"Embracing Inner Beauty: Katie Fang's Journey from Taiwan to Global Inspiration"
“In Taiwan, it's all about beauty within,” the lesson 18-year-old Katie Fang aims to teach her young audience. Growing up in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Fang remembers moving back and forth between the two places, experiencing the rich cultural diversity. She recalls how her Taiwanese background shaped her morals and philosophy, which she now passionately shares with her followers. Fang's journey took a significant turn when she moved to Canada in the fifth grade. The transition wasn't easy, but it broadened her worldview and deepened her appreciation for inner beauty. Now, as she navigates her remaining teenage years, she strives to inspire others to look beyond appearances and recognize authenticity.
Sitting down with Katie Fang over a Zoom call, we took a moment to laugh off our nerves and told stories about our pets. Fang’s smile and genuine enthusiasm made me feel like I was already her close friend, making our conversation more of a playful chat than a formal interview.
Fang remembers seeing bold makeup looks for the first time in person when stepping foot into Canada. Residing in Vancouver, Fang has now seen much more of the world. Recently, Fang was in Mexico for her shoot with Kosas, a skincare brand she has been a fan of before beginning her influencer lifestyle. “I’ve been an OG fan of Kosas, and used their sunscreen for a while. I love their new DreamBeam Sunlit sunscreen, it’s SPF and a skintint which takes out an extra step in my skincare routine,” Fang shares enthusiastically. Only a few weeks ago, she was in New York, posing in front of her face on a Billboard. “My teenage dream,” titles the TikTok she posted of her capturing the moment. “It was indescribable, looking up I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s my face,’” she shares with a glistening smile.
What got Fang into beauty was her passion for self expression. “It's a way to express yourself differently. You can see who you are as a person.” However, at the same time she remains a humble and average girl, stating that her go-to outfits are comfy-casual. “I follow trends a lot,” she giggles. “Since the past few years, I've been so busy, so my style has been very comfy and casual. Peak 2020, I was in my indie era. I think that was my most stylish era.” Fang shows me an old outfit and her at home bleach job during quarantine, a mini skirt and cropped top.
Fang is such a refreshing face to see on the internet- amidst the harsh hate comments and online drama, Fang’s positivity and authenticity feels like a nice sip of water on a hot summer day. Her audience of mostly middle-school aged girls can all agree, with many creating fan pages and commenting on her posts as if they all know each other personally. “It’s really weird. It feels surreal, that someone out there is taking the time to make edits and pages,” she says. Fang's genuine connection with her fans goes beyond the typical influencer-following relationship. She actively engages with her audience, responding to comments and messages, and sharing glimpses of her daily life. This level of interaction fosters a sense of closeness and relatability, making her followers feel valued and appreciated.
Fang doesn't take her role as an influencer for granted; she understands the responsibility that comes with having a young audience that looks up to her. “I don’t use harsh products because my audience is so young,” Fang shares. “It is a pretty big responsibility. I don’t use retinol. I show products I use in my routine consistently, because I want to be authentic.” Fang even recommended to me one of her favorite products, the Tower 28 SOS Spray, which she uses to hydrate her skin on days when it feels a little dry from the summer weather.
Her influence extends beyond just beauty tips and makeup tutorials. Fang often shares insights about self-love, mental health, and the importance of inner beauty. “The biggest challenge I face is negativity. Rumors spread so fast, it's hard to defend yourself because people don't believe you. I’m honest with my audience about what I'm struggling with. When there are times I'm feeling down, I tell them because it resonates with them.” To battle these hard times, she credits her mom, her biggest inspiration, to keep her sane. Flaunting a matching tattoo with her mom on her right collarbone, Fang shares, “if I’m having a bad day, I put my phone down and hang out with my mom. She keeps me grounded.”
Despite the challenges of dealing with online negativity, Fang remains committed to spreading positivity. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not getting caught up in the pursuit of likes and followers. Her advice to aspiring influencers is simple yet profound: “Do it for yourself. Don’t do it for the views, likes, or money. When that happens, you become jaded. Do it for you.”
As for Fang’s future, she hopes to continue this lifestyle. “There’s so much that can happen in the future. As long as I have my platform, I want to continue to empower and inspire people,” she says with determination. Fang envisions expanding her reach and influence, delving into new projects and opportunities that align with her passion for self-expression and authenticity. A significant part of her future plans includes moving to New York, a city that has captured her heart with its vibrant energy and endless possibilities. Having visited New York for various projects, including her memorable billboard moment, Fang has developed a deep affection for the city. Fang’s vision for the future is not just about personal success but also about making a positive impact on her audience, continuing to spread her message of self-love, inner beauty, and authenticity. “We all have our insecurities, but we are all different. Embrace it, because beauty is within.”