Before I start, I should admit that I’m not really a makeup person. When I do wear makeup it’s usually a super dramatic eye, lip gloss, and no powder or foundation. I also love a nice mani-pedi even though you wouldn’t believe that if you looked at my hands right now.
So, it would probably surprise you how much I know about Michelle Phan, the world’s foremost YouTube vlogger, fashion stylist, and one of the best examples of digging deep when times are tough that I’ve read about recently.
Michelle Phan’s parents escaped Vietnam during the war. Like most immigrant families they faced problems ranging from: unemployment, high levels of stress, and language issues. Michelle’s father eventually left the family and the Michelle, her mother, and her brother continued to struggle on their own.
Right before Michelle began her college studies she, her brother, and mother lived in a single room and her bed was a sleeping bag.
Her extended family didn’t know.
She and her family lived like this for several years to help her go to art school. Once her relatives discovered how badly the family was doing money was sent to help them out. They paid for her tuition instead*
As the story goes, she tried to work at a makeup counter and wasn’t hired. Instead, she started making makeup videos for fun.
I want to mention that I really enjoyed reading Michelle’s book. I did focus primarily on the beginning chapters and the last 3 to 4 chapters of the book.
Why is Michelle Phan a #GirlBoss?
- Again, she is the #1 Vlogger in the world.
- She has managed adversity with dignity and grace.
- She decided to just be herself.
- Michelle created opportunities when doors were closed.
- She trusts her gut instincts.
- She sacrifices and stays focused on her goals
- She works hard.
- She has stayed humble.
- She gets that her subbies (subscribers) may need guidance on: etiquette, work ethic, and a number of other things and gives that advice in a kind and nonjudgmental way. I love that she included guidance on these issues in her book.
- Nothing came easily to her for basically the first 23 years of her life.
- She has capitalized on her opportunities and is growing an empire.
- She learned how to deal with the Haters-and moved on.
- And her name is Michelle. Obviously, she’s awesome.
Sometimes when we look at famous people or people who are doing really well we forget to ask about the story behind their success. I’ve heard a lot of people say “So and so had it easy.” But, you never know. When you see Michelle, you would never expect that she has had such a tough beginning. She doesn’t seem to have become embittered, angry, or bitchy as a result of the hard times in her life.
I have had a lot of hard times in my life. Ones that quite frankly I won’t share in this blog. It has taken a lot of hard work, meditation, riding my bike, and focus to not become bitter about all of the crap that I’ve dealt with. When I see someone such as Michelle Phan (or Lisa Nichols #GirlBoss #1) I am reminded that I have a choice about how I approach my life and the hard times that show up every now and again (or too often!)
I’ve learned that persistence knocks down resistance. The only person who needs to believe in me-is me. So, as I continue the #GirlBoss Series I hope you become inspired and motivated by their stories. And,no, not everyone has a story as tough as Michelle’s but they all have stories that offer guidance on a lot of the issues that we are all dealing with.
Have You Watched One Of Michelle’s Videos?
Which One?
*Michelle Phan Make Up-Your Guide To Beauty Style and Success Online and Off
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
I’m not much of a makeup gal either, so I won’t likely become a follower of hers, and so I’m glad you introduced her here. She’s got a really fascinating story and I’m in awe of how much she’s accomplished through adversity. I love how she uses her platform to really help her followers. Smart!
There are some people who you just instinctively feel are great people and that’s the feeling I get whenever I hear her speak. She is very humble and has obviously not forgotten the hard years. Probably because they just weren’t that long ago for her. I just feel like cheering her on and wishing her continued success.
My sisters are fans of Michelle Phan. It seems like they have watched every video and tutorial of her. They apply the skin care routine of her at night, like putting honey on face before bedtime.
That is absolutely hilarious that you actually know the skin care routine!
I’ve heard her name and I think I may have seen one of her videos, but I’m not sure. It’s funny how when people are down in the dumps, everyone has their back and is super encouraging, but as soon as they have “made it” people suddenly find a way to criticize them. Kelly Slater talked about that a lot in his book when he stared winning world titles. Suddenly everyone is gunning for you. But it shows our shortcomings, not theirs, and it’s very very rare to really be an overnight success…it’s just that we don’t see that day to day grind that led up to that success. Good for her!
You’ve definitely seen at least one…by accident LOL! That paradox of supporting people when they are down but becoming jealous when they’re doing well is an interesting one. I have several friends who are taking no prisoners!! Friends who are on t.v., filming movies, and just doing really well. But, I remember the YEARS of hard work that got them to that place. And, they genuinely support me and have celebrated my successes as they arrive.
Very heart-touching story. You go girl! LOL. Nice to see a happy ending and now you have your own makeup brand. Terrific. – David of DavidStilesBlog.com
Well…Michelle is a different Michelle than me LOL! But, it’s pretty awesome.
Go Michelle’s!!!! 🙂 Enjoyed this post! I saw her book but had no idea who she was until now. Just finished watching some of her vids and she does an awesome job and is a great narrator. The My boyfriend does my makeup was funny…she has a cute spanish Rafael Nadal type guy for a BF…LOL!
Going to check out her book from the library now as I’d love to read her whole story. It’s so important to remember the struggles that anyone faces in gaining popularity and remembering its NEVER overnight success.
MICHELLE’S IN THE HOUSE!! Obviously the bulk of the book is about fashion and makeup 🙂 But, I think it’s a really good read. I want a cute Rafael Nadal type too. Lucky! Very, very few people are overnight successes.
All Michelle’s are AMAZING, of course 🙂 These are all great things to know about her. I had no idea!
Tehe!! She is so inspirational and I had a great time learning more about her.
I love Michelle Phan! I really need to get my hands on her book!
There is a lot on makeup 🙂 but, it is a really good book. She seems like a very kind person.