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- [00:00]
A
Hey guys. Welcome back to Skin Anarchy. We have such a special guest with us today. I am a huge fan of her content. I get so much inspo from her, her channel, just her reviews and a lot of fashion actually more than anything else. So very, very excited. So please welcome Marjan Tabibzada. Welcome, Marjan. So excited to host you.
- [00:17]
B
I'm so excited to be here. That was such a sweet intro. Thank you.
- [00:21]
A
From the heart. From the heart. I really am a fan of your content and I love like you bring such a cool take because being a brown woman myself and growing up and never seeing know represented online, much less like in a space where it feels like, you know, the person, you know, like that influencer feeling like we never had that. So it's really cool.
- [00:40]
B
Isn't it so sad. I think it's such a. It's so sad. But I'm really, really glad that we have so many more, you know, brown girls, Central Asian. All of us Middle Eastern girls in that category are like, really? We're doing it and we're killing it and we're in the spaces and it just makes me so happy. It really, really does.
- [01:00]
A
It's awesome. No, it's freaking awesome because like what I was saying about fashion, like, I just love seeing the fashion. It's like finally love it.
- [01:07]
B
I know, I know. And it does so well. It does so well. And it's like I feel like we're in a space in content creation where like people want to see the culture, you know, because there's so many of us out there. So like, you know, when I do like mine going to my friends, you know, Indian wedding and it's a three day event and you know, I do, you know, the outfits and the makeup looks, it's like they do so viral and they do so well because it's like we don't have that representation properly. And I mean, I hope I'm doing it right and yeah, yeah, I love it. I love to see it.
- [01:41]
A
No, it's awesome because, you know, it's crazy. When I was growing up, so I'm coming up to my 40th birthday and in November and when I was growing up, Bollywood was all we. That's it. The only time you could see cool, amazing fashion from the east was Bollywood. You know, I remember when a few of those movies came out, like, Dave Dawson is one of them.
- [01:59]
B
Like, I love Dave. Thus I grew up on Bollywood too, by the way.
- [02:03]
A
I. I know it's so common in all of our cultures. We all watch It.
- [02:06]
B
So, yeah, I learned how to speak Hindi because I. I watched Bollywood movies. And it's funny because when I got brought into my fiance's family, they were like, whoa, she knows how to speak the language. And I'm like, I'm not that good at it. But, you know, I totally understand everything you guys are saying, and I can for sure hold a conversation.
- [02:25]
A
Your Bollywood taught you well. I love that. No, I mean, it's really, really cool. And I. That's really where I want to start, you know, because your content really speaks to a demographic of women that we never saw ourselves represented, you know, and I think that's amazing, but also, like, just curiosity, like, where it start for you. Like, I know no one wakes up one day that I'm going to be an influencer. That's all I'm doing. So, like, what. Where were you before any social media, any of that?
- [02:53]
B
Girl? I was. I worked. So I basically was getting my degree for bachelor's of Science in marketing at Cal State Northridge. I graduated with that. While I was getting that, I was working at Mac Cosmetics at the age of 18. I was the youngest at the. At the entire department. And we worked. I worked at Nordstrom, so I was the Mac counter inside Nordstrom's. You know, we had counter goals. We had department goals to meet. And again, I had no sales experience. I was right out of high school, so I was doing that. I was doing freelance on the side, you know, taking on brides and bridesmaids and prom makeup. I was on set. And then on top of that, I was like, posting the content on socials. And so I really felt like I was doing like a bajillion different things. And I'm so grateful enough that, you know, content creation really just picked up. It really just picked up. And when I graduated with my degree, I wanted to get into law school. I was like, that's kind of like the path that I want to take. But TIK was blowing up. You know, we had reached like a mil. Less than a million followers on TikTok Instagram. We already had a, you know, a significant amount of followers on there. So it was like a thing of like, I love doing this so much that. And I see some sort of potential there, so why not just see where this can. Where this can go? And I'm so blessed that it's been a career for me that has been so beautiful. It really. It really has been so.
- [04:29]
A
Yeah, I love that. I love that. I love that you. That you had your time at Mac you know, because Mac, like when I. Yeah, I mean, because, like when I first learned about your journey, I was reading, you know, you were, you were at Mac. And what is really insignificant, it's really significant about that is that, I don't know, like, Mac has always been that brand that like celebrated like everybody, you know, like, we never had that conversation of like shade range with Mac. We were always like, Mac is it. You know, that's. They know what they're doing. And so, you know, I wouldn't have the first.
- [04:58]
B
Sorry to cut you over there. I think one of the first had like 50 shades of a foundation and like every shade of the foundation that you can.
- [05:05]
A
I never, I never felt like, I'm telling you, growing up, even like 2004, 2003, 2004, going into a Mac store, I never felt like I couldn't be matched. You know what I mean? And that's why it just like, it's like so meaningful, I think, for a lot of brown and black people, that brand, because we found ourselves there before any other brand, you know, like. And so I'd love for you to speak on that, like, because you started there, you know, and then seeing diversity and then how did you bring that into your content when you really started getting like that following?
- [05:34]
B
Yeah. So with Mac, when I had graduated high school, I was like looking for, you know, my first job. My first job at. And I had actually worked like part time seasonal at like, I think it was Abercrombie and Fitch. And it was just like a, like a seasonal job. But like, right out of high school, I was like, kenny, I need a job. You know, like, I'm going, I'm going into college now. Like, I have bills to pay for. I did not come from a rich family. Like, my dad was a security guard. He worked two jobs. Like, we. He had six, six kids, you know, and it was not a thing where I was like, dad, I need money. Or like, dad, fund my college. No, I was on financial aid, you know, so I needed a job. And for me, like, I loved makeup so much, so I literally went into a Mac store and I was like, are you guys hiring? And they gave me an application and they were like, fill it out, bring it back. I did that. And they're like, there's an interview process. You have to go. It was like, it was like the Mac store in Santa Monica and there was like 200 people applying for like these positions. I'm so scared. And it's funny because I didn't even have my License. At that time, my mom drove me and she was there with me. I was so scared because I'm like, oh, my God. Like, I don't know what I'm doing, you know? Like, I don't know. And at that time, I didn't know anything about Mac. Like, I knew. I didn't know product knowledge. I had only done makeup on myself. Like, it was like I was learning everything off YouTube. Like, that was the thing, right? And I went into my interview, and I feel like my personal personality and the way I dressed, because she complimented, like, I love your outfit. Like, this is such an amazing outfit that you're wearing. And, you know, interview was done. I didn't hear callbacks. I was like, I'm not going to get this. Like, it is what it is. Whatever. She called me back. She was like, oh, by the way, loved you. We want to hire you. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, this is. This is insane. So that. That was my. That was my first job ever.
- [07:22]
A
That's really cool. I like that. I mean, honestly, here's the thing about influencers, and I think a lot of people don't understand is that, like, you really have to love this. Like, you have to love, like, if you're in makeup or if you're in whatever you're in, like, you to love it. Otherwise, there's no way. And I would love for you to talk about that because I think that there's so much misinformation in terms of, like, what it takes to gain a following, you know? Like, walk us through that. Like, what was that like for you?
- [07:47]
B
I think for me, I always want to start off by saying, at the end of the day, if you compare content creation to other jobs, it is.
- [07:56]
A
It.
- [07:57]
B
It doesn't even compare. Whereas, like, yes, content creation is not the hardest job. Yeah, it's one of the most rewarding jobs. You know, you can work from home. You make your own hours. So I never want to comp and be like, you know, make it seem like our job is so freaking difficult that, like, you know, whatever. But I will say, though, that in order to be a content creator, and when I started content creation, there was no blueprint. Okay. Content creation was not looked at as a career to this day. Right now, yes, there are agencies. There are PR people. Back then, that was, like, only for the. The actors and the actresses and the celebrities, right? There was no BL blueprint. You had to do everything on your own, you know, and also at that time, you weren't getting paid. You Know, my source of income was coming from Mac Cosmetics, you know, and I was getting paid $18 an hour or 1750 something around, something along those lines. And so like, it wasn't a thing where I was like, I'm making all of this freaking money. I was not, you know, so when I did content creation, it's because I loved it. I loved it. I would go to school, I would go do free freelance work. I worked at Mac Cosmetics. And content creation was literally just an extra thing that I did because I just loved it. And I loved showing my creativity, I love showing people my different looks, all of that. So like, yes, back to your point, you had to love what you were doing that like point blank, period. Because you were not making a single dollar or dime that you and even the amount of money that you're able to make now with content creation versus back then, night and day difference. And also, not to mention, I got into the industry when all of the OG YouTubers were, have already been established because so Even getting on YouTube was so impossible because, you know, you had the James Charles and the, you know, Desi Perkins and the I Love Sarais that were already dominating the YouTube industry. So like, they already had, like, they were the ones, you know, that everybody's watching and you're trying to build on YouTube. And I, I was trying to get on YouTube for the longest time and I, girl, I was struggling. Like, nothing was working. So like it, it was definitely an industry back then to now is night and day difference.
- [10:12]
A
Yeah, no, I believe you. And that's so, so interesting that you bring this up because I always wondered, I was like die hard follower of the YouTube era of influencers, you know what I mean? Like, I watched like every Jackie video, every single, you know, like literally like
- [10:27]
B
Hill Carly by bell, like, those are my girls.
- [10:29]
A
Yeah, like, honestly, same, same dude, same. And I like remember just being like, what's gonna happen once they leave and they go start their own brands, do their own thing like YouTube? And I started to watch it happen. But then I always wondered, I'm. People compare. Like, you know, like, how do people compare you? Like, did you run into that when you started like really blowing up where people were comparing you to like, Maybe their favorite YouTuber or like, I don't know, somebody they were just used to watching, you know, before Tik Tok became big?
- [10:57]
B
It wasn't. No, I never got to compare. I was never compared, to be honest. You. Like, I never dealt with that. Yeah, no, like, I, I, I, I honestly never dealt with that, but like,
- [11:07]
A
no, not like compared like to a person, but like, to like the, like what came out of YouTube, you know, because the thing is like, the content, you guys generation of influencers is more short form, you know what I mean? It's more digestible. It's not like the 20 minute videos anymore. So like, how did you, like, how was that for you in terms of like, because you said there's no blueprint. You were watching the YouTube videos. How did you manage that and like navigate making your own kind of style, you know, like video length and like how to deliver and all of that stuff that, you know, we never hear about.
- [11:36]
B
Yeah, it's all trial and error. It is literally all trial and error. There will be hundreds of my videos that have flopped, you know, girl, and you have to pick your butt back up and keep creating your. Keep creating the content. There was so many times where I would be like, this, this isn't working. Or, you know, like, I would have my depressed moments, I would have burnout moments, you know, but at the end of the day, when you have a passion for something, like, there would be moments, girl, when I would be sleeping and I would wake up in the middle of the night because I had a video idea and I would jot it down in my notes, and the next day I would, I would make the content. So it's really like when you have that passion for it, even when you are down in the dumps and it's not working, there's something in you that, like, you still get up and you're like, it's okay. We're gonna make. Make something different. We're gonna do a whole new series or we're gonna try something completely different. And I think that's so. That's sometimes really hard for creators to understand that, like, just because something isn't working, you change the direction, you know? And even figuring that out, I know, is difficult. It's not. It's definitely not as easy because how, you know, and like, what. But like, you just, you just got to try new things.
- [12:47]
A
Yeah, Yeah, I know that makes a lot of sense and I know it's like a weird question, but honestly, I wonder, you know, because I, I watched like, like your content and I'm just like, how do you. Because I couldn't do it, you know, Like, I would be like, so confused. Like, how do I.
- [13:01]
B
No, you could.
- [13:02]
A
You could. No, I mean, like, I. I don't know, man. Like, it just looks like, like there's so much you have to understand. You Know, in terms of like, what. Where's your audience going to, like, actually pay attention and where are they going to trail off and that. Actually, one of my questions for you is because your content really does resonate with so many people, so many women, like, across the world, you know, especially, like, when you. I feel like as a brown woman, I've been underrepresented and I'm sitting in America, you know what I mean? So, like, for the women who are more international viewers of your content, I know they identify, you know, with you. And so, like, where, like, talk about that a little bit in terms of, like, how does that work and like, how do you manage those? You get like, emails from them or, like, messages where they're like, hey, listen, I love what you're wearing. I just couldn't wear that where I'm from, you know, like something like that.
- [13:49]
B
Yeah, no.
- [13:50]
A
100.
- [13:50]
B
And I feel like, I feel like with me, even, I. I feel like there's so much that my audience relates to when it comes to the cultural aspect of things.
- [14:03]
A
Yeah.
- [14:04]
B
So when I do my Eat Get Ready with Me, you know, like, that's something that people are like, oh, my God, finally. Or I mean, at the end of the day, you know, I. I make content based off of what works for me and what could possibly relatable to my audience, you know, and there is. There will always be someone that either doesn't like it or it doesn't work with them. But I mean, that's okay, you know, like, that. That is okay. Just because one outfit that I wear is too crazy doesn't mean another one that I make, you know, you can't wear it. And there's been so many, for example, outfit videos that, that I make or Get Ready With Me videos. I try to take more of that modest take on it. Or, you know, I'll be like, listen, this is like a completely sheer dress. But, you know, we are the brown girls where we can't really show. We can't be. We got. We can't be that revealing. So let's make this a little bit more modest. And I think that resonated with a lot of people too, because it'd be like, wow, I love that you can take something so like skin, skin, you know, revealing and, you know, make it so conservative where, like, girls could wear that. Something that they. They could never think they could. But, wow, you actually made it where we could actually wear that now. So.
- [15:17]
A
Yeah. Yeah, that's exactly what I was asking about, because I know, like, that's tough, you know, because I can speak as Indian women, we never saw ourselves like, you know, represented in all the different styles and all the different ways. So it's like, it's really interesting to watch, you know, in terms of like, oh, like we're like discovering fashion a whole different way, even though we have our professional fashion outlets as well. You know, if you go over to the east, like, did we have our fashion shows and stuff? Like it was never seen the way Americans grew up, you know, watching their fashion represented. So I think that's very cool. Yeah.
- [15:49]
B
Oh, 1,000%. And I, I think we are also seeing a shift in content where maybe the next trend coming up is really just that transparency and also seeing cultures being represented in a way where it's not the norm that you normally see. Where like, I feel like maybe five years ago it was always about the makeup tutorials and things and fashion stuff, but now I feel like bringing in that cultural aspect into it because it's like there are many people on social media and there's so many of us, you know, the Middle Eastern, the Central Asian, the brown, the brown girlies. But it's like that representation isn't really there. And I feel like now that you're slowly seeing it, I do feel like there will be a shift of like, oh, wow, that content creator, you know, I can relate to on a deeper level because, you know, those are things that, those are fashion things, those are makeup things that, you know, relate to me as someone that, you know, isn't. You're not white girl.
- [16:49]
A
Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I mean, that's, that's the thing is like, like the way it's actually opening up a lot of avenues for the younger generations. Like, I am just so excited when I see like younger girls, like 15 year old, you know, like you're discovering like who you are, your identity, blending your cultures, and then to be able to have content that you can kind of understand, it's like a blueprint. It's a blueprint that we never had.
- [17:13]
B
You know, maybe like a couple years back it was embarrassing, you know, because it's like you didn't. People didn't maybe share it because they were embarrassed or they didn't think people would care for it or things like that. But now that you're seeing, you know, creators talk about these things and I feel like the younger generation is seeing too. And I feel like it's a sense of proudness as well. You know, it's a sense of like, oh my God, yes, girl, Like, I want to wear my traditional outfits and, and I want to, you know, show that I'm wearing a sari to a wedding because it's so beautiful, you know, and so like, just things like that that I feel like I'm just so happy to see the representation. I really am.
- [17:54]
A
No, it's really, really, it's really cool and it's a really cool time to be like, on social media. I think in my opinion, like, even though, like the YouTube era had like an immense impact, you know, on culture, like on western culture and everything, and that will be always be what it was. But I feel like right now social media has become so easy. Your person on here, you know, like, you can find that one creator that's going to really resonate. And I know a lot of young people get like, like life advice, you know, like genuine advice about like, how to live and how to deal with situations. And I would love for you to like, kind of speak on that in terms of. Because I feel like there's so much responsibility that's put on your shoulders when you have a following of like 1 million, 2 million, 3, you know, like, it's really something that you do, I'm sure, internalize and deal with. So. So I'd love for you to speak about that, you know, in terms of like being a responsible creator, making sure that your content is like, you know, something that people can really feel is evergreen and makes a lasting impact.
- [18:56]
B
I feel like that's one thing that I struggle with sometimes though too, because I feel like when you have so many eyes on you and you go from like a thousand followers to now millions of followers, there is that sense of responsibility that comes from, you know, speaking out on specific things or, you know, just whatever it may be. And sometimes I feel like influencers get this really bad rep of like, you know, if you post about things, you get really hate for it and if you don't post about things, you get, you get hate for it. So like, finding that middle ground, I feel like we honestly still struggle with and it makes it where like it's very, very hard to talk about things when you know that as an influencer you're. You just there that stereotype of like, of like, you know, like, oh, you know, you just live this lavish life and like, whatever, like, it's just, it's just like we don't really like, we, we want you to talk about it, but also when we give the opinions and we say it, it's just never good enough enough, you know, so I feel like that's something that is also hard for us because it's like, at the end of the day, we're also human, and sometimes we don't know how to talk about things. You know, we don't know how to. We don't know how to say it in the most perfect way. And just because we don't doesn't mean we don't relate or that we don't understand. But that definitely is something that I feel like I struggle with. I'm not gonna lie to you. And something, you know, recently happened to me where, you know, I spoke out about something, and you're getting. You're getting good, and you're getting. You're getting the. The love and the hate. So it's really. You're just sitting there like, you know, you. You're kind of like, if you do it, you win, and if you don't do, like. I'm sorry. If you do it, you lose, and if you don't do it, you lose. So, like, that's definitely something that I feel like as influencers, we. We struggle with. Effy.
- [20:52]
A
Yeah, no, I can definitely see that. And, you know, it's interesting because I watch all this hate. Like, I. I honestly, like, I'm just sitting online most time trying to wrap my head around, like, why people come at influencers so hard. You're out here, you're sharing your life. You're. You know what I mean? You're giving people a sneak into what they wouldn't have the courage to do. Like, a lot of us wouldn't have the courage to put our life on the Internet. That's just a fact. You know what I mean? And I. And I would love for you to speak on this, because there is a lot of hate online. You know, there's a whole cancel culture movement. There's this whole, like, doesn't matter how good of, you know, like, you could do 90 things that are amazing, and you do 10 things that are maybe like, whatever, and it's like, people want to cancel you. Right? Like, I would love for you to sp. To speak about this, because I think it really, really matters right now, you and I. And I hate seeing it, so I
- [21:38]
B
absolutely hate seeing it. I feel like cancel culture is. Is brutal. I'm not even gonna lie to you. It is so brutal. It's like you. And then getting canceled for, like, the littlest things.
- [21:51]
A
Yeah.
- [21:51]
B
And I feel like some. And I feel like genuinely, sometimes cancel culture just comes from, you know, groups of people that just have already not not liked you. And then they may find one thing that you're doing wrong and they're like, oh, this is the moment, you know, that moment. And it's unfortunate, but I think at the end of the day, and I can speak only, only for myself, is when you know and you're true to yourself and you just know your heart. And for me, I'm always like, you know, God knows me, God knows, you know my true intentions on whatever a situation can be. Like, I just, I just leave it to God sometimes. Like, you know, it is what it is. Is what, what really, what can you do?
- [22:38]
A
Nothing.
- [22:38]
B
That's, that's why, really, you can't do anything.
- [22:41]
A
Yeah, you can't do. And that's, I think that's what pisses me off. Like, that's what pisses me off the most about that whole thing is like, you guys sit and you become keyboard freaking warriors over like, okay, I would understand if it's like a controversial topic, right? Like, a lot of creators post things that are like, you know, they're meant to start up the pot, meant to start a conversation. But like, I'm seeing, I am seeing so much nonsense just about like, appearances of people, skin, like the most like, honestly, I would say like passive aggressive racism that I've ever seen in my life in these comments. And I'm just like sitting there, I'm like, do you not understand, like, what you guys are spreading? You know what I mean? Like, when you do that.
- [23:20]
B
When me and my husband got married, yeah, I was like, what is wrong with people? What's wrong with people? Because I feel like with us, like, we, so this is also another thing, right at the end of the day, like, for me personally, like, I receive so much more love than I do hate. So it's like, I also don't usually let it get to me because I feel like I have such a good community and such good supporters that like, it's just noise at the end of the day. And also when you are in this industry, as people like to say it, like you're, that's just how it is. Like, that's what you signed up for. So, okay, you know, I, I, I, I'll, I'll, I'll give that to them. But you know, when, when it was my wedding and I posted because again, you keep in mind, I'm Afghan, my husband's Pakistani, and obviously there's just so many differences politically in that, that the way that people like, I, I literally couldn't even imagine some of the things People were saying. And I was like, the audacity, you know, it's like. It's like. It's like, I cannot stop what is, you know, happening, you know, in other countries, you know, And. And it's like, like, what am. What are you guys expecting me to do? Like, I, like, literally, like, was like, what do you. And they're like, people would be, oh, you marry the enemy. Like, how dare you? How dare you marry the enemy, you know? Or, how dare you not. How dare you not marry, like, an Afghan person? And like, like, things like that. And I'm just sitting there, like, like what?
- [24:55]
A
Yeah, you know, that's why I asked you.
- [24:59]
B
I'm like, I. Like, I couldn't believe some of the things that people were just like, like, how dare you marry that. That person? That's like, you're the enemy of the country or. And I'm like, what is wrong with you guys?
- [25:13]
A
Yeah, no, because it becomes like a. It becomes like a forum for people to, like, unleash their hate, you know, in all aspects of life. And it's like, I don't understand how we get, like. I mean, I don't, but I know there are a lot more people now that at least I'm seeing than I saw like, 10 years ago. You know, Like, I. Maybe I was blind 10 years ago. I didn't notice it as much. But like, lately, for some reason, every time I go into a great creator's comments, it's. I mean, Marjan, some of the things are like, when you're commenting on women and their. Their appearance, when you're commenting on people's, like, eye color, when you're commenting on, like, I don't. Just the most absurd crap. I'm just looking at it and I'm like, oh, yeah, you should never give any influence or any hate ever in life because you guys go through so much unnecessary crap. You know what I mean? In terms of, like, yeah, there's a lot of good. But, yeah, it's a lot of criticism.
- [26:07]
B
So, yeah, trust me, girl, I have seen those comments. I've been a part of those comments. I. But again, at the end of the day, it's like, it's like, if you just allow those comments to take over, you're going to go into such a dark place that getting out is going to be very difficult, you know, And I'm so grateful that I have been in this industry for, like, 10 years now, where now I know how to filter all of that out and just realize, like, like, okay, see what you want to say, and I've read it all, I've seen it all, whatever. Also, you know, I always say if you don't, if you don't have haters, you're not also not really winning. You're.
- [26:51]
A
You're really.
- [26:51]
B
If you're not being talked about in positive and in negative ways, like, you're really not that. You're not that rel. You're not that. Sorry, you're not that relevant. So I give it to me all. I don't care.
- [27:04]
A
I love that.
- [27:05]
B
I'll take it.
- [27:06]
A
I love that attitude. No, I'm. I'm with you and I'm. I'm always cheering you on. I think you're. You're brilliant with your content. And I think, you know, here's the thing. I really want to ask you this because I feel like, like we are now headed in a new direction when it comes to certain things with, like, the whole influencer scene. You know, I know there's a lot of, like, activities and, you know, like, collaborations you've worked on that are very, very meaningful. And I'd love for you to speak on this where it's like, where do you think the influencer industry is headed when it comes to the intersection with beauty? Like, I know that. For example. I'll give you an example where everybody was doing brand activations, right? Like activation trips, like, you know, going overseas, that blew up for a long time. Now we're seeing a lot more, like, they want more candid. Like, where do you think this industry at large is headed? And do you think we're repeating the same thing over and over again? Or do you think it's getting, I don't know, progressing, I should say.
- [27:54]
B
I think it's definitely getting progressive. I feel like the. In the industry for influencers is blowing up like crazy. I mean, did you see Cannes Lion? Like insane, you know, like a couple years ago, nothing. Now it's like, I mean, I think, think. I think literally like influencers really run the marketing of brands on such grander scale things. I mean, I can't say too much, but even this weekend alone, we. I. One of my biggest dreams is coming true. Okay. And it is a moment in where like something that years ago you're like, there's no way. But really the opportunities that influencer, Influencers are getting. And. But also, you have to also understand that these opportunities don't come if influencers wouldn't. They're not really getting or showing the results that they're showing to brands. You know, for Example, for example, I did one video of my phone falling ten floors off the St. Regis building. Okay. Yeah. Video has like, has a million, like a million people. Like that video on Tick Tock alone. A million people. Okay. People in the comments are like, this is, this is perfect ad for Apple. Yeah, this is the perfect ad for like, if, like whatever case you use, I need to know it because I need to buy it, you know? So like, and at the end of the day, like, who watches commercials nowadays? Yeah. Who watches even when you're on t. On YouTube? I want to skip the damn ad. I don't want to see the ad. But really, people trust the influencers. And when you relate to a content creator, it brings such a powerful take on why brands should work with you. Right. Because you have this, this source of trust. So I really see the influencer, you know, industry just conti. Continuing to just blow, blow up in like, ways where like, I think we're going to possibly get rid of celebrities and we're going to be the faces of pretty big, big branded stuff.
- [30:02]
A
Yeah, I definitely can see that because like, there's so much like, like that I saw that video, by the way, that you're referring to. Like, this is brilliant. Like, I don't, I know it happened, but this is really, really brilliant. And it's, it was actually crazy. Yeah, no, that, like, literally. Yeah, like, that is like something where it's like, that's the kind of content that we never get. Like, I feel like ads, I always wonder this, but I'm like, whoever is like managing ads on like meta, like you need to learn something from like, what, what's going on? Like, you know, how do you really make things like, actually pop and be interesting to people? Because we still have this like, gap between like traditional marketing and like where you can tell it's fake. You. Nobody cares, you know, and then what influencers do is like so, so different. You know what I mean? So it's like there's, you got to fill that gap, that understanding gap, you know, And I, I'm actually curious, like, what are some brand deals? I know because at your stage, like you have millions and millions of followers at this point. What are some of the things that you really screen for in a brand deal? Like what really matters to you versus red flags that you're always trying to avoid? You know, it doesn't matter who it is.
- [31:06]
B
I mean, for me personally, you know, I feel like authenticity starts, you know, long before a contract does, you know, with a brand. And you know, the first question that I always ask myself is what? I genuinely recommend this. You know, this if there wasn't a campaign attached to it. And I feel like the best partnerships are really the ones where the brand, you know, already fits naturally into my routine. And those collaborations, you know, don't feel like advertisements, you know, they feel like sharing something that I had already been talking about. So that's. That's really how I. I distinguish between, like, do I want to work with you or do I not want to work with you? It just really has to fit into, like, content.
- [31:46]
A
Yeah, that makes sense. I mean, I just, like, wonder, because I know I like. And this is. I'm like, nowhere near where you are, obviously, but I remember getting a. An email once and, like, it was wild, right? Because this brand was like, not only do we want you to promote this product, we want you to make up, like, ratings for another brand and rate them badly. You know what I mean? And then it was like. And these were like, major brands. Like, it wasn't like, you know, and it. I'm just sitting here, I'm like, if I got this email, you know, and I am like, like, literally not doing this at all, right? And it's like, if I'm getting this and this was a legit brand, I wonder what people are really getting, you know, where. It's like, where do you as, you know, having your platform, draw that line and say, like, okay, I will even no matter who you are. You know what I mean? I'm not crossing this line. Like, that's kind of what I'm ask.
- [32:38]
B
Yeah, I could never do that. I could never be like, if a. Thankfully, I've never. I've never had a situation like that where a brand's like. Like, this is the camp. This is the deal. But we need you to lie and say that this changed this. This. This part of your skin or whatever it is. I would never say yes to that. Because at the end of the day, if you think about it, right, if people are buying the product and it's not working, they're going to comment or they're going to say, this is girl like Marshawn, you completely about this. And it's like, I don't want to do. I wouldn't want to deal with that, you know, And I would never want my followers or the community that I've built on trust to feel like they can't trust me anymore because. Because then what.
- [33:15]
A
It.
- [33:15]
B
What, What. What is the point, you know?
- [33:18]
A
Well, that's why. That's exactly why I'm asking you? Because here's the thing. Not everyone is, you know, where you are, right? So there's like, I feel like there's this, like, this subculture that's developed over time where it's like, you know, the smaller content creators are like, well, I just want to get to this level, you know, Like, I want to have, like, 3 million followers or whatever their goal is. And they're like, I feel like I have to do certain things to get there. And I would love for you to, like, give advice to that demographic of, like, how do you stay true to yourself? And how do you, like, kind of, like, pass up on the money if you have to, you know, but you stay true to who you are because of what you were saying, you know, like, the trust aspect, I don't think
- [33:55]
B
doing that is going to get them to any level. I think it's going to hold them back because your audience is so smart. Just audiences in general, people are so smart. They can. They can find BS so quickly, you know? And not to mention, we're also in a day and age where everybody has access to the same products, you know? And, like, you make a video saying, this worked on you, someone else will be like, girl, that is a lie. That did not work on me. You know, and if your audience is picking up that, like, you're just lying and it's a facade, they're going to know that, like, trust me, like Audi, like, people on socials know when somebody's BSing, like, there's no way to get around it, and there's no way of trying to level up when you're just lying to get your way, because it will always come back full circle.
- [34:41]
A
Yeah, yeah. No, I think that's such an important message, though, genuinely, because I feel like what influencer culture did for a lot of people was like this, like, just terrible understanding. I feel like it's just such a misunderstanding that it's like you become an influencer and you're instantly rich. And so it's like, now we have no.
- [35:00]
B
Yeah, that is the biggest misconception. And I will be here to tell your audience that right now. Just because you make content does not mean you're going to be rich. I was making content for years before I ever got my first brand deal. When I got my first brand deal, they paid me maybe, like, a thousand dollars. Okay. And that was like, them asking for, like, a bajillion videos, a bajillion reposts. Like, that is so not true. Even when I Was making a couple brand deals here and there. I was still working at Mac cosmetics. I, I was still freelancing. I was making more money doing freelance makeup as a makeup artist on the side for like six to seven girls than I was on social media for years. For years.
- [35:49]
A
Yeah. See, that's exactly what I wanted to hear from you, you know, like that genuine feedback. Because like, I just, I worry so much about the youth, you know, because they're like a lot of people. I don't know if you've seen these videos, but like, like, I swear the other day I saw a video and this girl was going, I'm not even bothering with college. Like, I'm not going to go to college. I'm not going to do anything.
- [36:08]
B
Yeah, do that. And, and again, look at my example. I still got my degree.
- [36:14]
A
Yeah.
- [36:14]
B
I still graduated. You know, I still was like, I'm getting a degree. I. You need a plan B. Okay.
- [36:21]
A
Yeah.
- [36:21]
B
Content, Let me tell you something, okay? Got banned almost like four times. Okay. All of the, the, these, you know, content creators have millions of followers. Let's say tick tock got banned. What the hell would you have done? Done? Would you have, what would you have done? You know, like, you need a plan B. You know, whether that's, I mean, even, even. Another advice that I, I love to give is make sure that you are making content on more than one platform. Okay? Your source of income and content should not just be, for example, on TikTok alone. You know, we, and that was something that I learned from the start. That's why we have a platform on Instagram, over a million on Instagram, we have over, you know, millions. On TikTok, we have almost several millions on YouTube, we have a Snapchat series. Like, you cannot rely on one platform because as we have seen time and time again, platforms come and go and you have to be able to transfer everything. Threads just came out. Like you have to be able to be relevant on several different platforms and you cannot, you cannot rely on, on one at all. All.
- [37:32]
A
Yeah, no, I'm so glad you said that. And I, and I feel like that's so like there's a real business strategy to this. That's really what I was like trying to get at with my question was like, that's where I think a lot of people don't realize, you know, like, okay, you might be starting off and you might be blowing up, but like, there's a strategy that needs to be here, you know, and a plan in place and you cannot replace proper Education with anything else. Like, that's my belief, you know? Like, I feel like you need. In something in life, you need to be educated, whether you're going to college, whether you're doing something. Like, you got to have something that it's more than social media, you know? And I feel like a lot of the youth, they just fall into that trap of, like, screw it. And you know who I blame, honestly, for that is all of the bros, like, the Silicon Valley bros that, like, you know. No, seriously, because they're, like, out here and they're like, oh, I'm a high school dropout, and I'm a. I'm this and this and this.
- [38:23]
B
And I'm like, there's stories that. Okay, yeah, there's outliers, you know, there's stories that, you know, 1,000%. I have several family members that did not go to college, but they are millionaires right now. They are killing it. So. Yes, sure. But I always think that there needs to be. Yes, like you said, a strategy, a plan. And it has to make sense, you know, because at the end of the day, when you are in your 18 and you're 19 and you're 20, like, you're dreaming, you know, but when you start getting, you know, older, you know, now you're 25, 26, now you're getting into 30s. Like, real world sets in where you're like, wait, I may get married one day. You know, my husband may not be. You may. You may not work. Oh, God forbid something happens and they get injured. You're responsible. You have kids now. You know, what if your kid has a disability? Like, there is real world problems that actually end up happening, and you have to financially be ready for that. You know, people are blessed to have rich parents. A lot are not. I was one of them. My dad was a security guard. He. He, you know, worked two jobs, you know, trying to feed six kids, you know. So, like, it was not like a thing where, like, it was like, I'm gonna just go make content and I'm gonna make bajillions of dollars and I'm gonna know, you know, And I was also a part of that. That era where TikTok was getting banned, and I'm like, shoot, like, we have, like, 3 million followers on here and gone and gone in a night, you know? So now you. Now you have to figure out, now what are you gonna do? Like, what's. What's. What's plan B be?
- [40:03]
A
Yeah, that's. That's really, like, that's what it is. Is like, I feel like you got to build your skills in some way. You know what I mean? If that's not school for you or if it's not college, that's fine, but, like, there needs to be some sort of a skill you're building over time. That's. That's genuinely what I feel like. And I think a lot of times the youth just thinks, like, if I have an iPhone, if I'm sitting in front of my phone making content about, I don't know, eating pizza, you know, like, I'm gonna just turn into an influencer. Like, I've seen that. You know, I've seen these videos, and I'm just like, guys, what are we doing? Like, let's go to school. Let's go. Go back to. Let's go back to college.
- [40:34]
B
You know, the thing with me is, is I never see some. Some could make it, though.
- [40:39]
A
Yeah.
- [40:40]
B
Oh. And so I think. I think there's. There's. It's like a. It's this thing. You know, there's also, like, pretty culture. You know, some people blow up just because they're pretty. That is a very, very real thing. I have seen it time and time again, you know, so it's like everybody's situation and scenario is different. And some are blessed to become overnight successful classes, period. Others, like me, have had a. You know, we have worked day and night. It has been a long time to get to places that I want to be. But I'm so grateful that I have been able to stay relevant for almost every single era of social media now. Right? So again, strategy comes into place. You have to know your audience. You really have to know what you want to do. And, you know, also you need proper teams. You know, back when I started, when there was no blueprint, there was no blueprint. Now that there is blueprints, there is a lot that goes into. Into place. There is managers, there is PR people, there is agencies. Like, there is a whole bunch of stuff. And also, keep in mind, in order to get into those rooms, you have to be able to show that you have something to offer, you know, so you can't just be like, I'm a content creator, that's fine. But also, so are a lot of people. You know, this industry also has become very, very saturated, and you have to be able to be. Be like, you have to kind of stick out nowadays also.
- [42:01]
A
Yeah, absolutely. No, I can imagine how competitive it is, and it's really. No, I. I have a lot of respect for, like, the influencer. Like, you Know, just community at large. Because I know it's really, really tough. And I think that's why I asked you that question when we started off was like, you know, like, kind of walk us through some of your war stories or something. Because I know it's tough. And I just. I. I really hope that whoever's wanting to go into this, like, they understand that, you know, like, like anything else, this takes work, it takes dedication, it takes consistency. Like, you gotta. You can'. Over that part, you know, that kind of thing. So, yeah, very interesting.
- [42:35]
B
My husband wanted to get into content creation. Like, sometimes he'd be like, oh, you know, like, and he'll try. And he's like, I don't even know how you're doing this. This is way too hard for me. But he's a doctor. He's, you know, he's a dentist. And, you know, he has an established career, and he's. He. Even him, he'd be like, oh, like, content creation. Like, like, whatever. And then he would try it and he's like, bam. Like, just standing and talking in front of a camera is such an awkward thing. And it's so cute because we would. I would do a track like, in my. We went to Miami swim week, and I was doing a trend with him, and it was like he had like. Like three words he had to say, and he couldn't do it. And he's like, mirror, like, practicing, and it's so cute. But he's like, babe, like, this is actually really difficult, you know, and there's also a sense of, like, as a content creator, you have to have the phone this in. In. In public, in private. And. And that's also a sense of like,
- [43:25]
A
I don't know how you do that. I don't know how you do that.
- [43:27]
B
You have to be able to be like, in an airport, and you're like, hi, guys. And you know that the people next to you think you're a psycho, you know, or you're like, you have to do things, like, in the moment. And it's. There's also that fear that, like, you know, some people can't do, but you. If you want to do it, you got. You. You have. You have. You have to do those things.
- [43:45]
A
I love that. And yeah, thank you for keeping it real, because that's. That's true. That's so true. And, you know, I'm curious, like, what have been some of your favorite? Like, I don't know, like, maybe like, brand collaborations or just opportunities you've got. And, you know as you've progressed on. On your journey.
- [44:00]
B
Oh, my gosh. My first billboard in Times Square. Was that last year, I think that was. And it was three billboards right where the ball dropped on New Year's. And I was just like, oh, my God. When you don't have that representation or when you are not the ideal candidate of someone that should be on a billboard in Times Square, and. And to see, you know, us being represented or having those opportunities is, like, such a surreal moment, and it makes me emotional. I don't want to cry, but, like, it makes me so emotional because it's like you look back on times and the hard work and the dedication that it took, and being able to be a part of those opportunities is just, like. It's so surreal, girl. You know, and when we went to New York and. And we, like, saw it, and it was, like, so massive. Oh, my God. And I was just like, I cannot believe that's me on a billboard in Times Square. You know, and we went there again at night, and I was like, this is crazy. And I'm. I'm just. I'm just Blaster. You know, when you go on brand trips, like, we literally went to Paris with Clarence, and, like, you know, even being able to fly, like, business class and first class, and these are just experiences that, like, I don't ever want to take for granted, or I don't want everybody, anybody to ever think that I'm not. I'm so grateful. I'm so. I'm so blessed to even be in spaces like that. I think it's. It's. It's amazing. So.
- [45:33]
A
Yeah, I love that.
- [45:34]
B
So I am the face of the campaign for Sephora in Times Square for the entire month of July. I am the face of Dermalogica's campaign, you know. Yeah. In Sephora. So I'm literally, after this, I'm flying out to New York to see the billboard. It runs every five minutes. Every five minutes. Wow. Run for the entire month of July. I'm. I'm so excited.
- [46:03]
A
Congratulations.
- [46:04]
B
I'm so excited. I've been so emotional. Like, you have no idea. I have been crying almost every single day because. And it comes down to, like, the fact that, like, you. I look back at my career and I just think about, like, I was that girl that, like, you know, grew up with six siblings, my dad, you know, like, you just think about that. Like, we did not have the easiest life. I did not come from a rich family. You know, when you would think. When I would go to New York. And I would go to Times Square, I would look at these billboards, and I'd be like, there is no way that I could ever see myself there because I'm like, I don't have the resources. How would. How would you do that? How would you even make something like that possible? You know, coming from the backgrounds that, you know, some of us have, you know, it was always like a. Like a dream. And I would be in rooms where I felt like I was looked at,
- [46:58]
A
like, yeah, girl, I know.
- [47:01]
B
Okay, yeah, billboard. Yeah, let's put that in as a goal. But, like, who's gonna put you on a billboard? Like, who. Who. Like, who's gonna put you on a billboard? You know, I don't fit the stereotypical, like, model, you know, look or, you know, whatever. So, you know, for it to happen, it just. I just look back at my. Just my. My life and I'm just. I'm so grateful. I'm so grateful. I'm just gonna be crying the whole time.
- [47:27]
A
So, so well deserved. You are such a beautiful human being, and your content represent. Resonates with so many of us, and I am so excited for you. Seriously. My heart. Congratulations, dude. That's cute. Yeah.
- [47:41]
B
And it really. I. I give it all to all of the girls out there in the world that, you know, have these dreams and these goals, and they don't think it's possible because they. Living in situations where they're, like, you know, struggling, you know, living with, you know. Know, you know, families where it's, like, so difficult to put. Even put food on. On the table. And you're just like, oh, my God, like, this is a dream that I have, but there's just no way I'm. There's no way.
- [48:06]
A
It's.
- [48:07]
B
There is a way. There is.
- [48:09]
A
Like, that's what. That's honestly, like, what I had asked you, like, when I. I remember asking this question earlier in the interview where I, like, that's exactly it, right? Because, like, there was a post you made, and I swear I was bawling for five minutes watching it over and over again. And it was like a simple post, but, like, you were just. It was just words on, like, you know, two pictures. And one of the bottom picture was that, you know, she full hijab. Like, you know, she couldn't, like, do certain things. And, like, you were like, in the. You're writing, like, don't complain about little things. You know, like, think about everybody that cannot do this and can't have this opportunity. And I think that's to me, what stands out so much about you is that you're like, you're putting this in a. In a place that, like, a lot of women are going to see and they're going to be like, like, that's me. You know, like, that really resonates with them. They can really understand, like, oh, this is an actual thing that can happen, you know, in the world. Like, I. And that's so, so powerful, dude, like, on so many, so many scales. And I, I'm so glad that Sephora is doing this, first of all. That's amazing, you know, so, yeah, it's
- [49:16]
B
been something that I, I've had to keep a secret for, like, a good two months now, and it's happening literally tomorrow. And I'm. I'm so grateful. I cannot. I can't wait. And I'm. I'm just so grateful. I'm so grateful. I'm so happy. It's going to be amazing. I can't wait.
- [49:33]
A
You're going to kill it. You're going to kill it and it's going to be amazing. Excited for you. No, that's beautiful. I'm so excited. And I just want to wrap up the interview by asking for you to kind of give some words of wisdom, you know, for all of the young ladies out there that are, you know, trying to make their way through life and the world and navigate this whole crazy social media seen, you know, that's going, that's happening right now. Like, any words of wisdom you can offer about, like, where to start, what to do, how to, like, keep yourself going, you know, Motivation.
- [50:02]
B
Yeah. I would tell people to stop waiting until they feel ready. You know, I think a lot of us believe we need to have everything figured out before we start, but that's rarely how it works. You know, I didn't have any answers when I started creating content. I learned by doing, by making mistakes. Mistakes, and really by staying curious. And sometimes you just have to start and trust that you're going to figure it out along the way. So do not, do not wait. Just start. And that has nothing to do with content creation. That's with anything. Anything. You know, like, we as women are. So we can. We really can do anything, you know, And I think maybe there's like this stigma of, like, you know, you. We can't. Or it's harder for us. Like, it's not, it's not. And I think age is just another number.
- [50:47]
A
I love that. Yeah. It is just a number. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, that's. That's awesome. And I. And I really, really just. I. I love your content. I hope you keep going forever. Yeah.
- [50:59]
B
You're such a. You're such a joy. Like, I just talking to you.
- [51:03]
A
No, I just. I. I love these kind of like, just normal conversations, you know? Like, I love just being able to sit down with women and just talk. Just talk, you know? I feel like women don't get to talk a lot. We don't get to, like, learn about each other enough, you know, And. And it's so cool. It's so cool to learn about. About what you stand for and, like, you know, who's behind the content. So this has been very cool for me to get to know you a little bit.
- [51:23]
B
I've had. I had the best time talking to you. You. I felt like you were a friend.
- [51:27]
A
Awesome. Well, thank you so much. And I'd love to do it again if you ever have time, so.
- [51:30]
B
Always. Thank you, my love. And you have a wonderful day. You too.
- [51:33]
A
Take care. Bye.