Creator of The Year: Toni Bravo

Redefining Beauty Through Authenticity and Inclusivity

Photogrphy by Jusitn Ayers assisted by Sarai Devi Dasi, Styled by Summer Horchem assisted by Mariah Sorrentino, Lighting by Mike Anderson, shot at MSA Studios, Cover Design by Kiki Fraikue Produced by Lucy Ivey,

Skirt: LALO, Sweater Vest: Zara, Boots: JONAK, Earrings: ARSIS,

Meet Toni Bravo, a 24-year-old beauty and lifestyle creator based in Los Angeles. Toni has rapidly emerged as a prominent voice in the beauty industry. Her journey from having a creative upbringing in Long Beach to becoming a full-time content creator is characterized by authenticity, inclusivity, and a devotion to self-expression.

Growing up in Long Beach, California, Toni was surrounded by a vibrant and creative community. She reflects, "I was around creative people for most of my life. In Long Beach, I really built my friend group in high school. Consistently being about folks who were unapologetically themselves inspired me to document it." This environment cultivated her passion for beauty and content creation, guiding her to create content to capture the essence of her experiences.

In addition to her content creation, Toni's journey in the roller skating community began when her parents introduced her and her twin sister, Licia, to local skating rinks, igniting her passion for roller skating. As she honed her skills, Toni began documenting her skate journey on social media, sharing clips that showcased her talent and dedication. One noteworthy TikTok video, captioned "support black skaters!!! Here's some clips of me within the past year skating my booty off <3," garnered significant attention with over 2 million likes, emphasizing her commitment to representation within the skating community. Through her engaging content, Toni showcased her skating prowess and fostered a supportive and inclusive environment, inspiring a new generation of skaters to embrace the sport with confidence and creativity.

sweater: MAISON AUDMI, white button up: WINDSOR, shorts: VEGAN TIGER, shoes: VALENTINA RANGONI, pearl necklaces: ARSIS

As a junior in college, Toni gained industry experience working at BuzzFeed and post-grad at Rare Beauty, a makeup brand founded by Selena Gomez. Her role at Rare Beauty allowed her to delve deeper into the beauty industry, enhancing her understanding of brand dynamics and consumer engagement. However, Toni felt a calling for change. She shares, "Becoming familiar with the idea of change. It was time to shift, and I am glad I listened to that." This realization pushed her to transition into full-time content creation, where she could truly express herself and connect with a broader audience.

Toni's career trajectory took a significant turn, and it all started with a decision to try purple blush. She recalls, "I had never tried purple blush, or many blushes at that. I was in the parking lot of a CVS and decided to film myself trying it. I thought it could be helpful for people who looked like me." The video resonated with many, going viral and enabling her to pursue content creation full-time.

With a substantial following on TikTok and Instagram, Toni emphasizes the importance of genuine interaction with her community. She notes, "I don't think there's ever been a time I hadn't interacted or engaged with my community. It's probably my favorite part about it all." This consistent engagement facilitates a sense of belonging among her followers, backing the authenticity of her brand.

A staunch advocate for inclusivity, Toni is vocal about the need for diverse shade ranges in beauty products. She envisions a future where brands prioritize inclusivity by engaging with creators in development. "I'd hope brands are listening. Not all of them do, though. It's important to hold them accountable," she tells me. Her commitment to this cause shows through her content, where she often spotlights products that cater to a diverse audience.

Like many creators, Toni has faced challenges, including burnout. She finds solace in surrounding herself with people outside her industry, stating, "It's incredibly helpful always to remember that this isn't all there is." This approach helps her maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring her content remains fresh and authentic.

Toni's creative process is organic and intuitive. She explains, "I don't have a specific process. I am inspired most by things that have nothing to do with content creation. If I think it's cool, I do it." This spontaneity allows her to produce content that is both relatable and fun, resonating deeply with her audience.

Dress: GHOSPELL, Coat: WINDSOR, Shoes: UNITED NUDE FOOTWEAR, Earrings: 8 OTHER REASONS

Throughout her career, Toni has collaborated with over 100 brands, a testament to her influence and professionalism. She advises aspiring creators, "It is okay to say no. I would not focus too much on volume; I'd focus more on impact." Her recent achievement of purchasing a house is a testament to her hard work and dedication. "It's been a beautiful acknowledgment of the hard work I've put into my work," she reflects.

Looking ahead, Toni adopts a day-by-day approach, focusing on enjoying her journey. She says, "I'm having fun now, and I want to continue having fun. That's the goal." This outlook underscores her commitment to authenticity over conventional metrics of success.

Plaid top: ZARA, Earrings: FEREZZI, Necklace: ADIBA

Toni acknowledges the impact of mentors and friends in her journey, notably her friend Golloria. "She's been a champion for so many of us, but on a personal friend note, she's been such a rock. She gets it," Toni shares. Such relationships have provided her with support and perspective, enriching her personal and professional life.

To those looking to enter the beauty content creation space, Toni advises, "Allow yourself to try something new. Don't focus on the goal so much that you ignore your journey. And have fun." Her emphasis on the journey highlights the importance of growth, experimentation, and enjoyment in the creative process.

Dress: ADIBA, Flats: VALENTINA RANGONI, Balaclava: ATELIER SOLANA, Pink hoop earrings: MAHRUKH AKULY

Reflecting on her journey, Toni observes significant personal and professional growth. She notes, "I trust myself more than I ever have before, and I think that's become my new favorite thing about myself." This self-assurance is evident in her content, which exudes confidence and authenticity.

Toni Bravo's evolution from her creative roots in Long Beach to her current status as a celebrated beauty content creator in Los Angeles exemplifies her unwavering authenticity and dedication. Her commitment to genuine engagement and self-expression, coupled with her advocacy for inclusivity, resonates deeply with a diverse audience. Toni's emphasis on diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry challenges conventional norms, inspiring others to embrace their unique identities. Her journey not only highlights her personal growth but also underscores her significant impact on the beauty community, solidifying her role as a transformative figure in the industry.