Amanda Diaz Uses Fashion And Beauty As A Way To Express Herself
Amanda Diaz comes from humble beginnings as a Cuban refugee and through hard work and creativity has become the ultimate American dream. Building a community of loyal supporters across various platforms, Amanda’s passion for all things beauty, fashion and Cuban culture has allowed her to build an empire that is just getting started. We caught up with her to learn a little more about her life, plans for the future and everything in between!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Can you share how your connection to Havana during the Castro regime influenced your path as an advocate?
It definitely impacted my family and I in the early 2000’s. There was a huge lack of resources on the island and the humanitarian crisis was progressively getting worse. My dad was a human rights activist like a lot of people on the island and would peacefully protest. He unfortunately was wrongfully arrested for advocating for his community. My parents raised me to always stand for what is right and to help others. Knowing what we endured and being mindful of the fact my people are still undergoing it is always on my mind and my heart. I will always use my voice and platform to speak for those who can’t. It’s something that has always been instilled in me.
As a young refugee, how did you adapt to your new life in Miami, and what role did learning English play in that transition?
It was definitely a new experience for me, we uprooted our entire lives and had to start a new life in a new country where we didn’t speak the language. I’m definitely grateful for the community we built in Miami that helped us along our journey. I loved watching movies and youtube videos to cope. It was so exciting to throw myself into a storyline as I watched or learn about all the exciting things this new world had to offer for me. I did a good bit of learning English watching youtube videos and movies. It helped a great deal.
Dress: Stella McCartney
What inspired you to start creating beauty content on YouTube, and how has your journey evolved since those early days?
It was a really fun creative process and now has expanded to me sharing my life. I was so nervous to put myself out there so beauty felt safe for me, I didn’t really have to say much and was able to express myself through the makeup looks I did. It’s definitely different now, as I’ve grown up my audience has with me. Ten years is a long time! I am a very different, evolved person now. I really have developed a love for film so I also have had so much fun recently in the way I capture my travels, routines, and experiences. It’s very fulfilling. My Youtube audience definitely is more of an intimate bond. You really see the raw me.
With a passion for makeup from such a young age, how do you think early experiences have shaped your creative style and content today?
It’s definitely a huge part of it! I always loved art and using it to express myself. I think of my face as a canvas of sorts. Seeing my mom get ready or my abuela I always loved seeing their way of doing it. As I have experienced life I’ve grown to love myself and embrace the more natural parts of me. From my curly hair, to my face with minimal to no makeup. I think the trends have been following suit which is fun. I’m really loving the more organic content where people are a bit more open and vulnerable, and it’s beautiful to see people’s journey and how a lot more people are in this same place as me. But I do love a colorful editorial look! I guess it depends how I’m feeling.
Dress: Sue Wong via Clothed LA
What are some of your must-have beauty products, and why do they hold a special place in your routine?
I’m really loving red light therapy right now! It’s a game changer for the skin. My Dr. Dennis Gross Mask travels with me everywhere. I also am obsessed with Rhode’s lip liners and blushes, it’s so effortless and easy and you can use on the go. I cannot live without my Officine Bully Body Oil in Al Kassir.
It’s a French apothecary in Paris that have the best products ever and you can order online. I have so many of their products. Implementing small things like oil or a good self care routine really improves everything. And Armani Beauty for foundation and concealer has been my go to! It leaves the most beautiful natural finish. Very simple beauty additions that make a world of a difference.
What advice do you have for individuals looking to develop their personal style in the beauty and fashion world? How do you approach makeup looks for different occasions, and do you have any tips for making a look versatile?
I usually work around an outfit and visualize the look I’m going for and how it can work. I love Pinterest for inspiration! I create Pinterest boards for just about anything. Find what you feel the best and most confortable in and expand from there. When it comes to versatility I always try to do an all black look or neutral when you want versatility. You can always adjust the beauty look accordingly. If I’m doing a bold outfit, I do softer makeup so it’s not too impactful. When I do a more subtle outfit, I do a bolder eye or a bolder lip. It’s all about balance.
Wardrobe: Giorgio Armani
What is your favorite way to use fashion as a form of advocacy or social commentary?
I try and visualize the message I am trying to portray. I ask myself, what makes me feel the most empowered? When I went to the White House for the first time, I really wanted to wear Ralph Lauren. It’s an American fashion house, and it felt fitting for the occasion. That suit look it’s still such a favorite of mine. Supporting Latino designers is always a priority of mine as well. Fashion is a way to express yourself. It’s truly an asset if you want to make a statement. It just depends on what you want to say.
How do you balance your cultural heritage with your modern American lifestyle in your content creation?
I always want to integrate the two in a way that is authentic to me. I am very much Cuban and Latina and my audience knows that. Although my content is predominantly English, I still showcase my culture in many different ways and use my story to inspire and help others. I make it a point to keep traditions alive in my home and life although my family and I are no longer in Cuba. It’s very alive in my home and day to day life!
Dress: Mugler
What are some of your future goals, both as a content creator and as an advocate?
I think I’m in a transitional point in my life. I love sharing my journey with others and will never stop doing that, but I’m definitely pursuing other passions of mine. Storytelling is so important to me and has impacted my life in so many ways. Acting is something I’m extremely passionate and excited about in the future. It’s something I’m actively working towards and my team has been nothing short of supportive and wonderful. I’m excited to have the opportunity to hopefully bring stories to life in the near future. Apart from that, my book club launches next month!
Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?
As I mentioned, my book club Novel Society is a project I’m so excited about! Building community and conversation around stories is something I’ve always wanted to create a space for within my audience. My first book pick is very close to my heart. It is called Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton.
It’s a beautiful way to tie in my personal heritage and life experience with an incredible historical fiction novel that not only can educate people about the political climate in Cuba, but engages them with a beautiful story. Aside from that, supporting “This is About Humanity” is always a priority for me. As a former asylum seeker, helping and involving myself in causes that help those that are in the position I was once in it’s a huge part of my life cause. Especially in the political climate we are in currently. We have to support our communities.
Dress: Vintage
What advice would you give to aspiring content creators looking to make their mark in the beauty and advocacy spaces?
Authenticity is the most important part of anything you do in this life! Find the things that excite you creatively and look for ways to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to break apart from the mold and do something different. My favorite quote goes “Normality is a paved road, it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow.” – Vincent Van Gough. Don’t be afraid to stand out and do something different. I’m living proof that with odds stacked against you, you can manifest all your dreams to come true.
Dress: Stella McCartney
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Paris Mumpower (@parismumpower)
Wardrobe Stylist: Tabitha Sanchez (@tabitharsanchez)
Makeup Artist: Eros (@erosmua)
