Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Marshall.
Hi Tori, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a lover of everything beauty from makeup to skincare, hair, and plus-size fashion since the beginning of time. I remember being in the 6th-grade dressing like Cher and Dee from the movie clueless.
In 2014, I started a YouTube channel about makeup, but I doubted myself and told myself that as a plus-size black woman I was not good enough. Then, I, unfortunately, was hospitalized with a serious medical condition for a total of 6 weeks in 2015, and I convinced myself that I needed to stop creating makeup content.
After this, I would sometimes post photos and Instagram stories about makeup products that I loved but I would not go far. Many friends would say “Tori you need to do this in makeup” or “that in makeup” but I would ignore them.
During the pandemic, I started a planter pot business called “Rooted Vibes Co”, where I decorated planter pots. I started an Instagram page for it that grew very well in a start period. While doing this business I connected with great people and had my planter pots sold in 3 black-owned businesses in Virginia. After starting this business and creating reels, photos, and more for my planter pots I said to myself one day “Tori make a beauty video and post it”, and I did just that. Once I posted that video in October 2021 all my fears left, and I haven’t looked back.
I also have shared my battle with having Alopecia spots for years and I knew that I needed to continue to share my story and hopefully inspire people that they are still beautiful beings with Alopecia.
Then in February of this year, I posted a simple “quick makeup for work” video on TikTok that took my account from 40 followers to over 2,000 in one weekend, and now I’m proudly almost at 10K followers.
In the beginning, I honestly compared myself with others. I worried about my views and numbers, but this year I have just enjoyed the journey with the true connections I am making with my loves (I call people who bless me by following me my loves).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, I honestly compared myself with others. I worried about my views and numbers, but this year I have just enjoyed the journey with the true connections I am making with my loves (I call people who bless me by following me my loves).
It has not been a smooth road. As stated previously, I found myself comparing myself to others. I would wonder why people were not liking my content. At one point, I felt like I needed to do the same thing with beauty and makeup as other creators. Then after evaluating myself and taking a step back to look at everything I learned to stop doubting myself and to just be me.
When you are a creator, sometimes you can think that things are over-saturated, but you realize that does not matter. It doesn’t matter because when you are a creator at heart there are people out there that want to enjoy your gift with you. You also learn that it does not matter how many people follow you but the connection that you make with the ones that do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Beauty and Lifestyle Content Creator. I love to do makeup tutorials for women on the go and women over the age of 30. I also love trying and reviewing new makeup products.
I share skincare tips that I have found that works for me over the years and review skincare and body care products. I love to share my journey with Alopecia and tips on how I cover my alopecia spots. I also adore sharing things about plus-size fashion and everyday lifestyle content.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love surprises too but I am not sure if these are surprises but I still would like to share it with you all. I am a social worker who advocates for youth and young adults who are or were in foster care, half Bajan, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/torilatise
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4SHhwq1rWfOu5VBKhsqOTw
- Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@torilatise
Image Credits
Nicole Burt
