From Pre-Med to Cloud Strategy
Initially, creativity never seemed like a viable path. College began on a pre-med track, but Grey’s Anatomy didn’t prepare her for reality. She pivoted to sociology and international studies, focusing on political economies and business in emerging markets. Today, she works at Amazon Web Services, specializing in startup strategy.
Yet her creative side found an outlet unexpectedly last year. Following a personal crossroads, she began posting on TikTok. “I had no idea what to post at first,” she admits. A simple unboxing video led to her viral moment: Bella Hadid wearing Classic Ultra Mini Platform UGGs. Suddenly, her small, conversational videos resonated with thousands. “It made me realize that maybe my ‘Close Friends Story’ is not the only outlet for the things I love.”
Two of her videos stand out. One explores the democratization of fashion, noting that status signaling has shifted from clothing to interior design. “You can’t look at someone on the street and say, ‘Oh, they’re dripping in Rick Owens—they’re rich.’ But a home? That tells you more about wealth.” Another video examines global trends, linking design fads to historical moments: from the Mah Jong sofa post-9/11 to tribal prints during the 2008 economic crisis. “It’s fascinating how global events influence aesthetics across fashion and interiors,” she observes.
Skincare: Ritual, Science, and a Touch of Luxury
She’s been dedicated to her skin since age 12, regularly visiting Kariné Kazarian or Paul Labrecque for Biologique Recherche facials. For meditative experiences, she turns to La Prairie Spa at the Ritz.
At home, her nightly routine starts with Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water on Shiseido cotton pads, followed by a cleanser suited to the season: Biologique Recherche Lait E.V. in summer, Lait U in winter. Occasionally, she indulges in Sangre de Fruta Neroli and Myrrh Botanical Face Wash, which she describes as “like Cleopatra bathing you.”
Hyperpigmentation is addressed with Biologique Recherche P50 PIGM 400, and she supplements with the La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel. Daytime hydration comes from Dieux Skin Instant Angel or Sangre de Fruta Morning Light Cream, while nights feature Biologique Recherche Crème ISO-Placenta. Her “ride-or-die” product is Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil, which keeps her skin moisturized and glowing all day.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. She swears by Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+, praising its light, non-white-cast formula. Lip care includes Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, while eye masks—like Dieux Forever Eye Masks and KNC Retinol Infused Eye Masks—are stored in the fridge for maximum effect.
Brows, she notes, are “skincare-adjacent.” At Sania’s Brow Bar, her routine is simple: brush, fill, and reset with Sania’s Brow Shampoo, a method that reinforces confidence with minimal effort.
Makeup: Minimal, Intentional, and Celebratory
Growing up in predominantly white communities, she learned early that makeup wasn’t about defining beauty—it was about self-expression. Today, her approach is minimal: under-eye concealer, blush, highlighter, and brows. Favorite concealers include Chanel Le Correcteur, Valentino Very Valentino, and NARS for targeted coverage.
A mishap with an ice roller left a temporary mark on her face, prompting her to invest in Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, underscoring the emotional stakes of skincare and makeup for her. Contouring is reserved for full-beat days, while bronzer—Bobbi Brown Dark—serves as a reliable everyday enhancer.
Blush is a playful celebration of her full cheeks. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks in Poppet and Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick in Poppy Pink are layered for vibrancy, while Lit Up Highlight Stick in Brûlée offers a subtle glow. Eye makeup remains understated: NARS Dolce Vita Unwrapped Mini Palette, Danessa Myricks Colorfix Clear Glaze, and Gucci L’Obscur Mascara for daytime, switching to Blinc tubing mascara at night. Lips are layered, with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Intense, Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil, Dior Lip Glow Oil, and Buxom Hot Toddy Gloss creating a natural, seductive finish.
Hair: Hydration, Protective Styles, and Low-Maintenance Magic
Her 4C hair is notoriously dry and scent-sensitive. Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil is a staple, paired with protective styles—braids, crochet locs, faux locs—rotated every six to eight weeks. Stylist Oumy at Jolieden Beauty Bar in Harlem and her mother’s stylist, Cassandra Milliness in Florida, maintain these styles.
Products like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair, Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh, and Adwoa Beauty Melonberry Hair Milk hydrate and protect. She also loves Pattern Beauty Hydrating Mist and Leave-In Conditioner by Tracee Ellis Ross, particularly for scalp care between styles.
Fragrance: Personal and Environmental Rituals
She gravitates toward scents that are both musky and fresh. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 is a playful go-to, grounded by Byredo Mojave Ghost, while Aesop Marrakech Intense Parfum evokes exotic escape. Bond No.9’s Chelsea Nights balances intensity and sweetness for nighttime wear.
Home fragrance is equally deliberate. Sangre de Fruta Lavender by the Sea and ElizabethW Té Linen Water transform bedrooms into scented sanctuaries. Esteban Teck & Tonka and Cire Trudon Abd El Kader candle provide lasting, luxurious ambiance. Bond No.9’s Nomad candle offers short bursts of floral calm, ideal for afternoon resets.
From navigating accents as a child to building a personal style and online presence, she demonstrates that beauty, skincare, and wellness are deeply intertwined with identity, culture, and self-expression. Her routines are less about perfection and more about intention—a reflection of her journey from Zimbabwe to viral acclaim, and a testament to embracing one’s full spectrum of self.
