To mark International Women’s Day, we’re introducing you to some inspiring YouTube creators who are shaping our shared future for the better. Although they come from different communities and industries, these women are working to spark significant change through their channels. From sustainable shopping to changing the game for renters to sharing the experience of Muslim women through music, each uses their voice and talents to advance social causes. Meet Darcei. —Noa Nichol
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to start.
My name is Darcei Giles and I make Beauty & Makeup content online. I love trying new things and experimenting with makeup, so my video content ranges from trying Korean makeup to seeing if colour-changing foundations really work.
How did you achieve (and continue to maintain) your amazing YouTube following/fame?
My channel took off when I started the series Black Girl Tries which basically involved me trying makeup styles that typically weren’t seen on black people like the goth or emo aesthetic or Korean style makeup. I definitely did not (and still don’t!) take myself very seriously in my videos so people found them funny and entertaining. I get comments all the time from people who say they don’t even wear makeup buy watch my videos because they’re funny.
What do you like about YouTube as a platform (as opposed to other forms of social media) and how do you use that platform to influence and inspire those that follow you, and to create social change?
I love Youtube because you can create such great and meaningful longform content there. I’ve gotten so many messages from black people who tell me that my content has inspired them to try something new or that my video helped them realize that they are beautiful. Creators like me have changed the beauty space entirely by demanding more inclusivity and therefore created real social change because of that.
What topics do you cover/share most? Where do your passions lie?
I share a lot about inclusivity in the beauty space. Inclusivity isn’t just about foundation shades, it’s also about blushes and lipsticks and bronzers. There are still people out there who are too afraid to try a makeup style because it doesn’t fit what society says they should look like. So I am passionate about creating inclusivity in all aspects of the beauty community.
Have you ever had to deal with haters/naysayers on social media? If so, what’s your approach?
Of course! I used to approach it by clapping back. (Sometimes I still do because honestly it’s funny). Now I just ignore it. Partly because I simply don’t have the time but also because I’ve learned that people are just speaking into the void that is the internet. And there is no need to be offended or angry about what username9497934338 has to say.
What have some of the highlights of being so prominent on YouTube been for you?
Actually being able to meet my fans is always so much fun. Working with my favorite makeup brands has been a dream come true. And of course winning a Streamy last year was unreal.
March 8 is International Women’s Day; what is the significance to you, and how are you using your voice to create change, establish community and help women and girls feel seen and understood?
Women are still overlooked in our society and I love all the women in my life so I like to use International Women’s Day to celebrate them. Growing up I did not feel seen especially in the beauty community. Now I am so happy that my content evokes really change worldwide and that I can inspire other girls to do the same.
With so many people following you on YouTube, who are some of your favourite female accounts to follow?
I love Jackie Aina! She is such an inspirational woman. And I’m addicted to Stephanie Soo’s video’s right now. She’s an amazing storyteller.
youtube.com/@MissDarcei
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