Today we’d like to introduce you to Laila Cross.
Hi Laila, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always loved makeup and beauty since I was a little girl. I filmed and edited my first makeup tutorial for YouTube in 2013, and it was a Golden Forest Fairy-inspired Halloween look. I also incorporated a DIY costume into the video. Years later, I started a travel Instagram and blog during my time studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, in 2017. Later in 2019, I started a clean beauty Instagram page to document products I tried and showcase my product photography. Now, several years later, after the takeover of short-form videos, I am returning to my content creation journey to finish what I started and attempt to grow an online presence. I am focusing on beauty content as well as lifestyle and DIYs because these are my passions. I am a naturally shy person, so it has been somewhat challenging to pivot to video content, but the positive responses to my videos make it worth it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth or continuous road for me, but I am grateful for the obstacles because they have helped me learn and grow, and now I take content creation much more seriously. I will say that for me, the biggest obstacle was simply starting up again after not creating content for several years. I was nervous about putting myself out there and even wondering if I was too old to reignite my Content creation journey. In addition, adapting to the newer styles of short-form video content has definitely been a challenge because I am used to creating and editing long-form style videos that resemble the style of YouTube during the 2010s. Finding and showcasing my unique voice is also a persistent challeng,e but I’m trying very hard to make Contin where I can show my authentic personality because I realize that that is key to growing an audience. Other struggles have included balancing content creation with my 9-5 but I make it work, even if my videos get posted at midnight!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, my main niche is beauty, and my favorite videos to make are makeup videos showcasing editorial looks! I also create content on beauty routines, DIY beauty hacks, fragrance & skincare reviews, and home styling/ interior design. I love thrifting, so I incorporate that into my content as well. I would love to be known for my creative and editorial makeup looks and edits and inspire others to embrace self-expression through makeup. I am most proud of myself for getting over my initial fears of putting myself out there and showing up to post content as consistently as I can for 3 months now! I’d like to think that what sets me apart from others is the way that I integrate fun DIY concepts into my videos, the unique and girly aesthetic that I bring to any makeup look I recreate, and showcasing my hobbies, such as sewing, in my videos. Also, I think that being a huge DIY girly makes me stand out somewhat because I take pride in doing all of my beauty treatments myself, from makeup to facials to mani/pedis, and I want to empower and show others how to do the same!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
BEST: The diversity and the way that it’s a cultural hub for creatives with ANY interest. California sunshine. The affordable food options are also great!
LEAST: The traffic and lack of walkability (in certain areas)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticbeautyedit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aestheticbeautyedit
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aestheticbeautyedit?lang=en
