Mode Around The Globe: Lala Baptiste

Lala Baptiste
@lalatheislandgal
Conrad Punta De Mita
Photographed by Jana Schuessler

How did you begin your career?
I moved to LA after getting scouted by Wilhelmina Models when I graduated high school and then transitioned into full time content creation when everything closed during COVID. I would vlog my daily like on YouTube and the ups & downs of my life and gained an authentic following from just being myself.

How do you hope to inspire people through your social media platform? What can your followers expect to see when visiting your social media page(s)?
I’ve been through many eras throughout my social media journey, but now I’m more focused on showing young women how to navigate your 20s/grow into your full womenhood based off of the trial and error that I personally went through. It’s okay to be imperfect, and learn from mistakes in order to grow, which I have lots of experience in…also just enjoying your youth, traveling, trying new things, speaking up for yourself and what you believe in, setting boundaries, and most importantly being your own boss!

What do you predict will be the biggest makeup trends this fall?
I predict an overall “full glam” will come back for the fall…I think the extra blush trend will also stay/be incorporated in that.

What was your favorite part about your stay at The Conrad Punta Mita?
All the variety of restaurants. Each one was exceptional from the different types of food, the atmosphere, the staff… You wouldn’t even think you’re on the same resort with all the options!

Do you have any upcoming travel plans? If so, where?
I just came back from Morocco for my 25th birthday, which was amazing but I’m going to Paris next for fashion week and then Spain for the first time!


What was your favorite thing about Punta Mita?
All of the people were super kind and the beaches looked like it was pulled straight out of a magazine.

What's your go-to airport look? Essentials to pack in a carry on?
Something oversized, cute/comfy and warm because I get cold easily. My New Balances are my go-to shoe because they’re so comfortable to walk around in. —My carry-on essentials- headphones, my tower 28 face rescue spray, disinfectant wipes, my neck pillow, travel blanket, and eye mask!

Girls night in or Girls night out?
Definitely girls night in. I’m a chill girl…watching a girly show/movie with lots of food is my vibe.

What's a typical work week like for you? Any advice you have for staying productive throughout the week?
Being a full time content creator means being in control of my own schedule, which is harder than it seems because you have to be very self-sufficient. Some days I don’t feel motivated or don’t want to take pictures or get dressed, but my advice would be to batch create.

I try to have certain days where I do my makeup/hair and knock out all my content so that I can easily spread it out in the week. Also, doing a physical activity in the morning, which is Pilates for me, really helps me get energized so I can finish the rest of my day productively!

What's your current skincare routine? Any products you'd recommend for our Modeliste readers?
My skin is really sensitive and I’ve learned that less is more for me and I use a lot of soothing/gentle products, but my one active ingredient would be retinol from my dermatologist every other day. I love all of Farmacy’s products
because they’re gentle and have clean ingredients…also I’m obsessed with Korean skincare and the brand “Beauty of Joseon” has my fav sunscreen that I can’t go a day without!

What's something your followers would be surprised to know about you?
That I’m obsessed with animals. I’m the annoying person that has to pet an animal and baby and talk to them every time they see one.

Where do you gain inspiration for content? Any tips & tricks you'd like to share for those inspiring to have a career like your own?
Pinterest is where I get all my ideas from for outfits, hair, makeup, overall photoshoot ideas… I have different folders organized for each thing and I’ll look through that when I need some inspiration. I also draw inspiration from other creators and people I admire, and if I see a content idea I like, I’ll save it and try to re-create my own version that’s more personal to me.

How do you stay true to yourself?
I’ve learned to only keep super genuine people around me that are not afraid to be honest whether it’s good or bad. I like to hold myself accountable and instead of dwelling on things, I just learn from my mistakes and don’t do anything that I don’t want to do. I’ve also learned to say no because I used to be more of a people pleaser and now if I don’t enjoy it or it doesn’t align with my future self, I’m not doing it!

What would you like to say to your fans/followers?
If you have a goal or dream, just work towards that even when you don’t feel like people care or give you credit…overnight success doesn’t work for everyone and consistency is truly key. As long as you believe in yourself and put in daily effort, the closer you are to achieving what you want.