How Summer0892 Turned a Beauty Blunder into a Big-Hit YouTube Channel
One of the first things you notice about Summer is also the very reason she started a YouTube channel to begin with: That gorgeous mane of curls! It may be absolutely beautiful, but it's totally hard to tame, so this vlogger turned to the internet for tips and tricks to deal. She ended up getting the help she needed plus the desire to start a channel of her own to pay it forward. With a growing following of almost fifty thousand loyal subscribers, Summer now vlogs regularly about different 'dos and DIYs. After watching a few of her videos, you'll find it hard to believe that this beauty guru ever needed hair help herself!
Here, Summer's revealing what she learned on her journey to YouTube success and how you can transition from viewer to guru.
1/5This blogger sought out expert advice—and ended up becoming a pro herself!
Photo: courtesy of Summer08922/5When did you first decide to start your channel?
October 2010. I have very kinky, curly hair and I had no idea how to style it, so I made my first video to get advice from other people on YouTube. My channel became somewhat of a hair journey that I was documenting. I now give advice to other girls who are like I was when I was younger.
What’s your set-up?
I use a Canon Powershot SX40 HS and I film with a tripod in front of a window for natural lighting.
**Which is your most-viewed video? **
My most viewed video is my Rihanna-Inspired Hairstyles tutorial. The singer has bomb looks and I showed viewers that no matter their hair type, they could recreate her styles.
Tell us about your single most frustrating vlogging moment.
Definitely when I plan a whole video and the sun doesn’t come out that day or it rains. Because I film with natural lighting, it makes a huge difference!
Photo: courtesy of Summer08923/5What's your major?
Pre-occupational therapy, and art is my minor. One of my passions in life is to help people in any way that I can, and I absolutely love art. It's been a hobby of mine since I was a child—it always makes me feel happy and peaceful.
What's your dream job?
I would like to become an occupational therapist one day and help other people improve their lives.
Where did you grow up?
Memphis, Tennessee. Go Grizzlies!
Aside from vlogging, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love crafting. Doing little DIY activities at home is exciting to me, and I get so much inspiration from magazines. Whether it's fashion, makeup, or hair-related, I love putting my own spin on something I see.
Photo: courtesy of Summer08924/5What’s the latest beauty product you have fallen in love with?
The Balm’s lip stain! It’s so hot where I live in the summer and I prefer to wear a stain over a lipstick. It also can be used on your cheeks, and it lasts all day—even in the hot summer months.
What are your three can’t-live-without-them beauty essentials?
Definitely my coconut oil. I use it for my skin, hair, and also as a makeup remover. And for all of you foodies, it’s awesome to cook with! I also need my mascara. If there were only one makeup item I could use for the rest of my life that would be it. It instantly brightens my eyes. And a tinted lip balm is a must. It gives that extra pop to any look.
Do you have any cool storage tricks for keeping all your stuff organized?
I like to use empty candle jars to store makeup brushes, lipsticks, and jewelry.
Photo: courtesy of Summer08925/5What’s your favorite part about being a YouTube beauty guru?
Interacting with my subscribers. It’s so nice to hear how I’ve inspired some of them to embrace who they are!
Who are a few gurus that you love to watch?
AndreasChoice has been my favorite for years! I love her creativity and her humor. I’m really inspired by her DIYs. Erica Fae is also one I adore. She has a lovely personality and has an artistic eye that translates into great style.
Many of our readers want to start their own channels. What three nitty-gritties would you advise them to do or not to do?
Think of an awesome username! Don’t include numbers because it can be hard for viewers to remember—trust me, I know. Also set up your camera where people can hear you and see you clearly. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but get those basics down. And most importantly, just be yourself. At the end of the day it’s all about you and your personality!
