Youtube Vlogger Spotlight: The Brilliant Beauty

It’s no secret that beauty vlogging has played a huge role in transforming the beauty industry. Not only has beauty vlogging helped bring exposure to millions of beauty brands, it has also provided a way for everyday people to learn how to do things they once had to pay someone to do for them. Thanks to the countless number of beauty gurus on Youtube, you can learn how to do your makeup, hair, and nails like a pro.

Jodi, creator of The Brilliant Beauty, is one young woman who is leaving her mark in the world of beauty vlogging. On her Youtube Channel, Jodi provides hair and makeup tutorials, fashion looks, and product reviews. Jodi, 23, is also a full-time college student and a source of inspiration for thousands of young women who subscribe to her channel. I reached out to Jodi to find out more about her life and journey as a Youtube vlogger and college student.

Tell me a little about yourself?
I’ve been telling everyone that my name is Jodi for simplicity, but my real name is Jodian (pronounced Jodi-N). I am Jamaican-born, South Florida-raised. I am also a wife and aspiring businesswoman trying to find my niche in life, and I enjoy every second of the process.

How long have you been shooting Youtube videos?
I’ve been making Youtube videos on and off since 2011, but regularly since 2013.

What made you want to start making Youtube videos?
I was in a depressed state of mind years ago and turned to Youtube to cheer me up. I have always loved hair and was trying more makeup, so I began making videos because I related to the ladies I watched.

What can people expect when they visit your channel?
One main feature of my channel that I try to incorporate into every video is finding easier ways to do things. Someone watching me can always expect to learn something new and see a positive attitude from me.

What do you enjoy most about Youtube Vlogging?
That’s easy! Let’s see… I connect with thousands of people without leaving my home, I teach ladies beauty-related things that make their lives easier, and Youtube allows us, women of color, to make a difference by positively influencing others.

What advice would you give for someone who desires to become a Youtube Vlogger?
Youtube “vlogging” is now a professional title (imagine that!), so I would say first decide if you wish to do it as a business or as a hobby with no long term commitments. Then, find your strengths and develop a topic or theme for your videos. You are unique, so do whatever you want to do and you will be happy. Your viewers will feed off that positive energy.

What degree are you pursuing? 
I will graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in chemistry in May 2015.

What are your career goals?
I have always been passionate about the health care field, and my interests have swayed from medicine to public health, but my career goal is just to make an impact on others to choose healthier lifestyles. That’s it. As long as I see people making more well-informed choices, the career description doesn’t matter.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love date nights with my husband and quiet time for myself.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Do your best and forget the rest.” This has been at the core of everything I do, especially in the extremely competitive world surrounded by social media “perfection”.

What keeps you grounded?
Every yesterday keeps me grounded; just knowing where I started from. Whether it is Youtube, where I started with a webcam and a camera I already had, or as I progress in my career knowing that the process began with a dream, I am humbled by my life experiences.

Who or what inspires you?
I find inspiration in anything and everything. I have several role models who I glean life lessons from, but I am inspired by the good qualities in many of the people I meet. Critics also give me the inspiration to do better every day as well as to ignore those who don’t believe in me.