Today we’d like to introduce you to Beatrice Okpara.
Hi Beatrice, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Howdy, my name is Beatrice (melanin.martini) — a self-taught makeup lover and content creator dedicated to sharing beauty with heart and authenticity.
Makeup has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s always been more than a routine—it’s a creative outlet, a quiet ritual, and a form of self-expression that brings me peace. I’ve always been inspired by how makeup can enhance natural beauty, not hide it. The way a makeup look can completely create a moment, that’s what drew me in.
My passion really took root when I was a teenager, endlessly watching beauty tutorials and admiring creators who made magic with makeup. I still remember the excitement of receiving my very first foundation bottle from a family friend, it was a MAC Studio Fix Foundation at 16. I remember it was a little to dark for my completion but I couldn’t care less. That moment made it real for me. I realized I didn’t just enjoy watching—I wanted to be part of that world. I wanted to create.
Over the years I have completely taught myself, learned through observation, trial, and a whole lot of play. My style is always evolving because I don’t believe in sticking to one “perfect” look. I love experimenting, learning from other creators, and building a technique that feels like my own. A huge part of my inspiration comes from the amazing Black women I see online—those who show up confidently, unapologetically, and in their full beauty. They remind me that there’s space for all of us.
Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. When I started, it was difficult to find products that matched my skin tone, and many brands still fall short when it comes to inclusivity. That pushed me to share my own voice and perspective in the beauty space. I want to create content that not only celebrates makeup but also reflects the realities and needs of Black women and women of color.
Now, as I continue growing my platform, my biggest goal is to build a true sense of community. I want my followers to feel like familia—like they’re sitting with me, learning with me, and laughing with me. My content is a mix of expressive visuals, non-verbal storytelling, and more recently, voiceovers that help create deeper connection. Whether someone’s watching to learn, to relax, or to feel inspired, I want them to leave feeling seen.
At the end of the day, I hope my work shows that makeup is more than surface-level—it’s a way to feel empowered, creative, and connected. And I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Putting myself out there as a content creator was honestly nerve-wracking at first. Like many people, I had insecurities about my appearance, and stepping into a public space where anyone can see and judge you can feel like a lot. I’ve learned not to overthink and to give myself grace—if I don’t show up for myself, who will? So now, I try to be my biggest hype man before anyone else can. I’ve definitely had moments to myself, but I work through it by reminding myself that I create for joy, not pressure. I don’t force myself to show up when I’m not feeling it.
While I take this seriously, creating has always been more of an outlet for me—a space to have fun, explore, and be myself. I don’t really compare myself to other creators. I’m too busy being my own toughest critic, but even in that, I try to keep it healthy. Everyones content, journeys, voices are all different, so it doesn’t make sense to compete. I’d rather just focus on growing from where I was yesterday.
As far as challenges go, the biggest one isn’t lack of products or equipment—it’s been carving out space, literally. Having a dedicated area to create makes a huge difference. It gives me clarity, peace, and the freedom to flow. You don’t need anything fancy to start, but having that little corner that’s just for you? That’s a blessing. To make the most out of what I have, I plan ahead. I batch ideas, group similar looks, and create when I feel most inspired. Still, the hardest part is wanting to do everything at once. I’m always full of ideas, and finding the time to plan, shoot, edit, and post can be a juggling act. Putting myself online can be heavy, but I cope with positive affirmations. When I watch my own content back. I always like my own posts first. If I’m not my biggest fan, what am I even doing this for? If there’s one thing I wish more people understood about content creation, it’s that consistency isn’t just about posting often—it’s about keeping a promise to yourself. You have to trust your vision, stick to your word, and create the space to make it happen. Everything you need is right there—you just have to show up and hit record.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work as a registered nurse, which is my main focus, but content creation has become a meaningful outlet for me on the side. It keeps me grounded and allows me to explore a more creative part of myself. I have so many ideas constantly brewing, and that excitement is what makes creating so fun. While I truly enjoy my career as a nurse and the many opportunities it has given me, including the ability to invest in my content balancing both worlds can be challenging. Sometimes one path demands more attention than the other, but I do my best to stay committed to both.
My content creation journey began out of a love for makeup. I haven’t fully merged my nursing career into my content just yet, though it’s something I’ve thought about. For now, I want to stay rooted in the beauty space and gradually branch into lifestyle content where both sides of me can shine. I’m most drawn to creating short-form videos that feel like mini tutorials, especially everyday looks and lip combos with voiceovers or fun transitions. My future vision includes more “get ready with me” content, conversational posts, fashion, skincare, and eventually long-form videos on YouTube.
When people watch my videos, they often notice my facial expressions without even meaning to, I naturally react in ways that highlight the products I’m using. It’s become a signature of mine and something I embrace. More than anything, I want to be known in the beauty community as someone who makes makeup feel approachable, fun, and easy to learn. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, especially on TikTok, where I’ve poured most of my energy. One of my proudest moments was when a blush video I created with Tower28Beauty went viral the brand even reposted it, which felt so surreal and validating.
Balancing nursing and content creation isn’t always easy, but it’s been so rewarding. My nursing career has made it possible to invest in my creative journey, and planning ahead has helped me stay consistent. I’m always looking for better ways to manage my time and bring my ideas to life. Both roles fulfill different parts of me, and I’m excited to keep growing in each one.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was known for always being all smiles. Friends and family would constantly say I smiled and laughed at everything. I’ve always believed that life isn’t meant to be taken too seriously, and that mindset has stayed with me since childhood. I was a quiet, introverted kid who preferred to observe before reacting, and even now, I still carry that thoughtful nature. I loved being in my own world peaceful, undisturbed and I was a big daydreamer, often getting lost in my thoughts. My interests as a child were full of expression. I was obsessed with anything fashion-related and spent hours playing dress-up and fashion games. I also had a deep love for dancing and was naturally drawn to extracurriculars in school—whether it was art, cooking, band, or computer basics, I loved anything that sparked movement in me. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with makeup too, and that passion slowly grew into a hobby that still shapes the way I create today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanin.martini/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melanin.martini
