Entertainers Jony Sios, Saucy Santana and Evan Mock shared how they disrupt beauty standards through self-expression and honoring their aesthetic.
In a candid conversation moderated by Akili King, ESSENCE Senior Beauty Editor, TikTok influencer Sios opened up about how they didn’t allow the fear of judgment to stop them from breaking boundaries. “I was scared at first,” Sios said. “But as you do it, it’s something so free about breaking your boundaries and exploring yourself. That’s what brings you further in life, whatever your goals are.”
Sios garnered a 3.2 million TikTok following from their viral theatrical makeup creations and transformation videos where Sios alters into different characters. They connect with their followers based on not adhering to societal beauty standards. Instead, they create their lane and inspire audiences to be themselves through their dramatic makeup tutorials, wearing gender non-conforming fashion and creating theatrical TikTok videos.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Akili King, Jony Sios, Saucy Santana, and Evan Mock speak onstage during Beautycon™ Los Angeles 2023. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Beautycon™)
“People get scared,” Sios said. “That’s why it’s important for those who managed to bypass that initial fear of going all out and expressing themselves to be an example and role model so others can get past that fear.”
Former makeup artist and rapper Santana said self-expression landed him with his music career. He recalled the beginning moments of his rap career when there was a lack of representation for feminine, flamboyant male rappers.
“Once I came out, my fans and peers were able to see how I was accepted,” Santana said. “I had so many boys DMing me about wanting to wear makeup and nails but didn’t want people to think they wanted to be a girl. The way I came out disrupted the world.”
For actor and model Mock, he disrupts the industry by only doing what makes him happy. “It’s important to want to do things you want to do and do them,” Mock said. “It’s easy to dream but hard to connect the dots on how to get there.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Akili King, Jony Sios, Saucy Santana, and Evan Mock speak onstage during Beautycon™ Los Angeles 2023. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Beautycon™)
From starring in the Gossip Girl reboot, modeling for high-end fashion brands and showing off his epic skateboarding skills, Mock said he views his passions as hobbies instead of careers. “I’m in a lucky position to [love] the things I do and get paid for them,” Mock said. “It’s a dream of mine. I love what I do, and I don’t think a lot of people can say that.”
Disrupting social norms isn’t easy, but these changemakers cherish good moments, practice healing their inner child and process situations to keep pushing forward. As a result, current and future generations are left inspired to be themselves.
“You can do it slowly,” Sios said. “Experiment with looks in the comfort of your home, open up to friends that you feel comfortable with; then, slowly and gradually, you’ll be who you want to be and open up to the world.”