While she may have started her YouTube channel just three years ago, Tina Yong has fast become one of Australia’s biggest YouTube beauty stars. Amassing over 1.2 million subscribers, the vlogger has collected more than 83 million views across her 151 videos – a fact that has seen her (unsurprisingly) ditch the day job to focus entirely on producing beauty clips.
With Tina set to speak at Beautify next weekend – an inaugural event that sees influencers and entrepreneurs come together to share their career stories – Husskie thought it would be the perfect time to chat to the makeup aficionado on her path to being a major player in the YouTube playground.
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What got you first started into the YouTube world?
A friend of mine who had his own photography channel on YouTube inspired me to create my own channel. Since I loved makeup and beauty, I started creating makeup tutorials and slowly my channel grew from there. Now I do it full-time and it’s my business.
What were you doing before becoming a vlogger?
I was freelancing as a hair and makeup artist. Prior to being a makeup artist, I studied Beauty Therapy and worked in a salon.
Do you still work as a professional hair and makeup artist or is your main focus your vlog?
My main focus is my channel now but when I have time, I do like to book in clients.
How has your life changed since becoming a vlogger?
My life has become a lot busier and my mind is always thinking about work. I’m constantly trying to create new content so I spend most of my time filming and editing.
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You have over 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube. Do you find this number crazy?
Yes I do! I still can’t believe that that’s how many people subscribed to my channel.
When did you see your subscribers start growing? Was it a slow or rapid growth?
Last year my channel started growing and it’s been a rapid growth.
Where there any events that prompted this growth?
I feel that my Tina Tries It series is what promoted the growth. I saw a huge jump in numbers after my Peel Off Makeup Tattoo video.
What does a normal day in your life look like?
I don’t really get up to much. In the morning when I wake up, I’ll check my emails and social media then I’ll have breakfast, then I’ll spend the rest of the day filming and editing. I’ll have some breaks in between and finish up around 7 or 8 pm to have dinner. That’s pretty much it.
How long does it take you to create a YouTube video?
It takes me about two days to make one video.
Do you produce them all on your own?
Yes! I film and edit everything myself.
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On Dec 17th, you’re speaking at the Beautify event. Can you tell me what this event is about?
The day is an up close and personal experience with industry and influencers across fashion, beauty and lifestyle online. There’ll be workshops, discussion panels, meet and greets – all with the aim to help emerging influencers and online brands. You can learn how to grow your audience on social, hear from influencers and the industry on how to build a business around your audience, and meet and connect with other like-minded people!
What attracted you to speaking at the event?
Since starting my channel, I’ve learnt a lot of things along the way so I’m hoping to share that with people who are also passionate about beauty, fashion and lifestyle.
Do you enjoy presenting at events?
It’s nerve-wracking for me to speak at events, but I love what I do so I really appreciate the opportunity to share what I love with others.
Where do you hope to see your YouTube channel take you in the future?
In the future I hope to create more entertaining series for YouTube or TV, and I would love to one day have my own cosmetics line.
To see Tina speak at Beautify in Sydney on Saturday, December 17 – purchase tickets via www.wearebeautify.com.
