Interview With Kristina Mulan

Takaia Mallett: So, what made you start your beauty channel? What made you be like, “Alright I’m going to start a beauty channel?”

Kristina Mulan: Um, when I started getting compliments on my makeup, really. So, people was like, “Oh how did you get your eyeshadow look like that?”, and what not. And I was like well, okay, If I’m getting all these questions, might as well. And some people said, “you should start a YouTube, like why don’t you have one?” So that’s basically it.

TM: Are you aware of how overly saturated the beauty YouTube industry is?

KM: Yea, I am aware, and my mom tells me this every day, like, since she’s a hairstylist. She tells me that the beauty industry is very overwhelming because a whole bunch of people want to be involved in it. So, you just have to find what makes you different from those people.

TM: So, what makes you different? What’s different about your channel that’s going people in.

KM: Um, well I feel like, with my channel, what makes me different? Mm. I should say, I guess my content is kinda different. Like, not only do I do makeup looks and what not, like I do like clothing hauls, like, stuff that’s in fashion in the fashion industry and what not. Um, doing like, tags with you know, other fellow youtubers and what not. About like beauty tags or fashion tags, or even you know um, doing like certain trends. Like there’s this tag called ‘Trends We’re Ditching in 2017’.

TM: Oh, Jackie Aina started that right?

KM: Yea, so adding stuff like that I guess. Started up new trends for other YouTubers to follow, that’s just you being different.

TM: Um, how do you organize you channel, like do you have a business plan to get subscribers or views?

KM: Now um, not really. I’m just doing YouTube because I want to. Its just like thing for fun. I do think about you know, doing it as like a business aspect, which that consist of me being more consistent with my YouTube channel. Like putting out a video on Monday, which I would say I would. Because that’s how you get subscribers.

TM: Like being consistent.

KM: Yeah, having a set time or date of when you putting out your YouTube channel and what not. For right now I’m just doing it for fun or for the ones who want to learn how to do makeup. Its not really at a business aspect yet.

TM: So, would you say like, not focusing on it as a business, like could you gain from that? Could it help you grow?

KM: Yea it can. I can gain from doing that. Like how do I explain it? I would say…I’m trying to think. Its also a learning experience for me. As I try new things and show people these new things that I’m trying it’s a learning experience. Certain videos I’ll do like first try on of a foundation. That means I’ve never tried it on before, trying it for the first time on camera. And you know, stuff like that is a learning experience, like I’m trying this new thing on m face. And you know, I can gain also friendships, but like someone to communicate with. Because there is going to be that one subscriber that’s going to love your channel, and be like, “oh, I love your channel, I watch your videos every day, and they’re going to want advice. So, it’s like gaining that person that is motivated by you, and by your channel. It lets you know that I’m doing something good.

TM: How many subscribers do you have?

KM: Well, since I’m not that consistent, I think I have like 70 subscribers.

TM: When did you start?

KM: I actually started in high school, and I made one video, and then I just stopped. And I wasn’t consistent.