At 29Secrets, we love seeing how successful women make their mark in the world, but we also love beauty. So when we get the chance to talk to someone who hits both, we’re very interested. We got the chance to speak with YouTube vlogger Blair Fowler who was recently named one of John Frieda’s international consultants. With over 1.7 million subscribers to her YouTube channel and 625,000 followers on Twitter (plus she was on a season of The Amazing Race, which is just super cool), we were curious to see how she took her passion and turned it into a career.
Where did your passion for beauty and fashion come from?
Growing up, I would always watch my mom get ready in the morning and beg for a little blush or lipgloss. In the summer of 2008 my sister, Elle, and I began uploading makeup tutorials to YouTube as a hobby.
At what point did you turn your passion into a career?
I would say it went from a hobby to a career somewhere in 2009-2010. We never expected it to be anything more than a hobby. I was working at a fast food restaurant at the time and remember telling my sister that if I could just match the amount I made there (working for $5.75 an hour) I would be beyond thrilled.
What’s some advice that you can provide for someone who wants to turn a passion, like vlogging, into a career?
Go for it!!!! I would much rather try and fail than never try at all. If you don’t give it a shot you’ll never know. What do you have to lose? Other than motivation, I would recommend not starting it thinking it will be a career. Just have fun with it and if people can see you’re truly enjoying it they will feed off of that and the rest will come naturally.
What’s one thing you learned that you wish you could tell your younger self?
Don’t listen to the bullies… it gets better 🙂
What has been one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to face?
Bullies. Also, moving across the country without my parents.
Why was John Frieda such a great brand to align yourself with?
For me, being a brunette feels like you’re always pushed into a corner with products. Blondes have so many options but all brunette hair is pretty much treated the same. John Frieda doesn’t believe that, so having a wide range of Brilliant Brunette products to pick from is amazing. I’ve also been using their products in my videos since 2008, so it was a very organic partnership.
How do you balance being a brand ambassador while also providing honest information to your audience?
The very first step is to test the products and make sure I love them, if I don’t then I won’t even go into the next phase of discussions with a brand. Luckily, I knew I loved John Frieda, so it was important for me to voice my own opinions and let them know I won’t just read off talking points. I want to share my own stories and experiences. John Frieda loves that and allows me to be honest and have some control in the campaign, which is very important to me.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Probably something in the interior design world.
What’s one beauty product you can’t live without and why?
Mascara! Just that little pop on my lashes makes all the difference, even if I’m not wearing any other makeup.
Why is social media so important and how did you build your viewership?
Social media is a way to get to know your viewers better, answer questions and share quick tweets or pics throughout your day! I’ve been doing this for a very long time, so the viewers have stuck with me from the beginning.
What are some social media tips that you’ve learned along the way?
The number one thing I’ve learned is that ANYTHING you say on social media is forever. Think twice before you tweet o__O
How do you balance authenticity while building a brand?
If viewers can’t trust you to give them honest reviews and opinions, they won’t stick around for long. You must remain authentic and honest to keep your brand growing.
Trends: Which trend do you love, which do you hate and which do you wish would come back?
Right now I’m loving ombre lips, nails, anything ombre! I don’t like super-intense contour. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a chiseled cheekbone, but it looks very unnatural when it’s too dramatic. Tie dye! I love making my own tie dye shirts, but sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in the ’90s. I wish everyone would wear them again!
Biggest WTF moment from The Amazing Race?
On leg 2, I jumped into a mud volcano and the mud got up UNDER my contacts! I had to take them out with my dirty, muddy fingers and threw them off the side of the cliff. I couldn’t see for the rest of the road block and was asking Joslyn to yell so I could follow her voice!
Favourite foods?
Popcorn, buffalo wings and Kit Kat bars!
Favourite movie?
Titanic, Mean Girls and White Chicks!
Favourite emoji?
