Nikki Brown
Senior Beauty Editor at Stylecaster
What was your path to becoming an editor?
My story isn't different from most. I worked my way up, starting with an internship at a music magazine. Over time, I shifted my focus to the beauty industry where I felt my work thrived most and here we are! Taking initiative, asking questions, and maintaining relationships has taken me far.
Who are your biggest inspirations within the space?
My biggest inspirations in the beauty space are anyone amplifying the work, products, and/or voices of underrepresented groups.
How has COVID affected your editorial strategy? What is something you’ve learned from this new normal?
I am grateful to be part of a team that has always been nimble, but the unexpected arrival of COVID-19 forced us to kick that skill into high-gear. We immediately shifted into providing service-based shopping content for those adjusting to life under stay-at-home orders. After the initial shock of those first few days, we were able to get back to a place where we could anticipate what our readers would want and continue to do that. As Senior Beauty Editor, I was reminded that our routines and self-care can be one in the same.
What do you think will be the greater impact on journalism?
I think current times have forced the industry to reexamine their business structures and how they can not only diversify content, but diversify revenue streams as well.
What feedback have you gotten from your readers that is new/different than before?
I think readers are looking to feel more empowered as opposed to merely following trends or whatever their favorite celebrity is doing.
What are you currently reading?
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall.