20 questions with Laila Swann

Laila Swann
@lailaloves

Hello gorgeous, Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Eeek, where do I start? Ok let me try and keep this short and sweet! I grew up and lived in London pretty much all of my life and that’s where I started my career as an online content creator after deciding to plunge into the world of YouTube. I create content surrounding fashion, beauty, travel… and my dog. Last year I was named in Forbes in their Top 10 Beauty Influencers which was surreal!

How would you define yourself in three words?
Outgoing, funny and bubbly

In what ways have you been incorporating self – care into your daily routine?
Being quarantined for the last few months gave me a real insight into self care. It allowed me to discover new skincare and haircare products that I’ve fallen in love with and have now introduced into my daily routine. Firstly, skincare is a HUGE love of mine and I do the 8 step Korean skincare routine twice a day, morning and night. I also discovered the meditation app called “Calm” a few months ago which I’m loving. It gives you the space and time to focus on the present moment and allow my mind to become still.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
Meeting new people!! That is definitely one of my favourite things about my job, hearing people’s stories and that I’ve helped people through hard times is the most incredible feeling.

Can you tell us about an exciting time in your career?
Yesss! Ok, so have you heard of the Netflix show “Elite”? Netflix contacted me to fly out to Madrid to be part of the trailer for Elite which was just insane – I am obsessed with Money Heist and some of the cast from the show were there. Yeap, I fangirled.

What would you title this current chapter in your life?
UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME.

How do you educate yourself on ways of maintaining healthy skin?
As I mentioned earlier I love finding new skincare products and new techniques. I enjoy watching YouTube videos and browsing through online articles about vegan skincare and ingredients that benefit your skin.

What do you love most about Pixi Beauty?
E V E R Y T H I N G! haha, no seriously. Can I say everything? Pixi Beauty has so many incredible products that do wonders for my skin. I couldn’t live without their Glow Tonic Serum!!

What are your top 3 favorite Pixi Beauty products?
Glow Tonic Serum, Glow Tonic and Hydrating Milky Mist.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?
I read a quote once that stuck with me. “You may never know how powerful your words and actions are, or ever realize the impact they make on other’s lives.” To me, empowerment is about being confident in who you are and having control over your life. Being unapologetically yourself can give someone else the confidence that they didn’t know they were missing.

In what ways do you use your platform for the greater good?
In a world full of social media and editing apps where the “perfect image” is forced in our face on a daily basis, it’s very important to show people that your flaws are beautiful. I never edit out my stretch marks or edit my body/face in any way because I think of how my younger self would feel looking at all of these perfect, retouched images and compare herself to them. It’s extremely important to me that I use my platform to normalize things like stretch marks, scars, birthmarks etc.

During these tough times, what has kept you motivated?
It was tough at the start of the year when we were all uncertain of what was happening but I think I’ve finally gotten into a routine of staying motivated. I found that ensuring I wake up early every single day at 7am and then working out straight away kept me motivated for the rest of the day. Working out in the morning before checking my phone or anything else makes a huge difference to my mood.

How do you remain fit, active, and healthy with stay-at-home orders intact?
As all the gyms were closed I resorted to online workouts, which worked out great for me because it became part of my daily routine. Also making sure that I eat healthy but also still allow myself to have a treat every now and then seems to keep me on track. (my addiction to ice cream is not normal, really…)

As a creative in quarantine, how have you found inspiration and ways to create?
During quarantine I have discovered so many incredible content creators! It’s been so fun and interesting – I also found myself using different social media platforms such as TikTok and now Instagram reels where you can show a whole different side of yourself to your audience which is super fun.

What and/or who has had the most influence on your growth and why? 
My mum has had the most influence on my growth in life. She’s supported and guided me through the toughest times I’ve faced and helped me grow into the woman I am today. If I could be 1/4 of the woman my mum is, that’s enough for me.

How can you as an individual actively take part in fighting a system of oppression and standing in solidarity with your peers of color to amplify their voices?
Educating yourself on the past and the present of oppression is a start, then learning positive actions to take in exp. promoting more people of colour on my social platforms, also day to day life I must embrace my beauty as a black woman, and use platforms I have been given from Instagram to Modeliste to be able to amplify so many beautiful peoples voices within and outside of the black community but mainly within the black community as well as this who choose to stand in solidarity with the black community in this time and forever until we create change together.

How have you found ways to educate yourself and those around you?
Using my social media platforms to share documentaries, books, petitions, articles on ways that people can educate themselves is something that I’ve continued to share. Having conversations with friends and family which were viewed as taboo, being open and truthful about how I see things and a big one is listening to others and their stories so I can see where they are coming from and whether some of my truths can assist them to see things a bit better.

What do you think are ways that others can help society and our surrounding communities?
More public empowerment of black females and males in the media so the same way over the years their negative image in the media has created a negative image in people’s minds and stereotypes, it will do the reverse and create a positive effect and option in peoples minds. We can give our time I would love to do women empowerment talks and women retreats….Actually I would like to do something like that with Modeliste lol sorry for going off topic.. How would you guys like to do a Women’s empowerment retreat with Laila Loves ?

What advice do you have for someone who aspires to create a career like your own?
Consistency, study your craft – find out what it is that interests you and go with it. Study other people who influence and inspire you and believe in yourself. One of the main things that I would say is to make sure that you’re doing it for the love, not for the money, attention, fame… honestly for the love and passion and everything else will fall into place. I know that sounds cliche but it’s the realness!