Meet J.r. Araquel of Los Angeles, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to J.r. Araquel

Hi J.R., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
If I’m being honest, I never envisioned myself as a content creator or influencer. My childhood dreams revolved around wanting to perform—singing and dancing on stage—because music was my ultimate outlet for self-expression. Growing up as the eldest of four siblings, I felt the weight of being the first born, striving to be perfect, yet I was far from that. My fascination with beauty and skincare began early on, inspired by the women in my life. Watching my mom, grandmother and my aunt transform themselves. They would apply their makeup and meticulously complete their beauty rituals, radiating confidence as they prepared to face the world. Those moments were mesmerizing for me; I’d lay there, in owe, feeling as though I was witnessing a daily metamorphosis. My aunt also played a huge role in my beauty journey. During summers spent at her house, I was introduced to a treasure chest of skincare products that sparked my curiosity. She doesn’t know this but, I’ll never forget the day she gifted me my first skincare routine.

As I navigated middle and high school, I began to recognize the impact I had on others, even when it came to beauty and self-care. I saved up to get facials before dances, understanding that feeling good about myself could elevate my confidence. In high school, I actively sought partnerships with local suit shops to create business for these small businesses during dance seasons, while unknowingly laying the groundwork for my future in influencing. I even was asked to participate in school plays and talent shows, blending my love for performance while becoming a brand ambassador for my school.

Fast forward to 2020—Selena Gomez launched her beauty line, “Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez” and I was drawn to it instantly. Growing up, I had a crush on her, and I really wanted to try her line but back then I was not comfortable in using makeup. So, I purchased her Always an Optimist Setting spray, which felt like the perfect in-between makeup and skincare. I took some selfies using it and tagged them on Instagram and was not expecting anything to come from it. However, Janessa from the Rare reached out after seeing my selfies, and I was shocked. It felt surreal that she had seen something in me I had not seen in myself and wanted to share it with the world. That moment marked my entry into the beauty space, a space where I found friendship and support among fellow creators who were just starting like me. I’ll forever be grateful for Rare Beauty for welcoming me into their world.

Makeup has now become an important part of my DNA, allowing me to naturally apply makeup without hiding what makes me feel unique and connect authentically with my community. It’s not just about the products; it’s about the confidence and joy they bring. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Rare Beauty on several major brand launches, Rare’s participation in L.A. Pride and even with several other brands.

A true full-circle moment came in October 2023 when I was featured alongside Selena Gomez in a Fast Company cover story. This journey has been about so much more than beauty for me; I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that we are the creators of our own reality. My faith in God has been a guiding force, helping me navigate challenges and fueling my passion for what I do. I hope to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their dreams, reminding them that their stories are just as important as anyone else’s. Maybe I’ll one day fall back into my first love of performing but right now It’s all just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but smooth. Growing up as a closeted LGBTQ+ kid, in a time when being openly accepted wasn’t as common as it is now, was incredibly tough. I was bullied almost daily for simply being me. Being soo young I didn’t understand why I was different or why I was treated that way. Funny enough, some of the same people who bullied me are now sliding into my DMs or trying to be my friend.

But the journey of coming out was monumental for me. It wasn’t planned, though. After feeling the love of coming out to my friends and siblings, I went through a particularly nasty breakup. Normally, I could hide my emotions, but my heart was shattered, and I couldn’t keep it hidden. My grandmother sensed something was wrong, and when she pulled it out of me, her response was so loving: ‘We already know, we were just waiting for you to tell us.’ That moment solidified how lucky I was to have such a supportive family. My parents, while initially new to the experience, eventually became my number one supporters. And my grandparents? They have been my best friends and light for as long as I can remember. Now, the women in my life insist I do their makeup for every event, which is a full-circle moment for all of us.

I know not everyone’s coming-out journey is as supported as mine was, and I don’t take that for granted. I wish I could give my younger self a hug and remind him that everything would work out—and also extend that hug and support to those who may still be on their path. It’s hard, but we deserve the grace to find ourselves and feel seen.

Navigating the beauty creator space as a Filipino man has also been a challenge. Filipinos or even men often aren’t as mainstream in the industry, compared to other races. I hate to get political, but it’s something I hope brands can work on, not just during heritage months to check off a box, but consistently. I remember working with a brand, feeling confident in the content I created with them. But once it was released, there was soo much negativity in the comments. However, the outpouring of support, with people defending me, overshadowed the negativity. It taught me that even in a sea of negativity, if one person sees your light, that’s enough.

This experience helped me embrace my place in the beauty space and find confidence in sharing my work. It reaffirmed my belief that everything happens for a reason. Through the support of my family, my community, my faith in God, and the conviction that we are the creators of our own reality, I’ve been driven forward. Every step I’ve taken—no matter how challenging—has led me to where I am today.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment free place to talk, call TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386 or Translifeline at 1-877-565-8860. For free 24/7 support for those in crisis, all via text. Text HOME to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create beauty and lifestyle content centered around authenticity and connection. My passion lies in sharing my journey with makeup and skincare, helping others feel included and inspired along the way. I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with brands like Rare Beauty, 818 Tequila by Kendall Jenner, OSEA, and Mejuri, as well as the fellow creators I’ve met who share similar journeys. What truly sets me apart is my dedication to being genuine—I embrace my Filipino heritage and strive to empower others to celebrate their true selves.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to collaborating with brands and creators who share my values of authenticity and inclusivity. If you’re interested in working together, feel free to reach out to me via @JRARAQUEL across all social media platforms or through email! You can also visit my Linktree landing page for vital resources on voting—because every election is crucial, and our voices matter now more than ever—as well as mental health resources anyone can check out. Supporting me is as simple as engaging with my content—likes, shares, and comments can really help amplify our message. I truly appreciate every ounce of support, as it inspires me to keep creating and connecting with our amazing community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/jraraquel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jraraquel/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jraraquel

Image Credits
Rare Beauty for Fast Company Photo: Jessica Chou