Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Krisha Buenaobra.
Hi Ann, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
At present, I am a model, content creator, and content strategy consultant in the beauty (and sometimes fashion) industry. Being a creative multi-hyphenate has been a red thread in my life since childhood — I’ve always straddled the desires of my creative brain and the reality of my logical brain in everything I do. In high school, I juggled AP classes with performing arts and color guard competitions. In college, this showed up in my studies as I earned my B.S. in International Business with a minor in Dance. Once I entered the workforce, my first job ever was as a Copywriter at then small start-up The RealReal. From there, I moved to e.l.f. Cosmetics as their marketing copywriter, continuing to help shape the brand’s voice and story with all the right words. My next role was with Charlotte Russe, where I started as their lead copywriter and eventually becoming their Editorial Director, helping shape stories that influenced their buying patterns, marketing campaigns, and so much more. At my time there, I even played a big role in launching their color makeup line, Charlotte by Charlotte Russe. I then moved on to become DHC Japan’s Digital Content Editor for their US and EU markets, helping bridge the amazing stories and heritage of the East to the West. This is also where I began my modeling career—after years being behind the scenes, I had a deep urge to try it for myself. My very first modeling gig was with Benefit Cosmetics, and since then, I’ve modeled for brands like ThirdLove, Nike Swim, Dae Hair, Sephora, and Apple. I even had a full circle moment earlier this year when I modeled with e.l.f. Cosmetics, 8 years after working for them. While my modeling career started off as something to try for my own confidence and to have fun, it has now become an amazing outlet of expression for me and representation for petite, curvy Filipinas. I’ve even been able to model with my eczema proudly, which is an amazing win for all the sensitive-skin girlies out there. My foray into tech started in 2019, when I was moved from the Bay Area to Los Angeles by Bytedance to lead content strategy and editorial for a new beauty app, Cherie. I got to build an entire app and community of beauty with them, perfectly segueing into my role at TikTok, where I managed Beauty Content Partnerships and essentially built the beauty content vertical as we see it. In my almost 3 years in that role, I brought on over 200 beauty brands, publications, and public figures to TikTok, helping them find their voice on the cultural zeitgeist that is this app. I’m so proud of all the paths I’ve walked that have led me here – being able to take everything I’ve learned and build a name for myself.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to being Ann Krisha has been kismet. By no means does that mean it’s been easy—I’ve encountered so many instances of disbelief from myself and others, along with many mental struggles—but everything has happened exactly as it was supposed to. I have always felt that my path was divinely guided and that my desire to share a greater message of radical self-acceptance, inclusivity, and living with grace has allowed for so many of my dreams to come true. In the modeling industry, it was a big mental struggle, simply feeling like I could do it. I constantly criticized myself because this industry is to be judged day in and day out. But I’m so glad I kept going because being in this space inherently changes it simply because I exist. With my career in editorial and tech, I had a lot of obstacles in being a women of color. There were always moments where my voice would be suppressed, whether by colleagues, higher-ups, or even myself. Being able to speak proudly and confidently was a learned skill, but paid off incredibly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a model, I am most proud of being in huge campaigns with national brands like Sephora, Apple, Nike Swim, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and so much more. To be able to simply exist exactly as I am — 5’3″, Filipina, curvy, with eczema— and shown on a large scale is an incredible win for beauty and fashion because when others see themselves in me, they feel the relief of self-acceptance and the beauty in being exactly who they are. As a content creator, I specialize in beauty, fashion, home, and wellness, truly embodying the softness and grace I lead my life with. I love sharing slices of my life and lending my talent to my favorite brands so as to help them share their stories through my lens and voice. I’m proud to have created content with amazing brands like Olaplex, Therabody, BY FAR, Necessaire, Reformation, and so much more. Like my work in modeling, creating content for myself and huge brands is another win for inclusivity in beauty and fashion.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by how authentically all parts of you can come together effortlessly and not only support you financially but support your community as well. I know I’m successful if even one person finds a little bit of self-love and self-acceptance in the work I’ve done, and I got to find joy in doing it, too. If what you’re doing doesn’t make you and the people around you feel great, it isn’t success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annkrisha_/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@annkrisha
Image Credits
Jose Santillan
Naohmi Monroe
Kyle Goldberg
BFA.com
