Tiara Willis: From Makeup for Women of Color to Financial Literacy as a Beauty Entrepreneur

Tiara Willis is more than just an influencer, esthetician, content creator, and makeup artist—she's a trailblazer in the beauty and financial literacy space. From launching a platform at 14 to becoming a respected voice in beauty and business, Tiara's journey is about determination, self-empowerment, and breaking barriers.

A Vision for Representation

Tiara's story begins at 14 when she launched Makeup for Women of Color, a platform born from her frustration with the lack of diversity in the beauty industry. At a time when foundations came in only a handful of shades, and most of those didn't cater to women of color, Tiara saw a gap that needed filling. After doing extensive research and discovering what worked for her skin, she became a trusted resource for women seeking beauty tips and product recommendations. Within three months, she amassed 10,000 followers—proof that her platform filled a significant need.

Though Tiara was just starting high school, she treated her platform like a business. She sent brand pitches, designed graphics, and engaged her growing audience. Her hard work paid off when she secured her first sponsorship for $3,000—an amount that, at the time, felt surreal. At just 14, Tiara didn't even have a bank account, leading to an awkward but triumphant conversation with her mother. Her family, although overwhelmed by the success, didn't fully understand what was happening until Tiara's influence continued to grow.

The Decision to Skip College

While other teenagers were mapping out their college paths, Tiara knew early on that she didn't need a traditional education. By 16, she graduated early from high school and decided to pursue a career in the beauty industry. She initially considered graphic design or business courses, but her own experience with acne and skin issues made being an esthetician an obvious choice. She enrolled in an esthetician school to learn about skincare while also earning her makeup license.

However, her decision wasn't met with support from her school principal, who was adamant that Tiara should pursue an Ivy League education instead. Despite the principal's objections, Tiara and her mother persisted, ensuring she could graduate early and begin her beauty career without further delay.

Navigating the Beauty World and Beyond

Tiara's platform evolved from makeup tutorials to skincare education throughout esthetician school. She became a passionate advocate for understanding skin types, particularly for people of color, and sharing her knowledge with her followers. Even when her content shifted from makeup to skincare, her audience stayed loyal.

In recent years, Tiara's focus has expanded to business and entrepreneurship. As someone who has spent years managing her brand and dealing with the intricacies of content creation, she has valuable insights into how creators can protect their financial interests. In particular, Tiara advocates for financial literacy in the influencer space, especially for Gen Z and young content creators who may not know how to manage their newfound wealth or navigate brand deals.

From Lowball Offers to Negotiating Big Deals

One of the lessons Tiara learned the hard way was the importance of never accepting the first offer. When she first started receiving sponsorships, Tiara was thrilled by the idea of earning money through her platform. But over time, she realized that brands often give influencers their lowest offer, expecting them to negotiate.

Tiara shared her experience with a brand that initially offered her $1,000 for a post but ultimately paid her $10,000—proof that creators can and should advocate for themselves in the business world. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the financial logistics behind a creator's career, from setting up an LLC to understanding taxes and business accounts.

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Creators

Tiara is now trying to teach other content creators about the business side of being an influencer. As someone who didn't come from a background in financial literacy, she learned through trial and error. She recommends seeking out accountants—many of whom offer free consultations—and building a team of trusted professionals to help navigate the business's complexities.

She's also become an advocate for black and brown creators, noting that many of them are often overlooked by major brands or lowballed when it comes to brand deals. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to equip the next generation of creators with the knowledge they need to secure fair compensation and build a lasting business.

Tiara's Call to Action for Creators

Tiara advises aspiring creators: Don't get too excited about initial offers and always be prepared to negotiate. She encourages young influencers to do their research, educate themselves about contracts and negotiations, and remember that their platforms are valuable businesses that deserve to be treated as such.

Tiara's journey is a testament to the power of self-belief, hard work, and the importance of educating yourself—not just about your craft but also about the business side of things. As she continues shifting her platform to focus on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, she's positioning herself as a beauty expert and a financial mentor for the next wave of content creators.

For more tips on business, beauty, and financial literacy, follow Tiara's journey on social media and listen to the full interview on the So She Slays Podcast.