The Glow Up Style Awards: Health & Wellness

Age: 27

Occupation: Photographer, Blogger, Health and Wellness Influencer

Instagram: @alissa.ashley

Why She Glows:

Alissa Ashley first appeared on the scene as a makeup and beauty influencer, showing us tips and tricks for getting everything from show-stopping eyeshadows to the perfect pout. She even took some cosmetic companies to task for their lack of inclusion. A 2018 video she made with fellow beauty influencer Jackie Aina reading Tarte for the lack of dark shades in their Shape Tape foundation collection received over 4 Million views.

These days, she’s not sharing as many makeup tips. But she’s still influencing others. She shares her favorite exercises with her over 1 Million Instagram followers and 2 Million YouTube subscribers. And if that wasn’t enough, Ashley is also a self-taught photographer who specializes in portraits that are both creative and captivating. She shares her photos on her @byalissashley Instagram account, which has over 103,000 followers of its own.

Age: 27

Occupation: Model, Entrepreneur

Instagram: @winnieharlow

Model, entrepreneur and influencer Winnie Harlow was diagnosed with the skin condition and autoimmune disorder vitiligo at age 4. But although she was bullied for her differences as a child, she eventually found a way to use them to make a statement. And today, the Jamaican-Canadian beauty is one of the most recognized faces in fashion and beauty. The America’s Next Top Model alum has appeared in campaigns for brands like PUMA and Diesel. And she was recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2021 for being an advocate for diversity in the fashion industry. Harlow is also the founder of Cay Skin, a line of all-natural sun care products designed to protect all skin tones.

Age: 27

Occupation: Celebrity makeup artist

Instagram: @ajcrimson

With a celebrity client list that included the likes of Fergie and Regina King, AJ Crimson was one of the hottest celebrity makeup artists in the game. But he was also an entrepreneur who sought to bring more inclusiveness into the cosmetics industry. After working on various film and tv sets, he launched AJ Crimson Beauty in 2012, which he said was inspired by singer Estelle. “I was traveling with Estelle, we didn’t have a great contour color for her,” he said in an interview with Allure. “I believe Estelle inspired the movement of what AJ Crimson would be and what the brand is becoming. There are a lot of brands that I’ve used for years that I love, but everybody’s missing a shade — that deepest color.”

On March 30, Crimson’s family released a statement that the makeup artist had passed away. No cause of death was given. In an Instagram tribute following the news of his death, Christina Milian wrote, “You made your own lane ... You did it with love and intention. Most especially to show the true beauty of minority women everywhere.”

Age: 36

Occupation: Founder/CEO, MyHappyFlo

Instagram:@hellonecole

Why She Glows:

There’s a reason why former celebrity gossip girl Necole Kane calls herself the queen of career pivots. After hitting rock bottom in 2007, she built her wildly successful gossip blog, NecoleBitchie.com from scratch while living with family. But in 2015, she decided to walk away to launch a women’s lifestyle platform xoNecole.com, which features advice on everything from self-care to relationships and careers. And with over 700,000 Instagram followers, she’s got a lot of people listening to what she has to say.

But Kane’s latest career pivot is one that she’s most proud of. My Happy Flo is a daily supplement that balances women’s hormones and allows them to experience shorter, lighter periods with less clotting and little to no cramping. “I love when our customers who tell me they have anemia go back to the doctor three or six months later, and their labs show they’re good across the board on the vitamins. That’s the joy of running this brand for me, knowing that healing it helps Black women with,” Kane told The Root in an April 2022 interview

Ages: 36

Occupation: Founders, Mented Cosmetics

Instagram: @mentedcosmetics

Why They Glow:

Friends Amanda Johnson and KJ Miller were frustrated with trying to find the perfect nude lipstick for their skin tone. But rather than complain or give up, the Harvard Business School grads decided to make one of their own. Their brand, Mented Cosmetics, is on a mission to make sure every woman of every hue feels like they can find a shade that suits them. All of their lipsticks are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic and cruelty-free. Although they launched the business with their own money, they’ve since been able to secure investments from venture capitalists and land their products in Target and Ulta stores around the country. They’ve also expanded their line from nude lipsticks to include eyeshadow palettes and blushes in neutral shades that are perfect for everyday wear.

Age:

Occupation: Celebrity Makeup Artist

Instagram: @camaraaunique

Why She Glows:

Angela Bassett, Ava Duvernay and Garcelle Beauvais are just a few of the celebs Camara Aunique has helped get red carpet ready. The Brooklyn native made a name for herself as an expert in the lash game.

In 2019, Aunique launched Camara Aunique Beauty, her faith-based line of lashes, tools and accessories. Her handmade lashes are made with vegan ingredients, and each one is named after iconic women from the Bible, like Mary, Ruth and Deborah. Aunique is also an author. Her book, Love Letters to My Daughter, is a 52-week devotional to help users strengthen their connection with God.