Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Carmona
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a first-generation Dominican who graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. My journey began well before my college graduation. While I was still in school, I developed an online presence through my nail page and pursued my passion for cosmetology, ultimately becoming a licensed nail technician. My efforts on TikTok paid off, and I grew my following to over 30k in a relatively short time.
Post college graduation, I was inspired by my eldest sister to delve deeper into content creation. I began building an online presence for Michixo (myself) focusing initially on fashion and lifestyle content. However, in February 2024, I decided to shift my focus to curly hair, a personal passion that resonates deeply with my identity and experiences.
Since making this transition, I’ve grown my Instagram following from 5k to over 70k. This focus on curly hair is not just about beauty but about breaking cultural norms within the Dominican community, where thick, curly hair is often undervalued. I had my own journey struggling with these norms, leading to hair damage and significant changes. By sharing hairstyle tutorials, curly hair care routines, and inspirational content about my personal journey, I aim to empower others to embrace their natural hair. I strive to be a voice of encouragement and acceptance, emphasizing that every strand of hair is unique and deserving of celebration.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has not always been smooth. Content creation, in particular, demands significant time and dedication. It’s crucial to approach it with passion rather than expecting immediate financial rewards. While some individuals achieve rapid success overnight, the reality for most is that reaching one’s goals in this space requires consistency, patience, and a long-term commitment.
Before one of my videos began gaining traction and increasing my visibility within the algorithm, I faced considerable struggles. There were numerous occasions when my content didn’t reach a wide audience, and I found it discouraging to post frequently with little to no engagement. This period of low visibility was challenging and led to moments when I contemplated giving up.
In 2023, I also grappled with comparing myself to other creators. It is a common struggle to feel inadequate or to doubt your own potential. However, I’ve learned to embrace the uniqueness of my journey and to focus on my individual strengths rather than measuring myself against others.
Additionally, dealing with online trolls is an inevitable part of putting content on the internet. Although I haven’t encountered many, there have been instances where negative comments surfaced. While I generally prefer to ignore such negativity, I also believe in standing up for oneself when necessary. These experiences have been integral to my growth, teaching me resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I am dedicated to content creation on a full-time basis, focusing primarily on short-form content for social media platforms and more recently, long-form content on YouTube. I would say currently, I am most known for my work in the curly hair niche, where I share hair care tips, styling routines, and personal experiences. This specialization has allowed me to forge partnerships with brands whose products I have used for years, even before I started my social media journey.
One of my proudest achievements occurred when one of my hair videos was featured in a compilation video on Rihanna’s page, promoting her Fenty Hair line. This recognition was a surreal moment for me, and I am ambitiously aiming to collaborate with her in 2025!
Beyond content creation, my background in graphic design remains a significant part of my creative identity. I have always been passionate about art and design, and although I have not yet secured my ideal role in graphic design, I continue to develop my skills and add to my digital portfolio.
What sets me apart is the blend of my creative passions—integrating my love for graphic design with my content creation. This unique combination allows me to approach my work with a distinctive perspective and aesthetic. My personal experiences and cultural background also inform my content, making it both authentic and relatable.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My success in content creation would not have been possible without the invaluable support of several key individuals.
First and foremost, my eldest sister, Jessica, has been my greatest supporter and advocate. She has played multiple crucial roles in my journey: from being my number one fan and my most honest critic to providing the initial push that inspired me to share my work with the world. We frequently collaborate on brainstorming ideas and she generously includes me in brand events she often gets invited to. Jessica has consistently lifted me up during challenging times, helping me recognize and reach my full potential. As I currently navigate brand deals and negotiations without agency representation, she has been instrumental in guiding me through these processes. Her support and inspiration are foundational to my achievements, and I deeply admire and look up to her.
Equally important are God and my mom. Their support and belief in me have been crucial in my journey. Without their guidance, I would not be where I am today.
I am profoundly grateful for all of their roles in my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michixo__
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Michixo__
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@michixo__
