The It Girl You Need to Know, Africa Miranda Talks with Glitter About Her Brand and How She’s Making Her Mark as a Woman in Business
Africa Miranda is the co-creator of the live-action concept show, The Lipstick Junkies. She’s also an entrepreneur and brand ambassador. She’s the IT girl you need to know!
This year she is one of the panelists at the Black Women in Media Conference on March 28-29, 2018 in New York City. Africa served as a co-mistress for the inaugural conference and is back this year. We love her advice to step up, step out, and shine. In other words, be you. Do what your heart desires because no one else will do it for you. Tickets for the BWIM Conference are still available and they can be found here. Read on to find out Africa’s amazing advice for women who are networking.
GLITTER: Can you tell us a bit about what you do?
AFRICA: I’m a true multi-hyphenate. I’m an actress and model, digital personality, and beautypreneur.
GLITTER: How did you get started on your line? Can you tell us about the process and how it came to fruition?
AFRICA: I’ve been in the beauty business for almost 10 years. I’ve been the face of campaigns for brands like Creme of Nature, ORS Curls Unleashed, been a brand ambassador, influencer, content creator…after helping so many brands tell their stories I was ready to tell my own. I was fortunate to connect with an amazing cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas of mSeed to guide me through the development process and ultimately launch my line.
GLITTER: Where can readers find your products?
AFRICA: My products are currently available at beautybyafricamiranda.com and also marjanibeauty.com
GLITTER: What are you working on currently?
AFRICA: I’m currently the face of two national commercials for Spectrum TV, a print campaign for the new design release of the Diet Coke can, prepping a new product release for BBAM as well as other products in the pipeline. I’m also finalizing my first book which will be released later this year.
GLITTER: What have been some of your greatest achievements?
AFRICA: Being recognized in Vanity Fair last year. It is an iconic publication that I’ve grown up reading so it was an honor to be recognized as one to watch. Another great accomplishment is the launch of my beauty company. I love the feedback from my customers on how my products are transforming their skin and how it makes them feel.
GLITTER: What is some advice for women on networking and working together?
AFRICA: Put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to go to events alone or to approach someone you’ve admired from afar on social media. Everyone may not be receptive but someone will. Be humble…you can only go so far alone. Look for opportunities to collaborate instead of competing.
GLITTER: What advice do you have for those wanting to make a difference politically?
AFRICA: There are many ways to use your voice. Through social media, you can amplify causes and share your viewpoints. It may not seem like much but even something as small as donating a few dollars to a go fund me campaign of an activist or cause you believe in can make a difference. Do your research so that when you do use your platform you are well informed and not spreading misinformation.
GLITTER: What’s a day like for you from morning to night?
AFRICA: It varies. Some days are a whirlwind. It usually involves the gym, too many emails, managing social media and prepping for auditions
GLITTER: Coffee or Tea?
AFRICA: Tea
GLITTER: Favorite fashion indulgence?
AFRICA: Vintage fur coats
GLITTER: How do you stay healthy with such a high paced career?
AFRICA: Changing my diet has been key for me. I’m pescatarian and I eat very little dairy and try to keep fried foods to a minimum. I also have cut way back on alcohol. I still enjoy a good cocktail, but way less than I used to. Working out is also a saving grace for me physically and mentally. I also can’t stress the importance of sleep. I don’t believe in team #nosleep. I put a lot of stress on myself with travel, projects, etc. I have to give it time to recover. I also can’t show up to a modeling job or commercial looking run down because of my other projects.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, what’s self-love mean to you?
AFRICA: Forgiving yourself. Forgiving yourself for what you’ve done, and what you haven’t done. Accepting yourself for where you are at this moment.
GLITTER: What’s on your playlist right now?
AFRICA: Little Dragon, SZA, Migos, India Shawn
GLITTER: Favorite places to travel?
AFRICA: Rio de Janeiro, Tulum
GLITTER: What words of advice do you have for women wanting to follow in your footsteps?
AFRICA: Do it. Whatever you’ve been dreaming of, writing about in your journal, putting on your vision board…start acting on it now. Step up, step out, and shine!
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