Insights and Inspiration: Refinery29 and SCAD's Influential Beauty Events
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend two powerful events hosted by Refinery29 and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). These experiences left me feeling inspired, motivated, and armed with invaluable insights from industry leaders in the beauty and creative spaces.
"Influential Beauty Beyond the Feed"
The first event, "Influential Beauty Beyond the Feed," featured an exceptional panel of speakers: Kirbie Johnson, Michelle Lee, and Grace Choi. These accomplished individuals shared their perspectives on authenticity, personal branding, and leveraging social platforms for entrepreneurial success.
Key takeaways from the panel included:
Passion is essential for creating resonant content
Anyone can be a creator, and platforms should be seen as business opportunities
Embracing what makes you different is crucial in a crowded digital space
Credibility comes from speaking authentically about products you believe in
The speakers also emphasized the importance of hustle, whether in networking, skill-building, or consistently putting yourself out there. However, they encouraged enjoying the journey along the way.
"Ultimate Euphoria: Sparking Gen Z Beauty Trends"
The second event showcased the talent of Donni Davy, the makeup artist behind the iconic beauty looks in HBO's Euphoria. Donni openly shared her journey, from unpaid jobs to co-founding the ultra-cool Half Magic Beauty brand with A24.
Donni's advice focused on:
Prioritizing the quality of your craft over networking
Gently but firmly standing up for your vision, even if it challenges norms
Celebrating the rebellious and refreshing ways Gen Z shapes beauty traditions
Both events left me feeling energized and inspired, ready to fuel my own creative pursuits and aspirations.
Gratitude and Appreciation
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Refinery29 and SCAD for organizing these motivating occasions. Additionally, I am grateful to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., L'Oréal, Revlon, Rare Beauty, and Blonde + Co Coty for their presence and insightful contributions.
These experiences reinforced the power of passion, authenticity, and the courage to embrace what makes us unique. As I continue to grow and develop my own path, I will carry these valuable lessons with me, inspired by the wisdom and success of these industry trailblazers.