Golloria George, a South Sudanese refugee and beauty influencer, has captivated audiences with her viral makeup tutorials and advocacy for inclusivity in the beauty industry. George, known for her poignant “Darkest Shade” videos, has used her platform to challenge beauty brands to embrace diversity and tone inclusivity.
In a conversation with What’s Trending’s Creator Spotlight series powered by PRophet, George reflected on her journey from struggling student to viral sensation. Her rise to fame began unexpectedly, driven by a single video that showcased Fenty Beauty’s matchstick contour in a shade rarely seen before. “I remember working multiple jobs while I was in college, and my content didn’t gain much traction initially,” George said. “But when I posted that Fenty Beauty video, it went viral, and everything changed.”
George’s success has been meteoric, given that she has only been active in the beauty space for about two years. “It was overwhelming to go from feeling almost invisible to becoming highly visible so quickly,” she explained. Her breakthrough came with her first brand deal from Nas, which was a turning point in her career. “Receiving that first check was surreal. I could pay my rent three times over with just one paycheck. It was a stark contrast from my previous financial struggles,” George said.
@golloria the darkest shade of the youthforia date night foundation.
Despite her success, George highlighted ongoing issues within the industry, particularly regarding pay disparities and representation. She pointed out that while she has seen significant engagement and followers, the compensation for her work often lags behind that of her peers. “There’s a wage gap that is hard to ignore. My managers and team fight for fair compensation, but the struggle is real,” she noted. “Inclusivity shouldn’t just be a buzzword—it needs to be reflected in how creators are treated and paid.”
George has been vocal about these issues, using her platform to call out brands that fall short on inclusivity. Her “Darkest Shade” videos are a direct critique of brands that fail to cater to darker skin tones. “If you don’t care enough to create shades for me or include people who look like me in your campaigns, then I don’t care about your reputation,” she said emphatically. “Inclusivity should be the bare minimum. If you can’t meet that standard, don’t be a beauty brand.”
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In response to the challenges she’s faced, George has worked behind the scenes as a shade consultant for various brands. “I’m doing everything I can to ensure that black women, especially dark-skinned women, are seen and included in the beauty space,” she explained. “It’s crucial to have conversations about these issues, and we need brands to genuinely commit to change.”
@golloria dark skin girls! your voice matters, do not let anyone minimize your experiences or silence you!
George’s impact extends beyond her advocacy. She has also ventured into modeling, a dream she has had since her teenage years. “Growing up, I didn’t see many South Sudanese models on the runway, but I was inspired by those who made it,” she said. “Modeling has always been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to see where this new path takes me.”
As she continues to grow her brand, George remains committed to her role as a creator. “I’ll always be a creator at heart,” she said. “Even as I branch out into other areas like modeling, I know that my roots in beauty and advocacy will always be a part of who I am.”
As of late, Golloria George thanked Hailey Bieber for addressing feedback from her viral review of Bieber’s beauty brand Rhode. In a TikTok update, George shared that Bieber reached out personally, took accountability for the issues, and ensured George was compensated for her shade consulting. George also praised Bieber for reformulating the blushes, stating that the new formula looked significantly better on her skin and highlighted the importance of advocating for oneself.
@golloria a sinister ASH!
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George also shared her thoughts on the state of the beauty industry and its evolving landscape. She praised brands like Fenty Beauty and House Labs for their efforts in inclusivity and noted that her collaborations with these brands have been fulfilling. “When working with brands, it’s important that they genuinely understand and respect the needs of all their consumers,” she said.
Looking ahead, George is optimistic about the future of beauty and her role in it. “The key to a great ‘Get Ready with Me’ video is authenticity,” she said. “Be yourself and stay true to who you are. That’s what resonates with viewers.”
For aspiring beauty creators, George’s advice is clear: “Be different. The best way to stand out is to be unapologetically yourself. Embrace what makes you unique and let that shine through in your work.”
As George continues to break barriers and inspire others, her journey stands as a testament to the power of authenticity and advocacy in reshaping the beauty industry. With a growing platform and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, George is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
