In short
Marjan Tabibzada discusses what it means to become a beauty influencer and “the face” of Sephora, focusing on representation, building trust, handling hate/cancel culture, and navigating brand deals and career strategy.
Guest background
Marjan is a makeup/fashion creator of Central Asian/Afghan-Pakistani heritage (Afghan mentioned; husband Pakistani). She studied marketing at Cal State Northridge, worked at MAC Cosmetics (including at a MAC counter inside Nordstrom), did freelance bridal/prom makeup, and started posting content before TikTok/YouTube had clear career paths.
Key claims
Representation matters; creators must love the work because there was “no blueprint” and early content wasn’t well-paid. Authenticity comes before contracts; she won’t lie in sponsored content. Cancel culture is often fueled by bad-faith commenters; she filters negativity. Diversify platforms and have a “plan B.”
Notable examples
Her modest “brown-girl” styling of sheer/revealing trends; a TikTok video of her phone falling 10 floors used as an example of influencer-driven ads; her first Times Square billboard (Sephora campaign face for July) and Dermalogica campaign in Sephora.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORepresentation and Cultural Influence
0:45 to 2:38
Marjan discusses the importance of representation for brown women in media and culture.
“So I'm coming up to my 40th birthday in November.”
Career Beginnings in Makeup
2:38 to 4:25
Marjan shares her journey starting with MAC Cosmetics and her path towards becoming an influencer.
“I was working at Matt Cosmetics at the age of 18.”
Transitioning to Content Creation
4:25 to 5:34
Marjan reflects on the transition from working at MAC to fully embracing content creation.
“Like we were always like, Mac is it, you know, that they know what they're doing.”
The Challenges of Being an Influencer
5:34 to 9:32
Marjan explains the realities of content creation, including challenges and misconceptions.
“So with Mac, when I had graduated high school, I was like looking for, you know, my first job, my first job.”
Creating Relatable Content for Diverse Audiences
9:32 to 13:00
Marjan discusses making content that resonates with a diverse audience, especially brown women.
“And also not to mention, I got into the industry when all of the OG YouTubers have already been established.”
Cultural Aspects in Fashion Content
13:00 to 14:00
Marjan talks about incorporating cultural elements into her fashion content and connecting with her audience.
“Like it just looks like you're like, there's so much you have to understand, you know, in terms of like, what, where's your audience going to like like, actually pay attention and where are they going to trail off?”
Creating Relatable Fashion Content
14:00 to 15:00
Learn how Marjan tailors fashion content to be relatable for diverse audiences.
“So when I do my eat, get ready with me's, you know, like that's something that people are like, Oh my God, finally.”
Cultural Representation in Fashion
15:00 to 16:40
Discover the importance of cultural representation in fashion and social media.
“But now I feel like bringing in that cultural aspect into it, because it's like there are so many people on social media.”
The Shift in Content Trends
16:40 to 18:20
Explore the shift towards transparency and cultural inclusivity in content.
“Those are makeup things that, you know, relate to me as someone that, you know, isn't, you know, a white girl.”
The Responsibility of Influencers
18:20 to 20:00
Understand the responsibility influencers feel towards their followers and content.
“genuine advice about how to live and how to deal with situations.”
Show all 24 chapters
Navigating Hate and Cancel Culture
20:00 to 21:40
Learn how influencers deal with online hate and the impacts of cancel culture.
“But also when we give the opinions, and we say it is just never good enough.”
The Impact of Online Criticism
21:40 to 23:20
Examine the effects of online criticism on influencers and their communities.
“It's like you and then getting canceled for like the littlest things.”
Personal Stories of Online Harassment
23:20 to 25:00
Hear personal anecdotes about facing online harassment and hate.
“because I feel like with us, like we, so this is also another thing, right?”
Understanding Online Behavior
25:00 to 26:40
Discuss the motivations behind negative online behaviors and comments.
“And it's like, I don't understand how we get like, I mean, I don't, but I know there are a lot more people now that at least I'm seeing that I saw like 10 years ago, you know, like I, maybe I was blind 10 years ago.”
The Evolution of Influencer Marketing
26:40 to 28:00
Explore how influencer marketing is evolving and its future in the beauty industry.
“And also, you know, I always say, if you don't, if you don't have haters, you're not also not really winning.”
The Rise of Influencers in Marketing
28:00 to 30:00
Explore how influencers are reshaping brand marketing strategies.
“Like insane, you know, like a couple of years ago, nothing.”
Authenticity in Brand Deals
30:00 to 33:10
Understand the importance of authenticity when collaborating with brands.
“I know because at your stage, you have millions and millions of followers at this point.”
Navigating the Influencer Landscape
33:10 to 35:50
Learn how to maintain integrity and authenticity as an influencer.
“Well, that's exactly why I'm asking you because here's the thing.”
The Reality of Being an Influencer
35:50 to 39:45
Discuss the misconceptions of instant success in influencer culture.
“You know, like you need a plan B, you know, whether that's, I mean, even another advice that I love to give is make sure that you are making content on more than one platform, okay?”
The Importance of Diversifying Platforms
39:45 to 42:00
Explore why influencers should build their presence across multiple platforms.
“Others like me have had a, you know, we have worked day and night.”
The Challenges of Content Creation
42:00 to 43:56
Learn about the difficulties and dedication required in content creation.
“No, I can imagine how competitive it is.”
Celebrating Achievements in the Industry
43:56 to 46:05
Discover the emotional impact of representing brands and personal milestones.
“My first billboard in Times Square, what was that?”
Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Dreams
46:05 to 48:08
Explore the journey of overcoming obstacles and the importance of representation.
“You are such a beautiful human being and your content resonates with so many of us.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Creators
48:08 to 50:29
Gain insights on starting a career in content creation and staying motivated.
“Any words of wisdom you can offer about where to start, what to do, how to keep yourself going, motivation?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Skin Anarchy Hosts:Hey guys, welcome back to Skin Anarchy. We have such a special guest with us today. I am a huge fan of her content. I get so much inspo from her, her channel, just her reviews and a lot of fashion, actually, more than anything else. So very, very excited. So please welcome Marjan Tabibzada. Welcome Marjan. So excited to host you.
0:16Marjan Tabibzada:I'm so excited to be here. That was such a sweet intro. Thank you.
0:20Skin Anarchy Hosts:that's from the heart from the heart i i'm really am a fan of your content i love like you bring such a cool take because being a brown woman myself and growing up and never seeing us you know represented online much less like in a space where it feels like you know the person you know like that influencer feeling like we never had that so it's really cool isn't it so sad i i i think it's such a it's so sad but i'm really really glad that we have so many more you
0:47Marjan Tabibzada:know brown girls central asian all of us middle eastern girls in that category are like really we're doing it and we're killing it and we're in the spaces and it just makes me so happy it really
0:58Skin Anarchy Hosts:really does it's awesome no it's freaking awesome because like what i was saying about fashion like i just love seeing the fashion it's like finally love it i know i know
1:10Marjan Tabibzada:and it does so well it does so well and it's like i feel like we're in a space in content creation where like people want to see the culture you know there's so many of us out there so like you know when I do like my I'm going to my friend's you know Indian wedding and it's a three-day event and you know I do you know the outfits and the makeup looks it's like they do so viral and they do so well because it's like we don't have that representation properly and I mean I hope I'm doing it right and yeah yeah I love it I love to see it no it's awesome because you know it's crazy
1:43Skin Anarchy Hosts:when I was growing up. So I'm coming up to my 40th birthday in November. And when I was growing up, Bollywood was all week. That's it. The only time you could see cool, amazing fashion from the East was Bollywood. You know, I remember when a few of those movies came out, like Dave Das was one of them. I love Dave Das.
2:00Marjan Tabibzada:I grew up on Bollywood too, by the way.
2:02Skin Anarchy Hosts:I know, it's so common in all of our cultures. We all watch it. So yeah.
2:06Marjan Tabibzada:I learned how to speak Hindi because I watched Bollywood movies. And it's funny because when I got brought into my fiance's family, they were like, whoa, she knows how to speak the language. And I'm like, I'm not that good at it. But, you know, I totally understand everything you guys are saying. And I can for sure hold a conversation. Your Bollywood taught you well. I love that.
2:27Skin Anarchy Hosts:No, I mean, it's really, really cool. And that's really where I want to start, you know, because your content really speaks to a demographic of women that we never saw ourselves represented, you know. And I think that's amazing. but also like just curiosity like where did it start for you like I know no one wakes up one day that I'm going to be an influencer that's all I'm doing so like what where were you before
2:48Marjan Tabibzada:any social media any of that girl I was I worked at so I basically was getting my degree for bachelor's of science in marketing at Cal State Northridge I graduated with that while I was getting that. I was working at Matt Cosmetics at the age of 18. I was the youngest at the entire department and I worked at Nordstrom. So I was the Matt counter inside Nordstrom's. You know, we had counter goals, we had department goals to meet. And again, I had no sales experience. I was right out of high school. So I was doing that. I was doing freelance on the side, you know, taking on brides and bridesmaids and prom makeup.
3:34Marjan Tabibzada:I was on set. And then on top of that, I was like posting the content on socials. And so I really felt like I was doing like a bajillion different things. And I'm so grateful enough that, you know, content creation really just picked up. It really just picked up. And when I graduated with my degree, I wanted to get into law school. I was like, that's kind of like the path that I want to take. But TikTok was blowing up. You know, we had reached like less than a million followers on TikTok. Instagram we already had a you know a significant amount of followers on there so it was like a thing of like I love doing this so much that and I see some sort of potential there so why not just see where this can where this can go and I'm so blessed that it's been a career for me that has been so beautiful it really has been so yeah I love that I love that I love that you um
4:31Skin Anarchy Hosts:that you had your time at Mac, you know, because Mac, like when I, yeah, I mean, because like when I first learned about your journey, I was reading, you know, you were, you were at Mac and what is really insignificant, it's really significant about that is that, I don't know, like Mac has always been that brand that like celebrated like everybody, you know, like we never had that conversation of like shade range with Mac. Like we were always like, Mac is it, you know, that they know what they're doing. And so, you know, I would love for one of the first, sorry to cut you over
4:58Marjan Tabibzada:So they're, I think, one of the first that had, like, 50 shades of a foundation and, like, every shade of the foundation that you could take.
5:06Skin Anarchy Hosts:I never felt like, I'm telling you, growing up, even, like, 2004, 2003, 2004, going into a Mac store, I never felt like I couldn't be matched. You know what I mean? And that's why it's just, like, it's, like, so meaningful, I think, for a lot of brown and black people, that brand, because we found ourselves there before any other brand, you know? And so I'd love for you to speak on that, because you started there, you know, and seeing diversity. And then how did you bring that into your content when you really started getting that following?
5:33Marjan Tabibzada:Yeah. So with Mac, when I had graduated high school, I was like looking for, you know, my first job, my first job. And I had actually worked like part time seasonal at like, I think it was Abercrombie and Fitch. And it was just like a like a seasonal job. But like right out of high school, I was like, I need a job. You know, like I'm going I'm going into college now. Like I have bills to pay for. I did not come from a rich family. Like my dad was a security guard. He worked two jobs. Like he had six kids, you know, and it was not a thing where I was like, dad, I need money. Or like, dad, fund my college.
6:07Marjan Tabibzada:You know, I was on financial aid, you know, so I needed a job. And for me, like I loved makeup so much. So I literally went into a Mac store and I was like, are you guys hiring? And they gave me an application and they were like fill it out bring it back I did that and they're like there's an interview process you have to go it was like it was like the Mac store in Santa Monica and there was like 200 people applying for like these positions I'm so scared and it's funny because I didn't even have my license at that time my mom drove me and she was there with me I was so scared because I'm like oh my god like I don't know what I'm doing you know like I don't know and at that time I didn't know anything about Mac like I knew I didn't know product knowledge I had only done makeup on myself.
6:50Marjan Tabibzada:Like it was like, I was learning everything off YouTube. Like that was the thing. Right. And I went into my interview and I feel like my personality and the way I dressed, because she complimented my outfit. I love your outfit. Like this is such an amazing outfit that you're wearing. And you know, interview was done. I didn't hear a callback. So I was like, I'm not going to get this. Like it is what it is, whatever. She called me back. She was like, Oh, by the way, loved you. we want to hire you. And I was like, oh my God, like this is insane. So that, that was my,
7:19Skin Anarchy Hosts:that was my first job ever. That's really cool. And I like that. I mean, honestly, here's the thing about influencers. I think a lot of people don't understand is that like, you really have to love this. Like you have to love, like if you're in makeup or if you're in whatever you're in, like you gotta love it. Otherwise there's no way. And I would love for you to talk about that because I think that there's so much misinformation in terms of like what it takes to gain a following you know like walk us through that like what was that like for
7:46Marjan Tabibzada:you i think for me i always want to start off by saying at the end of the day if you compare content creation to other jobs it is it doesn't even compare whereas like yes content creation is not the hardest job yeah it's one of the most rewarding jobs you know you can work from home you make your own hours so i never want to compare it and be like you know make it seem like our job is so freaking difficult that like, you know, whatever. But I will say though, that in order to be a content creator, when I started content creation, there was no blueprint. Okay. Content creation was not looked at as a career to this day.
8:27Marjan Tabibzada:Right now. Yes. There are agencies. There are PR people back then that was like only for the actors and the actresses and the celebrities, right? There was no blueprint. You had to do everything on your own, you know? And also at that time you weren't getting paid, you know, my source of income was coming from Matt Cosmetics, you know, and I was getting paid$18 an hour or$17.50, something around, something along those lines. And so like, it wasn't a thing where I was like, I'm making all of this freaking money. I was not, you know? So when I did content creation, it's because I loved it. I loved it.
9:03Marjan Tabibzada:I would go to school I would go do free freelance work I worked at mad cosmetics and content creation was literally just an extra thing that I did because I just loved it and I loved showing my creativity I love showing people my different looks all of that so like yes back to your point you had to love what you were doing that like point blank period because you were not making a single dollar or dime that you and and even the amount of money that you're able to make now with content creation versus back then. It's a night and day difference. And also not to mention, I got into the industry when all of the OG YouTubers have already been established.
9:40Marjan Tabibzada:So even getting on YouTube was so impossible because, you know, you had the James Charles and the, you know, Desi Perkins and the I Love Sarais that were already dominating the YouTube industry. So like they already had, like they were the ones, you know, that everybody's watching and you're trying to build on YouTube. and I was trying to get on YouTube for the longest time and I girl I was struggling like nothing was working so like it it was definitely an an industry back then to now it's night and day difference
10:11Skin Anarchy Hosts:yeah no I believe you and that's so so interesting that you bring this up because I always wondered I was like diehard follower of the YouTube era of influencers you know what I mean like I watched like every Jackie video every you know like literally like Carly by Bell like those are my girl yeah like honestly same same dude same and I like remember just being like what's gonna happen once they leave and they go start their own brands do their own thing like YouTube and I started to watch it happen but then I always wondered I'm like how are people compared like you know like how do people compare you like did you run into that when you started like really blowing up where people were comparing you to like maybe their favorite YouTuber or like I don't know somebody they were just used to watching you know before tiktok became big it wasn't no i never got to
10:58Marjan Tabibzada:compare i was never compared to be honest with you like i never dealt with that um yeah no like
11:03Skin Anarchy Hosts:i i honestly never dealt with that but like no not like compared like to a person but like to like the like what came out of youtube you know because the thing is like the content you guys started like your generation of influencers is more short form you know what i mean it's more digestible It's not like the 20 minute videos anymore. So like, how did you like, how was that for you in terms of like, because you said there's no blueprint, you were watching the YouTube videos. How did you manage that and like navigate making your own kind of style, you know, like video length and like how to deliver and all of that stuff that, you know, we never hear about.
11:36Marjan Tabibzada:Yeah, honestly, it's all trial and error. It is literally all trial and error. There will be hundreds of my videos that have flopped, you know, girl, and you have to pick your butt back up and keep creating your, keep creating the content. There were so many times where I would be like, this, this isn't working. Or, you know, like I would have my depressed moments. I would have burnout moments, you know, but at the end of the day, when you have a passion for something, like there would be moments, girl, when I would be sleeping and I would wake up in the middle of the night because I had a video idea and I would jot it down in my notes.
12:11Marjan Tabibzada:And the next day I would, I would make the content. So it's really like when you have that passion for even when you are down in the dumps and it's not working there's something in you that like you still get up and you're like it's okay we're gonna make make something different we're gonna do a whole new series or we're gonna try something completely different and I think that's so that's sometimes really hard for creators to understand that like just because something isn't working you change the direction you know and even figuring that out I know is difficult it's not it's definitely not as easy because you're like how you know and like what but like you just, you just got to try new things.
12:47Skin Anarchy Hosts:Yeah. Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. And I know it's like a weird question, but honestly, I wonder, you know, because I watched like, like your content and I'm just like, how do you, cause I couldn't do it. You know, like I would be like so confused. Like, no, I mean like, I don't know, man. Like it just looks like you're like, there's so much you have to understand, you know, in terms of like, what, where's your audience going to like like, actually pay attention and where are they going to trail off? And that's actually one of my questions for you is because your content really does resonate with so many people, so many women, like, across the world, you know, especially, like, when you, I feel like as a brown woman, I've been underrepresented and I'm sitting in America, you know what I mean?
13:27Skin Anarchy Hosts:So, like, for the women who are more international viewers of your content, I know they identify, you know, with you. And so, like, where, like, talk about that a little bit in terms of, like, how does that work and like how do you manage those do you get like emails from them or like messages where they're like hey listen I love what you're wearing I just couldn't wear that where I'm from
13:47Marjan Tabibzada:you know like something like that yeah no 100 % and I feel like I feel like with me even I I feel like there's so much that my audience relates to when it comes to the cultural aspect of things. So when I do my eat, get ready with me's, you know, like that's something that people are like, Oh my God, finally. Or even, I mean, at the end of the day, you know, I, I make content based off of what works for me and what could possibly be relatable to my audience, you know, and there are, there will always be someone that either doesn't like it or it doesn't work with them but I mean that's okay you know like that that is okay just because one outfit that I wear is too crazy doesn't mean another one that I make you know you can't wear it and there's been so many um for example outfit videos that I make or get ready with me videos I try to take more of that modest take on it or you know I'll be like listen this is like a completely sheer dress but you guys know we are the brown girls where we can't really show we can't be we got we can't be that revealing so let's make this a little bit more modest and I think that resonated with a lot of people too because it'd be like wow I love that you can take something so like skin skin you know revealing and you know make it so conservative where like girls could wear that something that they they could never think they could but wow you actually made it where we could actually wear
15:15Skin Anarchy Hosts:that now so yeah yeah that's exactly what I was asking about because I know like that's tough you know because I can speak as Indian women we never saw ourselves like you know represented and all the different styles and all the different ways so it's like it's really interesting to watch you know in terms of like oh like we're like discovering fashion a whole different way even though we have our professional fashion outlets as well you know if you go over to the east like do we have our fashion shows and stuff like it was never seen the way Americans grew up you know watching their
15:46Marjan Tabibzada:are fresh represented so I think that's very cool yeah oh a 1000 and I I think we are also seeing a shift in content where maybe the next trend coming up is really just that transparency and also seeing cultures being represented in a way where it's not the norm that you normally see where like I feel like maybe five years ago it was always about the makeup tutorials and thing and fashion stuff. But now I feel like bringing in that cultural aspect into it, because it's like there are so many people on social media. And there's so many of us, you know, the Middle Eastern, the Central Asian, the brown, the brown girlies, but it's like that representation isn't really there.
16:30Marjan Tabibzada:And I feel like now that you're slowly seeing it, I do feel like there will be a shift of like, oh, wow, that content creator, you know, I can relate to on a deeper level, because, you know, those are things that those are fashion things. Those are makeup things that, you know, relate to me as someone that, you know, isn't, you know, a white girl. Yeah.
16:49Skin Anarchy Hosts:Yeah. I hear you. I mean, that's, that's the thing is like, like the way it's actually opening up a lot of avenues for the younger generations. Like I am just so excited when I see like younger girls, like 15 year old, you know, like you're discovering like who you are, your identity, blending your cultures, and then to be able to have content that you can kind of understand. It's like a blueprint. It's a blueprint that we never had, you know?
17:13Marjan Tabibzada:You like, maybe like a couple of years back, it was embarrassing, you know? Cause it's like, you didn't, people didn't maybe share it because they were embarrassed or they didn't think people would care for it or things like that. But now that you were seeing, you know, creators talk about these things and I feel like the younger generation is seeing too. And I feel like it's a sense of proudness as well. You know, it's a sense of like, oh my god yes girl like I want to wear my traditional outfits and I want to you know show that I'm wearing a sari to a wedding because it's so beautiful you know and so like just things like that that I feel like um I'm just so happy to see the representation I really am
17:53Skin Anarchy Hosts:no it's really really it's really cool and it's a really cool time to be like on social media I think I in my opinion like even though like the YouTube era had like an immense impact you know on culture, like on Western culture and everything. And that will always be what it was. But I feel like right now, social media has become so easy to find your person on here. You can find that one creator that's going to really resonate. And I know a lot of young people get life advice, genuine advice about how to live and how to deal with situations. And I would love for you to speak on that in terms of, because I feel like there's so much responsibility that's put on your shoulders when you have a following of like 1 million, 2 million, 3 million, you know, like it's really something that you do, I'm sure, internalize and deal with.
18:41Skin Anarchy Hosts:So I'd love for you to speak about that, you know, in terms of like being a responsible creator, making sure that your content is like, you know, something that people can really feel is evergreen and makes a lasting impact.
18:55Marjan Tabibzada:I feel like that's one thing that I struggle with sometimes. So too, because I feel like when you have so many eyes on you and you go from like a thousand followers to now millions of followers there is that sense of responsibility that comes from you know speaking out on specific things or you know just whatever it may be and sometimes I feel like influencers get this really bad rep of like, you know, if you post about things, you get really hate for it. And if you don't post about things, you get, you get hate for it. So like finding that middle ground, I feel like we honestly still struggle with.
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19:36Marjan Tabibzada:And it makes it where like, it's very, very hard to talk about things when you know that as an influencer, you're, you just, that stereotype of like, of like, you know, like, oh, you know, you just live this lavish life and like, whatever, like, it's just, it's just like, we don't really like, we, we want you to talk about it. But also when we give the opinions, and we say it is just never good enough. You know, so I feel like that's something that is also hard for us, because it's like, at the end of the day, we're also human. And sometimes we don't know how to talk about things. You know, we don't know how to we don't know how to say it in the most perfect way.
20:19Marjan Tabibzada:And just because we don't doesn't mean we don't relate or that we don't understand. But that definitely is something that I feel like I struggle with. I'm not going to lie to you. And something, you know, recently happened to me where, you know, I spoke out about something and you're getting you're getting good and you're getting you're getting the love and the hate. So it's really you're just sitting there like, you know, you you're kind of like if you do it, you win. And if you don't do like I'm sorry, if you do what you lose and if you don't do what you lose so like that's definitely something that I feel like as influencers we we struggle with yeah no I can definitely see that and you know
20:54Skin Anarchy Hosts:it's interesting because I watch all this hate like I honestly like I'm just sitting online most time trying to wrap my head around like why people come at influencers so hard when in reality you're out here you're sharing your life you're you know you're giving people a sneak into what they wouldn't have the courage to do like a lot of us wouldn't have the courage to put our life
21:12Marjan Tabibzada:on the internet.
21:13Skin Anarchy Hosts:That's just a fact. You know what I mean? And I would love for you to speak on this because there is a lot of hate online. You know, there's a whole cancel culture movement. There's this whole like, doesn't matter how good of, you know, like you could do 90 things that are amazing and you do 10 things that are maybe like whatever. And it's like people want to cancel you, right? Like, I would love for you to speak about this because I think it really, really matters right now, you know, and I hate seeing it. So.
21:37Marjan Tabibzada:I absolutely hate seeing it. I feel like cancel culture is, is brutal. I'm not even gonna lie to you. It is so brutal. It's like you and then getting canceled for like the littlest things. Yeah, when I feel like some and I feel like genuinely sometimes cancel culture just comes from, you know, groups of people that just have already not not liked you. And then they may find one thing that you're doing wrong. And they're like, Oh, this is the moment, you know, and they get that moment and it's unfortunate but I think at the end of the day um and I can speak only only for myself is when you know and you're true to yourself and you just know your heart and for me I'm always like you know God knows me God knows you know my true intentions on whatever a situation can be like I just I just leave it to God sometimes like you know it is what it is
22:34Skin Anarchy Hosts:what what really what can you do nothing that's that's why really you can't do anything yeah you can't do shit and that's i think that's what pisses me off like that's what pisses me off the most about that whole thing is like you guys sit and you become keyboard freaking warriors over like okay i would understand if it's like a controversial topic right like a lot of creators post things that are like you know they're meant to start the pot meant to start up a conversation But like I'm seeing I am seeing so much nonsense just about like appearances of people, skin like the most like honestly, I would say like passive aggressive racism that I've ever seen in my life in these comments.
23:13Skin Anarchy Hosts:And I'm just like sitting there. I'm like, do you not understand like what you guys are spreading? You know what I mean? Like when you do that.
23:19Marjan Tabibzada:When me and my husband got married.
23:23Skin Anarchy Hosts:Yeah. I was like, what is wrong with people?
23:27Marjan Tabibzada:What is wrong with people? because I feel like with us, like we, so this is also another thing, right? At the end of the day, like for me personally, like I receive so much more love than I do hate. So it's like, I also don't usually let it get to me because I feel like I have such a good community and such good supporters that like, it's just noise at the end of the day. And also when you are in this industry, as people like to say it, like you're, that's just how it is. Like you, that's what you signed up for so okay uh you know i i i'll i'll give that to them but you know when when it was my wedding and i posted because i can you keep in mind i'm afghan my husband's pakistani and obviously there's just so many differences uh politically in that that the way that people like i i literally couldn't even imagine some of the things people were saying and i was like the audacity you know it's like it's like it's like I cannot stop what is you know happening you know in other countries you know and and it's like like what am what are you guys expecting me to do like I like literally like was like what is this and they're like people big oh you marry the enemy like how dare you how dare you marry the enemy you know or how dare you not how dare you not marry like an Afghan person and like things like that and I'm just sitting there like like what yeah what you know that's why I asked you that because I'm like I like I couldn't believe some of the things that people were just like like how dare you marry that that person that's like you're the enemy of the country
25:09Skin Anarchy Hosts:or I'm like what is wrong with you guys yeah no because it becomes like it becomes like a forum for people to like unleash their hate, you know, in all aspects of life. And it's like, I don't understand how we get like, I mean, I don't, but I know there are a lot more people now that at least I'm seeing that I saw like 10 years ago, you know, like I, maybe I was blind 10 years ago. I didn't notice it as much, but like lately, for some reason, every time I go into a great creator's comments, it's, I mean, Marjan, some of the things are like, when you're commenting on women and their their appearance when you're commenting on people's like eye color when you're commenting on like i don't just the most absurd crap i'm just looking at it and i'm like oh yeah you should never give any influence or any hate ever in life because you guys go through so much unnecessary crap you know what i mean in terms of like yeah there's a lot of good but yeah it's a lot of criticism so yeah yeah girl i have seen those comments i've been a part of
26:11Marjan Tabibzada:those comments I but again at the end at the end of the day it's like it's like if you just allow those comments to take over you're going to go into such a dark place that getting out is going to be very difficult you know and I'm so grateful that I have been in this industry for like 10 years now where now I know how to filter all of that out and just realize like like okay say what you have to say. And I've read it all. I've seen it all, whatever. And also, you know, I always say, if you don't, if you don't have haters, you're not also not really winning. You're really, if you're not being talked about in positive and in negative ways, like you're really not that, you're not that really, you're not that sorry.
26:58Marjan Tabibzada:You're not that relevant. So I give it to me all. I don't care.
27:03Skin Anarchy Hosts:I love that. I'll take it. I love that attitude. No, I'm with you. and I'm always cheering you on. I think you're brilliant with your content. And I think, you know, here's the thing. I really want to ask you this because I feel like we are now headed in a new direction when it comes to certain things with like the whole influencer scene. You know, I know there's a lot of like activities and, you know, like collaborations you've worked on that are very, very meaningful. And I'd love for you to speak on this where it's like, where do you think the influencer industry is headed when it comes to the intersection with beauty?
27:33Skin Anarchy Hosts:Like I know that, for example, I'll give you an example where everybody was doing brand activations, right? Like activation trips, like, you know, going overseas, that blew up for a long time. Now we're seeing a lot more, like, they want more Candid. Like, where do you think this industry at large is headed? And do you think we're repeating the same thing over and over again? Or do you think it's getting, I don't know, progressing, I should say?
27:54Marjan Tabibzada:I think it's definitely getting progressive. I feel like the industry for influencers is blowing up like crazy. I mean, did you see Cannes Lion? Like insane, you know, like a couple of years ago, nothing. Now it's like, I mean, I think, I think literally like influencers really run the marketing of brands on such grander scale things. I mean, I can't say too much, but even this weekend alone, we, I, one of my biggest dreams is coming true. Okay. And it is a moment in where like something that years ago, you're like, there's no way. But really the opportunities that influencers are getting and, but also you have to also understand that these opportunities don't come if influencers, they're not really getting or showing the results that they're showing to brands.
28:52Marjan Tabibzada:You know, for example, for example, I did one video of my phone falling 10 floors off the St. Louisville building, okay? yeah video has like has a million like a million people like that video on tiktok alone a million people okay people in the comments are like this is this is the perfect ad for apple yeah this is the perfect ad for like if like whatever case you use i need to know it because i need to buy it you know so like and at the end of the day like who watches commercials nowadays yeah who watches even when you're on take on youtube i want to skip the damn ad i don't want to see the ad you know but really people trust the influencers and when you relate to a content creator it brings such a powerful take on why brands should work with you right because you have this this source of trust so i really see the influencer you know industry just continuing to just blow blow up in like ways where like I think we're going to possibly get rid of celebrities and we're going to be the faces of pretty big big brand and stuff yeah I definitely can see that because like there's
30:05Skin Anarchy Hosts:so much like like that I saw that video by the way that you're referring to like this is brilliant like I don't I know it happened but this is really really brilliant and it was actually crazy yeah no that like literally yeah like that is like something where it's like that's the kind of content that we never get like I feel like ads I always wonder this but I'm like whoever is like managing ads on like meta like you need to learn something from like what what's going on like you know how do you really make things like actually pop and be interesting to people because we still have this like gap between like traditional marketing and like where you can tell it's fake nobody cares you know and then what influencers do is like so so different you know what I mean so it's like there's you got to fill that gap that understanding gap you know and I I'm actually curious, like what are some brand deals?
30:51Skin Anarchy Hosts:I know because at your stage, you have millions and millions of followers at this point. What are some of the things that you really screen for in a brand deal? Like what really matters to you versus red flags that you're always trying to avoid? You know, it doesn't matter who it is.
31:05Marjan Tabibzada:I mean, for me personally, you know, I feel like authenticity starts, you know, long before a contract does, you know, with a brand. And, you know, the first question that I always ask myself is what I genuinely recommend this, you know, this, if there wasn't a campaign attached to it. And I feel like the best partnerships are really the ones where the brand, you know, already fits naturally into my routine. And those collaborations, you know, don't feel like advertisements, you know, they feel like sharing something that I had already been talking about. So that's, that's really how I, I distinguish between like, do I want to work with you?
31:41Marjan Tabibzada:Or do I not want to work with you? It just really has to fit into like, my content.
31:46Skin Anarchy Hosts:yeah that makes sense i mean i just like wonder because i know i like and this is i'm like nowhere near where you are obviously but i remember getting a an email once and like it was wild right because this brand was like not only do we want you to promote this product we want you to make up like ratings for another brand and rate them badly you know what i mean and then it was like and these were like major brands like it wasn't like you know and i'm just sitting here And I'm like, if I got this email, you know, and I'm like, like literally not doing this at all. Right. And it's like, if I'm getting this and this was a legit brand, I wonder what people are really getting, you know, where it's like, where do you as, you know, having your platform draw that line and say like, okay, I will even no matter who you are, you know what I mean?
32:34Skin Anarchy Hosts:I'm not crossing this line. Like that's kind of what I'm asking.
32:38Marjan Tabibzada:Yeah, I could never do that. I could never be like, thankfully, I've never had a situation like that where a brand's like, this is the deal, but we need you to lie and say that this changed this part of your skin or whatever it is. I would never say yes to that. Because at the end of the day, you think about it, right? If people are buying the product and it's not working, they're going to comment or they're going to say, this is bullshit, girl. Like, Marshawn, you completely talked about this. And it's like, I don't want to do, I wouldn't want to deal with that, you know? And I would never want my followers or the community that I've built on trust to feel like they can't trust me anymore because then what is the point?
33:17Skin Anarchy Hosts:Well, that's exactly why I'm asking you because here's the thing. Not everyone is where you are, right? I feel like there's this subculture that's developed over time where it's like the smaller content creators are like, well, I just want to get to this level. you know like I want to have like 3 million followers or whatever their goal is and they're like I feel like I have to do certain things to get there and I would love for you to give advice to that demographic of like how do you stay true to yourself and how do you like kind of like pass up on the money if you have to you know but you stay true to who you are because of what you were
33:51Marjan Tabibzada:saying you know like the trust aspect I don't think doing that is going to get them to any level, I think it's going to hold them back because your audience is so smart. Just audiences in general, people are so smart. They can, they can find BS so quickly, you know, and not to mention we're also in a day and age where everybody has access to the same products, you know, and like you make a video saying this worked on you. Someone else will be like, girl, that is a lie. That did not work on me, you know? And if your audience is picking up that, like, you're just lying and it's a facade they're going to know that like trust me like audi like people on socials know when somebody's bsing like there's no way to get around it and there's no way of trying to level up when you're just lying to get your way because it will always come back full circle
34:40Skin Anarchy Hosts:yeah yeah no i think that's such an important message though genuinely because i feel like what influencer culture did for a lot of people was like this like just terrible understanding i feel like it's just such a misunderstanding that it's like you become an influencer and you're instantly rich and so it's like now we have no yeah that is the biggest misconception and i
35:04Marjan Tabibzada:will be here to tell your audience that right now just because you make content does not mean you're going to be rich i was making content for years before i ever got my first brand deal when I got my first brand deal they paid me maybe like a thousand dollars okay and that was like them asking for like a bajillion videos a bajillion reposts like that is so not true even when I was making a couple brand deals here and there I was still working at MAC Cosmetics I was still freelancing I was making more money doing freelance makeup as a makeup artist on the side for like six to seven girls than I was on social media for years for years yeah see that's
35:50Skin Anarchy Hosts:exactly what I wanted to hear from you you know like that genuine feedback because like I just I worry so much about the youth you know because they're like a lot of people I don't know if you've seen these videos but like like I swear the other day I saw a video and this girl was going I'm not even bothering with college like I'm not going to go to college I'm not going to do anything
36:07Marjan Tabibzada:yeah do that and and again look at my example I still got my degree yeah I still graduated you know I still was like I'm getting a degree I you need a plan b okay yeah content let me tell you something okay yeah got banned almost like four times okay all of the the these uh you know content creators have millions of followers let's say tiktok got banned what what the hell would you have done? What would you have done? You know, like you need a plan B, you know, whether that's, I mean, even another advice that I love to give is make sure that you are making content on more than one platform, okay?
36:50Marjan Tabibzada:Your source of income and content should not just be, for example, on TikTok alone. You know, we, and that was something that I learned from the start. That's why we have a platform on Instagram. We have over a million on Instagram. We have over, you know, millions on TikTok. We have almost several millions on YouTube. We have a Snapchat series. Like, you cannot rely on one platform because as we have seen time and time again, platforms come and go, and you have to be able to transfer everything. Threads just came out. Like, you have to be able to be relevant on several different platforms and you cannot rely on one at all.
37:31Skin Anarchy Hosts:Yeah. No, I'm so glad you said that. And I feel like that's so, like, there's a real business strategy to this. That's really what I was like trying to get at with my question was like, that's where I think a lot of people don't realize, you know, like, okay, you might be starting off and you might be blowing up, but like, there's a strategy that needs to be here, you know, and a plan in place and you cannot replace proper education with anything else. Like, that's my belief, you know, like, I feel like you need something in life. You need to be educated, whether you're going to college, whether you're doing something like you've got to have something that it's more than social media, you know, and I feel like a lot of the youth, they just fall into that trap of like, screw it.
38:10Skin Anarchy Hosts:And you know, I blame honestly, for that is all the bros, like the Silicon Valley bros that like, you know, no, seriously, because they're like out here and they're like oh I'm a high school dropout and I'm a I'm this and this and this and I'm like
38:25Marjan Tabibzada:stories that okay yeah there's outliers you know there's stories that you know one thousand percent I have several family members that did not go to college but they are millionaires right now they are killing it so yes sure but I always think that there needs to yes like you said, a strategy, a plan, and it has to make sense, you know, because at the end of the day, when you are in your 18 and you're 19 and you're 20, like you're dreaming, you know, but when you start getting, you know, older, you know, now you're 25, 26, now you're getting into 30s, like real world sets in where you're like, wait, I may get married one day, you know, my husband may not be, you know, may, you may not work.
39:13Marjan Tabibzada:Oh, God forbid something happens and they get injured. You're responsible. You have kids now. You know, what if your kid has a disability? Like, there is real world problems that actually end up happening and you have to financially be ready for that. You know, people are blessed to have rich parents. A lot are not. I was one of them. My dad was a security guard. He, you know, worked two jobs, you know, trying to feed six kids, you know so like it was not like a thing where like it was like i'm gonna just go make content and i'm gonna make bajillions of dollars and i'm gonna know you know and i was also a part of that that era where tiktok was getting banned and i'm like shoot like we have like three million followers on here and gone and gone in a night you know so now you now you have to figure out now what are you gonna do like what's what's what's plan b yeah that's that's really like
40:04Skin Anarchy Hosts:that's what it is is like i feel like you got to build your skills in some way you know what i mean if that's not school for you or it's not college that's fine but like there needs to be some sort of a skill you're building over time that's that's genuinely what I feel like and I think a lot of times the youth just thinks like if I have an iPhone if I'm sitting in front of my phone making content about I don't know eating pizza you know like I'm gonna just turn into an influencer like I've seen that you know I've seen these videos and I'm just like guys what are we doing like let's go to school let's go back to let's go back to college you know the thing with
40:35Marjan Tabibzada:me is I never see some some can make it though yeah oh and so I think I think there's there's it's like a it's this thing you know there's also like pretty culture you know some people blow up just because they're pretty that is a very very real thing I have seen it time and time again you know so it's like everybody's situation and scenario is different and some are blessed to become overnight successes, period. Others like me have had a, you know, we have worked day and night. It has been a long time to get to places that I want to be, but I'm so grateful that I have been able to stay relevant for almost every single era of social media now, right?
41:15Marjan Tabibzada:So again, strategy comes into place. You have to know your audience. You really have to know what you want to do. And, you know, also you need proper teams. You know, back when I started, when there was no blueprint, there was no blueprint. Now that there is blueprints, there is a lot that goes into place. There is managers, there is PR people, there is agencies, like there is a whole bunch of stuff. And also keep in mind, in order to get into those rooms, you have to be able to show that you have something to offer, you know, so you can't just be like, I'm a content creator. That's fine. But also, so are a lot of people, you know, this industry also has become very, very saturated and you have to be able to be like, you have to kind of stick out nowadays also.
42:00Skin Anarchy Hosts:Yeah, absolutely. No, I can imagine how competitive it is. And it's really, no, I have a lot of respect for like the influencer, like, you know, just community at large, because I know it's really, really tough. And I think that's why I asked you that question when we started off was like, you know, like kind of walk us through some of your war stories or something, because I know it's tough. And I just, I, I really hope that whoever's wanting to go into this like they understand that you know like like anything else this takes work it takes dedication it takes consistency like you gotta you can't skip over that part you know that kind of thing so yeah very interesting now I sometimes my husband wanted to
42:36Marjan Tabibzada:get into content creation like sometimes he'd be like oh you know like and he'll try it and he's like I don't even know how you're doing this this is way too hard for me but he's a doctor he's you know he's a dentist and you know he has an established career and he's he even him he'd be like, oh, content creation, like, like, whatever. And then he would try it. And he's like, babe, like, just standing and talking in front of a camera is such an awkward thing. And it's so cute. Because we would I would do a track and we went to Miami Swim Week. And I was doing a trend with him. And it was like, yeah, like, like three words he had to say, and he couldn't do it.
43:09Marjan Tabibzada:And he's like, we're like practicing. And it's so cute. But he's like, babe, like, this is actually really difficult, you know, and there's also a sense of like, as a content creator you have to have the phone this in in in public in private and and that's also a sense of like I don't know how you do that I don't know you have to be able to be like in an airport and you're like hi guys and you know that the people next to you think you're a psycho you know or you're like you have to do things like in the moment and it's there's also that fear that like you know some people can't do but you if you want to do you got you you you have you You have to do those things.
43:45Skin Anarchy Hosts:I love that. And yeah, thank you for keeping it real because that's true. That's so true. And I'm curious, what have been some of your favorite, I don't know, maybe like brand collaborations or just opportunities you've gotten as you've progressed on your journey?
43:59Marjan Tabibzada:Oh my gosh. My first billboard in Times Square, what was that? Last year, I think that was. And it was three billboards right where the ball dropped on New Year's. And I was just like, oh my God, when you don't have that representation or when you are not the ideal candidate of someone that should be on a billboard in Times Square and to see, you know, us being represented or having those opportunities is like such a surreal moment. And it makes me emotional. I don't want to cry, but like it makes me so emotional because it's like you look back on times and the hard work and the dedication that it took and being able to be a part of those opportunities is just like, it's so surreal, girl, you know?
44:50Marjan Tabibzada:And when we went to New York and we like saw it and it was like so massive, oh my God. And I was just like, I cannot believe that to me on a billboard in Times Square, you know? And we went there again at night and I was like, this is crazy. And I'm just a blast. You know, when you go on brand trips, like we literally went to Paris with Clarence and like, you know, even being able to fly like business class and first class. And these are just experiences that like, I don't ever want to take for granted or I don't want anybody to ever think that I'm not, I'm so grateful. I'm so blessed to even be in spaces like that.
45:30Marjan Tabibzada:I think it's, it's, it's amazing. So yeah.
45:33Skin Anarchy Hosts:I love that.
45:33Marjan Tabibzada:So I am the face of the campaign for Sephora in Times Square for the entire month of July. I am the face of Dermalogica's campaign, you know, yeah, in Sephora. So literally after this, I'm flying out to New York to see the billboard. It runs every five minutes, every five minutes run for the entire month of July. I'm so excited congratulations I'm so excited I have been so emotional like you have no idea I have been crying almost every single day because and it comes down to like the fact that like you I look back at my career and I just think about like I was that girl that like you know grew up with six siblings my dad you know like you just think about that like we did not have the easiest life I did not come from a rich family you know when you would think when I would go to New York and I would go to Times Square I would look at these billboards and I'd be like there is no way that I could ever see myself there because I'm like I don't have the resources how would how would you do that how would you even make something like that possible you know coming from the backgrounds that you know some of us have you know it was always like a like a dream and I would be in rooms where I felt like I was looked at like yeah you're all yeah I know okay yeah billboard yeah let's put that in as a goal but like uh who's gonna put you on a billboard like who who like who's gonna put you on a billboard you know I don't fit a stereotypical like uh model you know look or you know whatever so you know for it to happen it just I just look back at my um just my my life and I'm just I'm so grateful I'm so grateful it's so
47:24Skin Anarchy Hosts:I'm just gonna be crying the whole time. It's so, so well-deserved. You are such a beautiful human being and your content resonates with so many of us. And I am so excited for you. Seriously. Thank you. From my heart. Congratulations, dude. That's cute. Yeah.
47:40Marjan Tabibzada:And it really, I give it all to all of the girls out there in the world that, you know, have these dreams and these goals and they don't think it's possible because they're living in situations where they're like you know struggling you know living with you know uh you know families where it's like so difficult to put even put food on on the table and you're just like oh my god like this is a dream that I have but there's just no way I'm there's no way it's there is a way
48:07Skin Anarchy Hosts:there is like that's what that's honestly like what I had asked you like when I I remember asking this question earlier in the interview where I like that's exactly it right because like there was a post you made and I swear I was bawling for five minutes watching it over and over again and it was like a simple post but like you were just it was just words on like you know two pictures and one of the bottom picture was a woman that you know she full hijab like you know she couldn't like do certain things and like you were like in the you're writing like don't complain about little things you're like think about everybody that cannot do this and can't have this opportunity and I think that's to me what stands out so much about you is that you're like you're putting this in a place that like a lot of women are going to see and they're going to be like that's me you know like that really resonates with them they can really understand like oh this is an actual thing that can happen you know in the world like i and that's so so powerful dude like on so many so many scales and i i'm so glad that sephora is doing this first of all that's amazing you know
49:14Marjan Tabibzada:so yeah it's been something that i i've had to keep a secret for like a good two months now and it's happening literally tomorrow and I'm I'm so grateful I I cannot I can't wait and I'm
49:28Skin Anarchy Hosts:I'm just so grateful I'm so grateful I'm so happy it's gonna be amazing I I can't wait you're gonna kill it you're gonna kill it and it's gonna be amazing I'm so excited for you no that's beautiful I'm so excited and yeah I just want to wrap up the interview by asking for you to kind of give some words of wisdom you know for all of the the young ladies out there that are trying to make their way through life and the world and navigate this whole crazy social media scene that's happening right now? Any words of wisdom you can offer about where to start, what to do, how to keep yourself going, motivation?
50:01Marjan Tabibzada:Yeah, I would tell people to stop waiting until they feel ready. I think a lot of us believe we need to have everything figured out before we start, but that's really how it works. I didn't have any answers when I started creating content. I learned by doing, by making mistakes and really by staying curious. And sometimes you just have to start and trust that you're going to figure it out along the way. So do not, do not wait, just start. And that has nothing to do with content creation. That's with anything, anything, you know, like we as women are so, we can, we really can do anything, you know?
50:38Marjan Tabibzada:And I think maybe there's like this stigma of like, you know, we can't, or it's harder for us. It's like, it's not, it's not. And I think age is just a number. I love that. Awesome.
50:48Skin Anarchy Hosts:Yeah, it is just a number. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, that's awesome. And I really, really just, I love your content. I hope you keep going forever.
50:58Marjan Tabibzada:You're such a joy.
51:00Skin Anarchy Hosts:Like I just, talking to you. No, I just, I love these kind of like just normal conversations. You know, like I love just being able to sit down with women and just talk, just talk. You know, I feel like women don't get to talk a lot. We don't get to like learn about each other enough. you know and it's so cool it's so cool to learn about what you stand for and like you know who's behind the content so this has been very cool for me to get to know you a little bit I've had I had
51:23Marjan Tabibzada:the best time talking to you I felt like you were a friend awesome well thank you so much and I'd love to do it again if you ever have time so always thank you my love and you have a wonderful day you too take care
From the publisher
Content creator Marjan Tabibzada joins Skin Anarchy to talk about building a career with no blueprint: her start at the MAC counter, representing brown and Middle Eastern women in beauty and fashion, surviving online hate, vetting brand deals honestly, and the Times Square campaign that made a childhood dream real.
Who is Marjan Tabibzada?
A creator who built a following representing women who rarely saw themselves online. "There's so many of us out there."
How did she get started in content creation?
Posting on the side while at Cal State Northridge and the MAC counter. "I really felt like I was doing a bajillion different things." TikTok took off, and she chose creation over law school.
What did she learn at MAC Cosmetics?
That inclusivity could be a foundation. "Every shade of the foundation that you can" imagine was there.
How do you build a following with no blueprint?
Relentless trial and error. "There will be hundreds of my videos that have flopped... and you have to pick your butt back up and keep creating."
How does she keep content relatable across cultures?
By reworking revealing trends into modest looks. "We are the brown girls where we can't really show... so let's make this a little bit more modest."
How does she handle online hate and cancel culture?
By refusing to let it take root. "If you just allow those comments to take over, you're going to go into such a dark place that getting out is going to be very difficult."
Where is influencer marketing headed?
Creators replacing traditional ads. "People trust the influencers, and when you relate to a content creator, it brings such a powerful take on why brands should work with you."
How does she vet brand deals?
Authenticity first. "Would I genuinely recommend this if there wasn't a campaign attached to it?" She has refused deals that asked her to lie about results.
Does becoming an influencer make you rich?
Not how people assume. "Just because you make content does not mean you're gonna be rich." Her first brand deal paid about a thousand dollars.
Why do content creators need a plan B?
Platforms are not permanent. "You need a plan B." She kept her degree and built across Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more.
What advice does she have for aspiring creators?
Start before you feel ready. "I learned by doing, by making mistakes, and by staying curious." Age is just a number.
Listen to the full episode with Marjan Tabibzada on Skin Anarchy, available wherever you get your podcasts.
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