NYANE WANTS TO INSPIRE UNITY NOT DIVISION

Beauty expert and content creator Nyane took her passion for all things beautiful and has created her own community of loyal supporters who trust her knowledge, expertise and most of all, iconic lewks! We got the chance to sit down with Nyane to learn about her trajectory in the industry, beauty do’s & don’t s and much more! Keep reading below for the inside scoop!

FEATURE INTERVIEW:

Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey as a beauty influencer? What inspired you to start creating content, and how did you find your unique voice in a crowded space?

I’ve always loved makeup, fashion and photography, I just love visuals and creating. When I was a young girl in school my mom and dad would be so frustrated with for being too “extra” as I was always over dressed and because I started wearing makeup to school at the age of 14.

But as I got older they realized that’s how I express myself. As I moved to college at 16, I bought a new camera and my friends and I would take Tumblr pictures after school. It really started from Tumblr, that’s where everything stared for me!

I started posting beauty focused pictures on Instagram and then thankfully got noticed by some big brands. I think I stood out as I’m not your typical glam makeup girl, I was always a bit of an outsider I guess I would call myself edgy at the time. I came up with an image I loved, my signature look – silver hair at the time was different. Staying true to myself has helped me be who I am today.

As a black creator, how has your cultural background influenced your approach to beauty and the content you create? What messages do you hope to convey about beauty standards in the industry?

Taking into consideration that I spent my early teens, the time I started honing my creativity and craft, in Wales with basically no other black people around really made me aware of my uniqueness. It sort of made me enjoy being a little different, I started doing it on purpose, I wanted to stand out, I used it to my advantage. This part of my life really prepared me for the industry and the way it was when I made my first steps towards where I am now.

Also, I like to think that I helped popularize wigs in the industry and helped rid the use of wigs of it’s stigma. Of course I am not claiming that I single handedly made wigs popular, but me revealing that my pastel hair colors were wigs when I first started my wig line “TEMPER” made people aware how many people wear wigs, how it’s nothing to be ashamed of and how it’s actually an advantage to be able to change your hairstyle and color in minutes without even damaging your natural hair!

Your content is known for its creativity and authenticity. What is your creative process like when developing new ideas for TikTok, and how do you stay inspired?

 I think that the brainstorming we do before the executing is my favorite part! I actually love coming up with new ideas and it’s honestly endless, what frustrates me is how little time I have to do it all. Haha! I usually start off with an idea and then take it to Pinterest & Tumblr to expand it.

I create a mood board after me and Phil (my boyfriend & editor) have discussed what vibe I wanna create, then actually print it out and have it near my desk or just near me while we shoot. I think the more content I create, the more ideas I get, and that’s also from reading my followers comments under my videos. Most of the time they give me suggestions and/or add an idea to better something I’ve already created. Taking into account their good suggestions helps me keep it fresh and new!

Community is crucial on social media. How do you foster meaningful connections with your followers, and what does that interaction look like for you?

 I think interaction with my community is really important. Responding to comments, mainly good comments is a big thing for me. Talking on stories, asking for advice on upcoming content I have planned. I value people’s opinions and I always want my community to feel involved in what I’m doing, because at the end of the day I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have them.

With the rise of beauty tech (like AR filters and virtual try-ons), how do you see technology reshaping the beauty industry? What innovations excite you the most?

Something I am really looking forward to seeing is AI analyzing your face and giving you suggestions or even exact instructions on how to do your make up, to either achieve a certain look or just create the most fitting make up for your face shape or skin type or whatever it is you are looking for. It could also suggest specific brands or products and skin routines. I’m really excited as I see this happening in the near future and who knows maybe I will be your AI beauty instructor!

Every journey has its challenges. What obstacles have you faced as a black creator in the beauty space, and how have you overcome them?

I’ve noticed that the industry doesn’t like to give credit to the black creators when it’s due, it’s not actually something other than the black creators would understand so someone else reading this might beg to differ. As a black creator I have noticed how much harder I have to work just to get similar opportunities to let’s say someone else who isn’t black. I have to work  a lot harder but I don’t like to focus on the negative so much. I count my blessings everyday and other than some obstacles I have to overcome, I’m enjoying my job, life and very thankful!

Social media can be a double-edged sword. How do you maintain your mental health while navigating the pressures of being in the public eye, and what advice would you give to fellow creators?

Having a life outside of social media and leading a healthy lifestyle is honestly what helps with my mental health the most. Having a good but fun schedule keeps me busy and having a social media cut off time as this can be daunting at times is very crucial. Not going on TikTok or Instagram at late hours helps a lot, because you never know what you are going to come across, especially on TikTok. It can be anything, so staying away from social media at certain hours is the best thing to do!

 In a world obsessed with trends, how do you balance staying relevant with your content while promoting the future of beauty ?

I think trends are fun, and being part of a trend is always better than honestly doing nothing at all. But there is the other side that we don’t talk about so much like actually setting the trends! I think that’s what makes people stay relevant. And combining beauty into something like doing what you love like singing, dancing or acting is always interesting.

Where do you see the future of beauty heading, particularly for black creators? What changes do you hope to see in the industry in the coming years and how will you spearhead this?

We are undeniably moving towards equality and inclusivity, so I would hope that maybe one day, we don’t feel like we need to mention someone’s race or skin color when talking about their talent or occupation. Of course I see how and why we emphasize it, I understand the importance of supporting black creators and black owned businesses but my approach was always to put my skills and my work forward. Don’t get me wrong, I am always extremely proud and flattered when the black community claims me but I think the time has come to consider black creators (and any other race) as simply “creators”.

I’d like to inspire unity rather than division, I’d like to inspire people to be confident no matter what inequalities or hardships they face.  confidence is something that can only come from within and nobody can take that away.

On a similar note, the industry still has things to improve on but many brands have done so much to be more inclusive and I love to see it and support! It’s great when new brands try to get it right from the beginning but also when the giants of the industry listen to their customers and critics and adjust. I think the best I can do in my position is highlight and applaud the progress achieved so we can see more of it!

Collaboration is key in the influencer space. How do you choose who to collaborate with, and what do you believe makes a successful partnership? What has been your favorite partnership to date ?

 A successful partnership for me is when the aesthetic of the brand or campaign really lines up with the aesthetic of the talent. My favorite partnership has to be my Morphe x Nyane collab as the outcome was very me and really my aesthetic. I was really involved in the making of the palette, lipsticks and lip pencils, so i feel it really came through that it wasn’t just me or Morphe slapping my name on a palette and calling it a collab.

 How do you use your platform to empower others, especially young women of color? Can you share any specific moments that have deeply resonated with your audience?

I am so thankful that I have my platform to empower others, it’s honestly a gift! When just doing what I love comes along with me empowering other young girls it really is awesome. I’m so big on self confidence and loving yourself. I think my audience is very aware of that and that’s why I am where I’m at with my platform.

I went to South Africa in 2020 just before the pandemic hit, and had 3 meet & greets out there. I got to meet so many of my fans and it was amazing, we talked about self image and how to be confident with whatever your weight, height or any insecurities you have. People are always fixated on my weight calling me too skinny or pointing out that I’m not curvy like black women should look or how I have a flat chest.

These are comments I get on a daily basis but actually meeting my audience in real life has made me realize that the majority of them follow me because I embrace what I have and that I actually make them feel more confident about themselves because I’m comfortable with me. It’s very big in the black community that you are supposed to “have some meat on you” as they say and that being skinny isn’t attractive. But we all come in different shapes no matter what ethnic background you are from, we are unique in our own way.

What advice would you give to young creators looking to break into the beauty space, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?

Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to be different. it’s never too late. Also there’s always gonna be someone out there who will LOVE your content and appreciate what you do, even if you don’t see much growth just yet, keep pushing, you’ll be thankful that you never gave up.

Being yourself is also something I love to talk about, as it’s very obvious to people when you are not being you. Stay true to yourself and have fun with what you are doing.

Sustainability is a growing concern in the beauty industry. How do you incorporate this value into your content and personal beauty routine?

It’s not something I actively incorporate in my content to be honest, but I think the least we can do is make sure we don’t add to the destruction of our environment and so I take measures behind the scenes. I try to avoid wasting and give away lots of product I receive to friends, family and followers every now and again because let’s face it, there is no way I will ever use it all. Using a bank that tracks my business’ and my carbon footprint and offsets it by planting trees probably has a bigger impact but doesn’t really feel like I’m doing anything since it’s completely automatic.

What is your go top 5 beauty must have products?

Lip liner, Lip gloss, Mascara (always!), Tir Tir Cushion Foundation (the small compact travel size, I’m obsessed!), Perfume (always need to smell cute)

What TikTok trends do you find cringe?

Any dance videos that have zero educational purpose behind it, I find them annoying especially when the people barely even danced, but make it out to be a “thing”..

If you could re create any look past or present what would it be?

 I would love to recreate a Grace Jones look, she is an absolute icon. I feel like there’s no one like her so a tribute look to the queen herself would be awesome! I don’t feel like shaving my hair off anytime soon so I’m probably gonna hold off on a “Grace Jones look” for now, haha!

What is your go to music when doing glam?

My go to music is piano jazz, it’s so relaxing. Music tends to distract me a lot, if I listen to rnb or hip hop I’ll sing along to every song and even start dancing, that always ends up making me late to wherever I need to be! Haha! So I keep it simple and classy. Piano jazz is such a mood booster, I really enjoy. I could listen to it all day long.

Talk to us about the Dress me up series, it’s like NPC barbie coded!

I feel like they developed a lot from having a very playful Barbie vibe to a bit more serious but also AI kinda vibe. I love the direction it’s heading, I love dressing up so getting to create these videos is a lot of fun, it’s also endless creativity. I can create multiples of dress me ups and it never gets boring to me as I’m a sucker for cute and fun little clothes or fashion per se!

What is your beauty philosophy?

Confidence! It’s all about confidence, being yourself and being comfortable in one’s own skin is amazing. Do what you love and wear what makes you feel beautiful.

Favorite Halloween film of all time?

The Hills Have Eyes!

What are your Halloween plans?

My friend’s throwing a huge party in London, I cannot wait! I’m still yet to decide on my costume but I’m sure it’ll be good haha!

Ultimately, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the beauty and social media world? How do you want to be remembered as a creator and influencer? 

 I hope I’m remembered as a rule breaker, someone with etiquette but wasn’t afraid to push boundaries.

TEAM CREDITS:

Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa

Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)

Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)

Photographer, Concept & Art Direction: Pol Kurucz (@polkurucz)
Wardrobe Stylist: Miranda Monroe (@mirandamonroe.xo)

Assistant Wardrobe Stylist: Hannah Stone (@hannahhmstonee)

Nail Technician: Krista Jones (@krista_la_creme)

Lighting Technicians: Luc-Richard (@lrismyname), Kaveh (@kaveh.polytropix)
CGI: Mark Berden (@berden.mark), Padovani Studio (@padovanistudio), Leandro Oliveira (@leandrooliveira3d)
Retouching: Nataliia Trach (@Retouch_Nataly_Trach)
Creative Assistant: Matheus Shiro (@matheusshiro)
Creative Agency: Early Morning Riot (@earlymorningriot)

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