An expert in beauty and fashion, the beautiful Japanese-American YouTube/ Social Media guru, Roxette Arisa, is setting new standards in the industry. Before it all started, she was watching hours and hours of Youtube video herself which prompted her desire to do something herself. Having started her Youtube channel was the step she needed to fully come out of her shell and we are loving every moment of it! Aiming to instill confidence in her audience, Arisa is truly a role model for those around her as she continues on her uphill climb in the beauty and entertainment world. Make sure to check out her content and get the confidence boost you didn’t realize you needed!
By Alexandra Bonnet
Do you remember the first time you decided to make a YouTube channel? What was going through your mind at the time?
I remember immersing myself in this upcoming beauty community on YouTube and loving everything it was becoming. I would watch hours and hours of videos every day and one day decided to make one of my own. My friends would always ask me to show them how to do my makeup and that was the main reason I started to make videos. I never in a million years thought it would lead me to where I am today or that it could be a full career. It was just a growing passion of mine that I wanted to explore.
What are some challenges you faced when you first launched and how did you overcome them?
I was super shy when I was growing up and when I started YouTube I didn’t want to tell any of my friends about it because I was really afraid of feeling judged. I remember one of my friends ended up finding one of my videos online as she was looking for an everyday makeup tutorial and was like “ummmm is this you on YouTube?” and I tried to deny it with the life of me because I was so scared of how others would view me. That same friend, who is still one of my best friends to this day, really encouraged me, supported me and told me to keep going. To be honest I think that was the catalyst to help me overcome that feeling of judgement and give me the confidence to feel like this was something I wanted to put my energy into!
Share with us the purpose and meaning behind your work.
The thing I always want to put out in any content I put online and to ensue in my followers is confidence. That was something that was so lacking in me when I was growing up and still to this day, self-confidence is a whole journey for me, but if I can help anyone out there look and feel happy, that’s what makes me happy. I love using my creativity to inspire confidence!
Who would give you fashion/beauty tips growing up?
I was homeschooled because I was a competitive figure skater growing up, so I didn’t have a ton of friends – I got most of my fashion/beauty inspo from magazines actually! I also loved looking up paparazzi photos to see what street style celebs were wearing. I always loved street style and would try to recreate looks with whatever I had at home. I have always loved Miley Cyrus so she was the main person that inspired me with the fashion and makeup trends I was into!
What does “Beauty” mean to you?
I’ve always been a firm believer that beauty shines from the inside. Taking care of your mental health and finding your happiness plays a huge role in how confident we feel so I’m a huge promoter of self-care. When we feel good, we’re able to let that happiness shine through and that’s true beauty!
In what ways do you feel you interact the best with your audience?
I’m always commenting back to my followers on YouTube and Instagram. I love being super personal on my Instagram stories as well. I’ll talk about anything I’m going through – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Every time I post a new YouTube video, I do a live chat premiere which is a newer feature that I love! It gives me the chance to interact with my fans in real time. I love connecting with my supporters because I would never be where I’m at today without each and every one of them.
What does your makeup routine look like?
I love a good natural glam. I can’t go a day without doing my brows! After brows, I’ll usually do foundation, concealer, cream blush and highlight then throw on a quick pair of natural lashes, lip liner and either a nude lipstick or even a lip balm if I need some extra hydration. It’s such an easy makeup routine but really makes me feel my best!
Tell us more about your figure skating past. Do you miss it at times?
I figure skated for over 20 years. For my entire career – it was my whole life. Basically my identity. I’m talking homeschooled, no outside jobs or friends – figure skating was it for me and was all I wanted. I didn’t want to retire at the time that I did, but I think the universe had its own plan for me past what I could even see for myself. I’m extremely grateful for where I am in my life and I know it wouldn’t be possible to be where I am if I had continued down my figure skating journey. Of course I miss it sometimes, I miss that feeling of accomplishment after a competition or even just the feeling of getting on the ice and letting the wind brush my face but the way I look at it, everything happens for a reason so I’m just happy to be doing something I love. My brother is actually a figure skater as well so I’m still somewhat involved in the sport through him, which is nice.
Paint us a picture of a childhood memory that had a strong impact on you.
One of the most vivid childhood memories I have is when I was probably about 6 or 7 years old driving down to La Jolla from LA to a figure skating competition. It had been raining in LA but as we were driving south, the sun started to come through the clouds. I was in the backseat with my mom and dad in the front, and I looked up as we were driving and asked what the lines of light were that were in the sky. My dad looked up and said “That’s the sun’s rays radiating through the clouds. When you get older, I want you to remember this moment and always remember to radiate your love to everyone around you like the sun is radiating its light. No matter how someone treats you, always treat them with love and kindness.” That memory will forever stick with me, it’s so special to me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I love what I’m doing now so I don’t see myself stopping what I’m doing anytime soon. I would love to get into acting and hosting and would also love to create a brand of my own! Fashion is something I’m so passionate about and would love to pursue further.
Photo Credit: Lasonic Sivongxay
