeup looks like is, I think my. It's not only my favorite series to film, but I think it's the best performing. It's just so relatable that I think, like, everyone has had those moments and I've had many moments of like, my makeup looking like shit. I've taught myself how to do my own glam over years and I've had very documented public instances of, like, bad makeup. So, yeah, I think that that's my favorite series and people love it.

[Kirby Johnson]

Is there anything that you had to, like, give up or, like, stop doing because you're like, this is not working.

[Amira Despain]

I mean, Get Ready with Me is. I feel like I started out with the Get Ready with Me is and they did so well because no one else was doing them like back in 2020. And now I feel like everyone does the Get Ready with me. I do them every now and then because they're so fun to film. I love filming them. I think they're so entertaining because it's like the perfect blend of lifestyle and then like beauty content. So I don't do them as often, but yeah, I feel like I've kind of toned them back.

[Sarah]

Okay, money question.

[Amira Despain]

Oh, no.

[Sarah]

She grabs the water. Wet the whistle, babe. What's the most you've ever made from one partnership?

[Amira Despain]

I mean, I think it was like mid six figures.

[Kirby Johnson]

Wow.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

What were the deliverables?

[Amira Despain]

It was a lot of deliverables. It was over the course of a year.

[Kirby Johnson]

Okay, okay. Was it beauty?

[Amira Despain]

It was beauty.

[Kirby Johnson]

Okay.

[Amira Despain]

But it was great. I mean, like, it did really well. It was like a long term partnership. And, you know, I still work with them today. It's like turned into a multi year thing.

[Kirby Johnson]

Amira, if you could fix anything on any social platform, what would it be?

[Amira Despain]

Content Being shown directly to followers more often. I don't even care about it being pushed out to new people as much like I just want my audience to make sure that they see the stuff that they want.

[Kirby Johnson]

Like, why is that so hard?

[Amira Despain]

I don't know. And, you know, the comment that always breaks my heart or like, makes me so frustrated is when people say, hey, I haven't seen you in so long. I'm like, you're like.

[Kirby Johnson]

I'm literally posting all the time.

[Amira Despain]

Like, what do you mean?

[Sarah]

You're like, okay, clock me. This sucks. No. Have you tried the new feature on Instagram that's show to your followers for 24 hours?

[Amira Despain]

No.

[Sarah]

I started doing this. Emira. It is game changing.

[Amira Despain]

Really. TikTok needs that feature now.

[Sarah]

They do, they do. Instagram is wanting to compete with TikTok and one day just popped up because, you know, you have. You can do trial reels, you can do close friends, whatever, but it was just this little toggle and it said, show to your followers for 24 hours. Like, only as, like, the first people to receive it. My engagement, 10 times higher. It's worth doing it.

[Amira Despain]

Oh, I have to try that.

[Kirby Johnson]

Because what it does is it, like,

[Sarah]

it feeds it literally to your followers

[Amira Despain]

only for the first 24 hours.

[Kirby Johnson]

But it, but it blocks it for. So it says, like, this piece of content or whatever is only available to Kirby Johnson's followers for 24 hours. So you're like, oh, what is it?

[Sarah]

So then you click someone. If someone that's following me shares it with someone else and they're not following

[Kirby Johnson]

me, they can't see it.

[Sarah]

It's incentivized.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Kirby Johnson]

So it's the FOMO of it all.

[Amira Despain]

That's cool. I'm going to start trying that. Do it.

[Sarah]

It's been a game changer, but I agree, I think, I mean, even TikTok has changed so much.

[Amira Despain]

So much.

[Sarah]

I developed a following based off of specific basket of content I was doing. And it's really hard, it feels like, to break out of that box of if you want to try something new and you want to introduce your followers to something else, you really can't because it just diminishes your views.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah, it's such a bummer.

[Sarah]

What is the hardest lesson you had to learn about your job and what did you take away from it?

[Amira Despain]

I think the hardest lesson I've had to learn is probably, and I'm still working on it, is being able to, like, delegate, you know, things that are bogging me down. There are so many aspects of this job, like, people don't see, and I feel like you have to be able to, like, push things off to people to be like, hey, I can't do this right now. Like, I actually really do need help from my team on how to figure out this thing or whether it's, you know, hiring a videographer for something specific or bringing on like friends to help with, like a specific, you know, project, whatever it may be. Like that I think is like something that I have had to learn.

[Sarah]

And then finally, what are your top three tips for somebody who wants to become a content creator? A successful one.

[Amira Despain]

A successful content creator. I think, I feel, really do feel like you have to love it. Like you have to love whatever your niche is, whatever your category is. Like genuinely do it for yourself and for the love of it. You can't just do it because you want to make money. You can't just do it because you want to be famous or whatever it, you know, I think that's tip number one. Tip number two, I would say is get an incredible team. Like, I think that is really half of this job. And tip number three, I would say just like always make sure you're having fun when you do it, because once it stops being fun, then you shouldn't do this anymore.

[Sarah]

When you say team, do you mean manager, agent, that or do you mean videographer?

[Amira Despain]

I mean, I mean, I guess all of the above, but I mean more so like manager, agent, publicist, that type of stuff. But if you're not even there yet, like when you're just starting out, like, if you have, like your mom is going to help you create all of your content, like, that's incredible. Like you need to have someone like that who's like on your side and going to help you with everything, especially in the beginning because it gets so overwhelming.

[Sarah]

Oh, wait, I said last question. But I do have a follow up

[Kirby Johnson]

and I actually have one more.

[Amira Despain]

Okay, okay.

[Kirby Johnson]

Who is your favorite person to follow right now? And yeah, I'm putting on.

[Amira Despain]

I honestly really do have been loving Michaela's like, post divorce moment. And I think it's so fun to watch because I love her so much and I really do. I know that she's going through it, but I think it's great that she's sharing it with the world. And you know, she gets so much hate and so much love at the same time. I'm sure it's so overwhelming, but yeah, it's so fun to watch.

[Sarah]

I saw her post and she said, okay, well I have some new people here. And she posted a screenshot of her analytics. 2 billion insane.

[Amira Despain]

Isn't that. I saw that too.

[Sarah]

Everyone in the comments was like, with the B, this is crazy. So she's like, so I'm gonna introduce myself. And it was. It was a really interesting video because she acknowledged a few things. She's like, I'm not everybody's cup of tea.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

I do turn on my accent more, but I'm a mass hole. I have an accent, but when you watch me, Kim Kardashian, I'm going to bring it out. So it was very. I felt like it was. You could tell she was going through something last year in a very sad way. So honestly, I think it's nice that she has gotten it all out in the open and she's moving forward.

[Amira Despain]

I mean, it takes a lot of balls to do that. Like, I think she's, like, really, like, owning it. You know, we're friends. We're not, like, super, super close. But I think it's great that she's able to share that with the audience, but then also, like, for herself to be like, oh, damn, this is like a new era of me. Like, I'm gonna, like, rebrand or enter this next chapter.

[Kirby Johnson]

Yeah.

[Amira Despain]

I think it's so sick.

[Sarah]

One thing that she said during that video that struck me was even haters or. I don't know how she put it, so don't quote me. But she said, even haters help me.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

And I said, that is the exact type of mindset you need to have to totally be in this, Succeed in this.

[Amira Despain]

In this industry. Yeah.

[Sarah]

100. Yeah. On that note, do you go to therapy? Do you need a therapist? Are you good? Not that I think you need one, but, like, no. I mean, really large following that where people just yelling things at you without permission.

[Amira Despain]

Yeah, I. And, you know, I am so grateful. My audience, I think, is very defensive for me. Like, I feel like they're very culty and they, like, will tear someone apart.

[Kirby Johnson]

Do they have a name?

[Amira Despain]

The Country Barbies.

[Sarah]

Yes, the Country Barbies.

[Amira Despain]

And if they. You know, I feel like if someone starts to comment something negative, they'll just, like, rip them to shreds. And I'm like, okay. Period. Like, I don't even need to jump in. But, yes, I do go to therapy.

[Sarah]

Love this for you.

[Amira Despain]

And I feel like it's, like, important. Like, this industry in general, just receiving that much attention is not normal. Yeah. It's something that, like, you have to be very grateful for and, like, excited about, but at the same time, take with a grain of salt and say, like, okay, like, I have to prioritize my mental health over creating content, you

[Sarah]

know, and it's not even just the amount of people. It's also seeing yourself every day.

[Amira Despain]

Oh, my God.

[Kirby Johnson]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

We are not conditioned as the human race to look at ourselves in a phone. I can see my reflection in my

[Kirby Johnson]

iPad, like, you know what I mean?

[Sarah]

Anywhere.

[Kirby Johnson]

You just looking at that TV screen right now.

[Sarah]

There's so many ways to see yourself at any given moment that I feel

[Kirby Johnson]

like they were doing this 50 years ago. Literally 20 years ago.

[Sarah]

No, absolutely. Yeah.

[Amira Despain]

That's so true.

[Sarah]

Okay, well, you're absolutely fabulous.

[Kirby Johnson]

You look good from all angles.

[Sarah]

Amazing at all angles.

[Kirby Johnson]

It's okay.

[Amira Despain]

Thank you.

[Sarah]

Thank you for coming on Los Angeles. Amira. We adore you and we hope to see you again soon.

[Amira Despain]

Yes, absolutely. Bye.

[Paige Desorbo]

Hey. This is Paige Desorbo from Giggly Squad, and this episode is presented by Depop. Okay, be honest. How many things in your closet are just sitting there waiting for their next main character moment? Instead of staring at them, list them. You can list an item in just a few taps on Depop. Snap a photo and their AI powered listing fills in the details and you're done. It's not giving stressful and it's giving efficient and make money easily. With no selling fees on Depop, no seller fees means what you earn is yours. Your personal taste has value. Someone is literally looking for what you're not wearing. Download the Depop app and list your first item today.