Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigel “Niko” Woods.
Nigel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, black boys are told to be hyper masculine! “Boys don’t cry, toughen up, play a sport”. Those was always drilled into my head as a kid. During my senior year of college, I had a mental break down and needed to find an outlet that was both creative and expressive. I turned to makeup.
As I learned the ends and out of following makeup tutorials from Jackie Aina, Ellarie, B. Marie and many other amazing & talented black female Mua’s, I noticed that there wasn’t anyone who looked like me. Or even in my shade range. So, I created a YouTube page in 2014 and started uploading beauty videos that sparked my interest, but from a black male perspective.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road is never smooth. As a black male, I find it hard to get my work seen by the masses. I’ve been told I have amazing techniques that need to be heard and learned by major people in this industry but I find it hard to reach an audience who isn’t looking for “makeup tips” from a black male.
In this time and climate, black consumers are buying more and there is no one in the executive position, within these major makeup brands, marking moves or in a position to speak on our needs and wants in the beauty community. Nevertheless, black own makeup brands (BOMB) aren’t getting the shine that they deserve in the major makeup stores either. To find a B.O.M.B. products, it’s either by word of mouth like the explosion of The Crayon Case, or networking opportunities like Mented Cosmetics #MentedMentor program, BOMB are fighting the same fight to be seen. In general, we all want to be seen and heard, and I’m making it my mission to not only uplift BOMB but my brothers in beauty.
Sincerely Niko – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I consider myself a content creator. Social media influencer is worn out. I crest content that you can learn from, love to watch with family and friend, and share with the world. I want to spread love and knowledge of beauty to each and every one of my #x0Squad members so they can go out there and slay the day. I specialize in makeup tips, skincare knowledge, and being a baddie with a beat face. Today, I stand to you as the “FIRST” black male to join Sephora Squad influencer program. I’ve attended events like Uoma Beauty Launch Party, Sephoria, and BeautyCon as Talent.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
In social media, success is usually measured by how many viral videos you have, or how many views your video gets. To me success is creating something you’re proud of and you don’t care if anyone watches it now but when they find it later, they will enjoy it as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/x0niko
- Email: Sincerelynikoyt@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/x0niko
- Twitter: Twitter.com/x0niko
- Other: youtube.com/sincerelyniko
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