Defining Home with Aisha Beau
We’ve read a little bit about how you got your start as a content creator but would love for you to walk us through the full journey of how it all began.
Yes! So, when I lived in NYC, I used to get stopped all the time and asked about my beauty routine. Whether it was my hair, makeup, skincare routine, nails, etc. And I remember one specific instance I was on the train headed home, and a woman asked me about my skincare and makeup routine. We talked for several stops about preferred products, skin concerns, and so forth. When I was about to get off, she asked if I worked in beauty, and I said no. At the time, I was a fashion publicist, but very much into my personal care routine. She was surprised and commented on how well-versed I was on the topic. I remember getting off the train, noticing the excitement I had shared with her my tips and knowledge, and decided that evening I wanted to start a blog. My blog officially launched in 2015, and it was honestly a hobby for me at the time; I was still climbing the ladder in the fashion industry.
In 2018, I became the Director of Communications for a global luxury fashion brand, which was a title and role I’d always aspired for, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. One day at work, I ended up having a panic attack, which was out of character because I’ve always had thick skin when it came to my career. And I remember thinking to myself about how unhappy I was. I talked to my now husband, then boyfriend, David, and he suggested I quit. Which was crazy, given that he is *very* risk-averse. So, I knew it was a sign. I left and decided that I’d no longer pitch anyone but myself moving forward. I’m coming up on 5 years full-time in May, and since then, I’ve landed some fantastic partnerships, created really dynamic content, and developed myself as a true brand.
Where do draw inspiration for your content?
I honestly look at my everyday life. I generally pick a theme for the quarter, depending on the season/where I am in life, and from there, I plan content weekly. I look at my schedule, where I am going, and what I am doing and find ways to develop content around it. I also always take it a step further by asking myself how the piece of content I want to create will add value to the life of whoever is watching, listening, or reading it. Am I giving them a tangible tip? Am I inspiring or motivating them? Am I opening their eyes to a new place or a way to make their life easier? I don’t just post to post. I may not go viral every time, but at least I know what I produce has meaning because of that strategy.
What has content creation and influencing taught you about authenticity?
Whew, it’s taught me that you must hone and nurture authenticity. It’s so easy to lose your sense of authenticity as a creator because we aren’t just producing but consuming a lot of content. We see others doing things that are essentially giving them overnight success, but it’s important to stay grounded and remember your why. That’s what keeps me authentic. I could hop on this trend and get a ton of hits real quick, or I can put out something more meaningful that’s a slow burner but actually helps or touches someone. With how wonky the algorithm has been, it can get frustrating and feel like your authentic self isn’t good enough, but that’s when I also take a step back. Put the phone down, close my computer, whatever I need to do to get back to myself.
Is there anything you fear on your current career path and why?
This is tough because I learned to leave fear at the door long ago. Things in life are scary, but I’ve learned to move with that because life is a lot worse when you don’t bet on yourself. I guess the only thing I fear is fizzling out. Which is why I am constantly being a student. I try new styles of content often and upgrade my shooting style; I have several different platforms (newsletter, podcast, blog, YouTube, IG) to help ensure I’m reaching many people in places that resonate with them. I also never want to be that person who’s only known for one thing: fear. I’m a human being who evolves, and I hope my audience and supporters see that and that we can grow together.
I am a huge fan of all of your content. I notice that a lot of it is curated in your home. What is creating at home like for you?
I’m a Virgo and a homebody, so my home is my sanctuary. I feel safe here, so the transition from an office to home was pretty easy for me. Although, I will say that at some points in the early stages, I did begin to feel limited because I don’t have the big mansion like my down-south-based influencer counterparts, but I had to snap out of that and get creative. I remember when I got my first big plant, I’d move it around the apartment in different places as I was shooting to give the scene a new look, ha! I had to make little scenes to keep things fresh.
Any advice or pointers for those who work & create at home?
Think of your home as your own creative studio. No space is off limits and acts as a new “set,” depending on your vision. Also, your audience doesn’t live in your home, so don’t be shy about moving pieces around to fit a certain theme or aesthetic for your shoots. And as far as getting the general work done, have a designated workspace (not your bed!!). Before I purchased a desk and transformed our guest room into my office, I’d sit at the kitchen island and work. I also never, ever work with the TV on. Music is okay, but it’s important you treat your home as a true office during these times. You’ll be much more productive!
What do you love most about your present living environment?
I love that we’ve made it ours. I don’t follow trends when it comes to home décor; I gravitate towards looks and pieces that speak to me and that I have an emotional connection to. Our home has a lot of color, texture, and life.
If you could change one element of your home, what would it be?
The fact that it has an electricity box right on one of our main walls. It’s on the bottom right of the gallery wall I created, and it’s an eye sore. I’ve been trying to think of ways to hide it creatively!
Describe your decor style.
Hmmm…I really like having fun with our décor, and I don’t think I can fit it all into one category. Maybe, bohemian and eclectic, with art deco finishes keeping the look polished.
What is the biggest challenge for you at home right now?
I guess the fact that we are still in an apartment. We are holding off on the home search for now, given that the market is so terrible. But I want to make some décor updates. So, I find myself struggling with whether or not I should purchase certain pieces because we’ll most likely move within the next year. So, if I make any big purchases in the near future, they have to be items I can see us taking to our new home.
Do you prefer fresh flowers or plants for your home?
I’m definitely a plant mama with 8 green girls, but I still like to purchase fresh flowers at least a few times a month to put as a centerpiece on our coffee table. I think having these real items in your space is important to bring more life to it. And plants are good for you!
What are three things about your home that you’re most proud of?
My office, it’s truly my space. It’s bright and airy, with gold accents, lots of books, my cameras, and a plush little rug. I put together and installed all the shelving, desk, product closet, and bookshelf. So, it feels good to see how it’s all come together.
I’m also proud of our bedroom; it’s truly an oasis. No TV, of course, midnight blue accent wall, mulberry colored bedding, it’s very rich and cozy. Not to mention we both have our own closets on opposite sides of the room, so lots of personal space, ha!
Lastly, I’m proud of my plant babies and how much they are flourishing! I did not know I had a green thumb and went out on a limb purchasing some. Over the years, I’ve seen them grow, and it’s as if we’ve done so together. I take my time tending to them, similarly to how I tend to my own self-care.
Describe your idea of the perfect Oasis; where would it be if you could live anywhere in the world? How would your space feel?
I love this question! We’d probably live in a Spanish Style home in Sintra, Portugal. That’s where we got married, and we’ve traveled there a few times. I love the cascading green hillsides in Sintra, the sunshine outdoor space. I’d love a place with a decent-sized backyard and porch. I love the outdoor indoor vibes and know we’d have many dinners in our garden area under twinkle lights. My husband asked me if I’d Garden when we get our home, and I’m open to exploring it. So, ideally, we’d have fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables out there that I can also cook with. I’m smiling as I think about this.
How do you create space in your day-to-day life for self-care?
My morning and evening routines are crucial. I’m someone who’s always on, showing up for others, creating, and on the go. So, a quiet morning where I can ease into the hustle and bustle is key. I start by opening the curtains to let some light into our bedroom, making the bed, journaling, and then doing a guided meditation or some breathwork. I don’t communicate with anyone or check notifications until all of this is done. That way, I feel centered and intentional about the type of day I wish to have instead of just diving into it.
My evening routine usually consists of a steamy shower to wash the day away. Cooking. Spending quality time with my husband. Putting my phone away (I don’t sleep with it in my room) and then snuggle into bed around 10 or 10:30 to read a book before falling asleep. Good days start at night, so I try to make my evenings as low fuss as possible.
A question we like to ask in every interview is home and its definition. Based on the current flow of your life, how would you define home? Do keep in mind that home can be a physical space, a person, an idea, a thought, or a feeling.
Home is definitely the feeling I have when I’m with my husband, David. He’s a man of few words, but his presence puts me at ease. I feel safe and connected to myself when I’m with him, so I don’t care if we’re in an apartment or if, for some reason, we’re stuck in a one-room shack in the middle of nowhere. Being with him will always feel like home. And I can’t wait to enjoy the external home we build together someday.
