AVANI GREGG’S NEXT BIG ACT! THE INFLUENCER SPILLS ALL
If there’s something Avani Gregg knows its that hard work pays off. The 21-year old Beauty Influencer has navigated an industry filled with girls that are just like her, but what separates the two is Avani’s ability to connect with her peers while also staying true to herself. Avani snagged a spot on Forbes Under 30 Top Creators list that lead into her getting involved with many top beauty brands. We chat with Avani on her start to stardom, What’s beauty routine and what’s next for the rising star! Full Interview below.
Featured Interview:
HOW IS YOUR CREATIVITY DISRUPTING THE TIK TOK SPACE?
I feel like the crazy content I make most people don’t get the meaning behind it or may get offended by it. They try to analyze the content and make their own conclusions or make more out of it than what it was really.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO BEAUTY?
I first started with drawing and painting. Then in school, I started drawing on my hands and arms until around the age 11-12, I realized I had a perfect canvas to use (my face). I started doing crazy makeup to express how I was feeling and then over time I fell in love with all thing’s beauty.
WHAT BEAUTY BRANDS ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?
There are so many! Rare Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Dior, NYX, L’Oréal, By Beauty Bay, Anastasia, Giorgio Armani, YSL, Tom Ford and Lancôme.
HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION WITH MORPHE COSMETICS COME ABOUT AND WHAT SKU FROM THAT COLLECTION IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVE?
I don’t know exactly how it came about, but my team came to me and asked if I wanted to collaborate with them to create my own makeup. It was a dream come true! I love all of it but if I must pick, I will say the eyeshadow palette.
HOW DO YOU FEEL THE CROSSOVER OF FASHION AND BEAUTY HAS HELPED TO AMPLIFY YOUR PERSONAL BRAND?
I have always been obsessed with both. My outfits and makeup showcase my mood daily and with that helps me feel more authentic to myself and others. It’s just another way to express myself!
OK WE KNOW YOU WENT TO MET GALA TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE ANY FUN THINGS TO DISH ON?
Well, I almost didn’t make it! The street was blocked off and the security wouldn’t let my driver through but when I finally made it, there was no one on the red carpet. It was the photographers and me. I had all their personal attention for myself. It was AMAZING! Being there motivated me in so many ways, I felt seen. It was validation that hard work does pay off. I met some of the most incredible people there. All I can say was it was insane, crazy, and emotional.
WHAT FASHION BRAND ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?
Fashion is art to me, and I love all ranges of it from Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Erl, KidSuper, Skoot Apparel and Golf le Fleur (to name a few). However, those aren’t even close to all the brands I’m currently obsessed with.
WHAT TIK TOK TREND DO YOU LOVE AT THE MOMENT AND WHICH ONE IS CRINGE?
I love the GRWM’s showcasing full makeup tutorials and outfit styling. I love the ones that really show that person’s individual personality. The trends I cringe at are usually the GRWM’s where you can tell people are not being honest about the products or use those products. They are only doing it for the views.
WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?
My beauty philosophy is to do whatever makes you feel good. If that means no makeup or a lot of makeup, it doesn’t matter, if you feel confident in your own skin, you do just that. It’s your skin and your body!
WHAT DRUGSTORE BEAUTY ITEM DO YOU SWEAR BY?
My top favorite is the L’Oréal Paris infallible blush shade Confident Pink. But I can also swear by NYX jumbo white liner, Neutrogena Hydro Boost cleansing makeup wipes and the Elf powder grip primer to name some more.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Go all out with the things you love! Don’t hold back because your love for beauty and fashion will inspire other people. Stop letting people tell you who you are and start listening and trusting your own heart.
HOW HAVE YOU GROWN FROM YOUR FIRST EVER TIK TOK TO NOW?
Oh my, I have grown so much. I went from musically lip syncing with my crazy makeup on to being able to post about what I love and influencing people by being authentic and expressing my actions through emotions.
WHEN YOU WERE A KID WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM AND HAVE YOU REACHED IT OR HAS IT CHANGED OVER TIME?
My dream was to go to the Olympics for gymnastics. I have been a competitive gymnast since I was 4 years old. When I was training as a level 10 gymnast, I fractured my back which eventually ended my gymnastic career. I still wish I could’ve reached that goal, but everything happens for a reason. My dream now is to first be my happiest self. I also want to be an actor and own my own beauty and fashion lines.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EYE SHADOW PALETTE?
Kylie cosmetics the classic matte palette and By Beauty Bay palettes.
WHAT BEAUTY TREND ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH AT THE MOMENT?
Applying a little blush on the bridge of the nose and adding liner to the inner corner of the eyes. In Tik Tok, they call it the “siren eyes”.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOUR FANS DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I mean they know everything about me. I live on social media, and I’ve always been very open about everything. I think that’s why a lot of them can really connect with me. I want them to see me as a real human being, all the failures and accomplishments. All the ups, downs and in between.
WHAT DOES THE HOLIDAYS MEAN TO YOU AND HOW ARE YOU SPENDING THEM THIS YEAR?
The holidays are my favorite time of the year. I’m going to spend time with my friends and family and make memories.
WHAT IS ONE ITEM ON YOUR XMAS LIST?
I really want a pair of the tall UGG’s.
WHAT IS A DATING RED FLAG?
I have so many, where do you want me to start? When your friends and family don’t like them, that’s a major red flag! They know what’s best for you. Listen to them. Also, if there is a lack of communication, why are you even dating in the first place?
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT NEXT ON YOUR SUPERSTAR JOURNEY?
Acting! I just finished filming a short film “You Are Seen” by director Wesley Wang and produced by Scott Aharoni. We are anticipating a release date beginning in 2024. I can’t wait for you all to see it!!!
Team Credits:
Photography: Luke Stage @visualsaholic
Wardrobe Stylist: Swanetta Hunt @swandion_
Hair stylist: Brooke Tokar @brooke.is.fine
MUA: K’mia Bontrager @kmiabontrager
Editor-in-chief Prince Chenoa @princechenoastudio
Galore Features Editor Perrin Johnson @Editsbyperry