Lisa Joy: Beauty, Boldness & Becoming
- adriana
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
From Nairobi to North Carolina to Los Angeles, Lisa Joy’s journey is a beautiful blend of resilience, reinvention, and radiant creativity. The Kenyan-born beauty creator and entrepreneur first set her sights on a career in medicine - but a growing passion for makeup, combined with the power of social media, led her down an entirely new path. Now a viral sensation known for her accessible hacks, infectious positivity, and collaborations with global beauty giants like Rare Beauty, Gucci, and Valentino, Lisa continues to inspire millions. Miami Living sits down with the Creator Powerhouse herself to talk purpose, pivots, and the power of showing up authentically.
Miami Living (ML): Lisa, your journey from Nairobi to North Carolina at age 11 and now to Los Angeles is nothing short of inspiring. How have your Kenyan roots influenced your approach to beauty and content creation today?
Lisa: Growing up in Nairobi taught me to appreciate vibrant colors and a sense of community. These elements are part of my beauty looks and stories today. My Kenyan roots encourage me to embrace diverse cultures and remain creative, which enables me to connect with people everywhere.
ML: Many people started creating content during the pandemic, but few turned it into a powerhouse career like you have. What do you think helped you stand out in such a crowded space?
Lisa: A love for makeup and a passion for connecting with people helped me pivot from a focus on medicine to creating beauty. Moving to the U.S. opened opportunities for me to follow my dreams. Winning Sephora's 'Makeup Star' award confirmed my choice, validating my work with big names like Rare Beauty and Gucci. My aim to inspire others and my authentic self in creating content helped me stand out and grow in popularity.
ML: You’ve been called a 'relentless' creator, and it shows in your consistency and growth. What motivates you on the hard days when inspiration or energy might feel low?
Lisa: On tough days, I remind myself of my journey from Nairobi and the dreams that guided me. The messages from people who say I've inspired them keep me moving forward. Also, I focus on my community and draw inspiration from their feedback. Taking time for self-care and remembering why I started helps me stay relentless.
ML: You’ve worked with a dream list of brands, from Rare Beauty to Gucci Beauty. Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from a campaign that stayed with you emotionally?
Lisa: One moment that stands out was during a Rare Beauty shoot when Selena Gomez shared her vision for embracing authenticity. Her passion and sincerity resonated deeply with me, reminding me that beauty is not just about appearance, but about individuality and uniqueness. This shared experience reaffirmed my commitment to creating content that empowers others to be comfortable in their skin.
ML: Your makeup hacks have gone viral for being both accessible and impactful. What’s one trick you swear by that still surprises even seasoned makeup lovers?
Lisa: One trick I swear by is using a powder puff before applying setting powder. It helps to absorb excess concealer and blend out creases, ensuring a smooth finish before setting. This simple step can make a huge difference, and it often surprises even experienced makeup enthusiasts with its effectiveness.
ML: You and your husband, Kevin, seem like a great team behind the scenes. How has having that personal support shaped your journey, and what’s something fans might be surprised to know about how you two work together?
Lisa: Having Kevin's support has profoundly shaped my journey by providing constant encouragement and stability. Something fans might find surprising is that we have a playful brainstorming routine. Kevin often comes up with the quirkiest ideas, and we love testing them out together. His creativity and humor make the process enjoyable and collaborative, adding a unique, personal touch to what we create.
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