words. Ryan Jerome
photography. Hannah Khymych
fashion. Willyum Beck
issue 8. behind the scenes
Can you walk us through the moment you realized you wanted to make a career in the beauty and fashion industry?
From such a young age I remember being captivated by the transformative power of makeup and the creativity in fashion. From the early days of being on YouTube, this is where I felt I could express my love for both industries and it only made my passion for beauty and fashion grow stronger. As I grew older, I realized that I wanted to immerse myself in this world, to create, inspire, and to make people feel beautiful from the inside out. It’s a passion that fuels me every day.
How do you believe your upbringing and early life experiences shaped your creative vision and approach to beauty?
Growing up, I was surrounded by artists, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for art in all its forms, one of them being makeup. My upbringing taught me to value individuality and to see beauty as something beyond just appearance. It taught me that beauty is about confidence, self-expression, and embracing one’s unique features. These early experiences shaped my creative vision by encouraging me to explore beauty from different perspectives which, to me, are different makeup styles!
The #FoundationChallenge was a pivotal moment in your career. What inspired the creation of this viral sensation?
The #FoundationChallenge was actually not created from the idea of virality, but more so just the way I had always done my makeup because I used to wear a lot of products to try and cover my freckles. I always say lead with passion and authenticity and that will get you much further in life than trying to find a way to go viral.
Transitioning from beauty to fashion, particularly runway modeling, is no small feat. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from beauty to fashion, especially runway modeling, presented its own set of challenges. One significant hurdle was adapting to the fast-paced and competitive nature of the fashion industry. I faced rejection and criticism, which initially was very hard. However, I learned to view each setback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. I’ve learned to tune into my skills, openly accept feedback, and continuously work on understanding what it takes to be in such an industry. Building a strong support network of mentors and peers has also played a crucial role in overcoming challenges and staying motivated.
Your collaboration with Morphe has been highly successful. What was your vision for the ‘Morphe x Meredith Duxbury’ collection, and how did you ensure it aligned with your personal brand?
I’ve always loved being very versatile and that’s what I wanted for my collection. It’s bright and colorful but also has neutral, more minimal elements that are wearable for everyday use. I wanted a collection that could be used by anyone and based on the customer feedback, I felt that I was successful with doing so.
Advocacy is a significant part of your platform, especially regarding mental health. Can you share a story that highlights why this cause is so important to you?
I’ve seen so many people around me struggle with their mental health and all I ever want to do is be there for them and guide them in the right direction. If I can be that person for my audience, then that’s what makes me feel complete in life. I feel such a deep connection with my followers and I really care about them so much, so their mental health matters to me.
How do you deal with the pressure and expectations that come with being a public figure in the beauty and fashion industry?
To me, it’s important to remember why I started. I do what I do because I have a love for art and creation and I want to share that with the world. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if they don’t like my style of art, then that’s fine! I’m able to block out the negativity quite easily, because, at the end of the day, all that matters is if I’m happy doing what I’m doing. I love what I share with the world and I know it makes an impact, so why would I sacrifice that for anonymous people hiding behind a screen with nothing constructive or nice to say?
Can you share a memorable moment or milestone in your career that you didn’t expect but has greatly impacted you?
A memorable moment that I didn’t expect was being able to meet so many inspiring women who I’ve always looked up to, such as Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Halsey, and Hailey Bieber, to name a few. These women are such girl bosses and they have impacted so many of our lives in such a positive way. Being in their presence and seeing their success motivates me to keep going and to never give up on life and my dreams.
Sustainability in beauty and fashion is a hot topic today. How are you incorporating sustainability into your work and personal brand?
For me, sustainability is something I always keep in mind and I want to do my part the best I can. I always try to shop sustainable brands, buy vintage, and re-wear & recycle outfits in different ways
The digital landscape is constantly evolving. How do you keep your content fresh and engaging to stay ahead in the industry?
I’m always tapping into new trends; the job is really staying in touch with the algorithm, and your audience, and knowing what’s new and fresh. Part of being a successful creator is coming up with your own ideas and trends too, which is so fun for me because that’s when I get to dive deep into my creative side.
With your significant influence, what message do you hope to convey to your followers and to the younger generation aspiring to enter the beauty and fashion world?
Enter in with passion and love for the art and nothing else. Strive to inspire and always hold onto your authenticity. People love you for you, and your uniqueness is what people want to see in these industries.
Looking forward, what is the next big goal or project you’re aiming to achieve in your career?
I want to diversify even more and show more of my personality. I’m actually working on a new medium entirely outside of social media and the digital space. I know my audience will love this project, and I’m so excited to share it once it’s ready!
words. Ryan Jerome
photography. Hannah Khymych
fashion. Willyum Beck @ Saint Luke Artists
talent. Meredith Duxbury @ CAA
art direction. Odie Senesh
hair. Chika Nishiyama @ 87 Artists
make up. Raisa Flowers @ EDMA
producer. Sara Zion
production. Zion Studio
fashion assistant. Emma Nusbaum
light assistant. Ian Rutter
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