New Year New Me

We are trying to build a tradition to feature MUAs, internet personalities; collaborators of our brand. Why? You might ask and the answer shouldn’t really surprise anyone. We want to know you. What that pretty lip look, amazing eye makeup or sensational online personality hides is the root of all your creativity. And therefore, it’s the most fascinating thing for us and our readers to know.

In this blog post we’re taking a flight to Canada to introduce @Nitro_Gena a #makeupobsessed, photo-editing roller derby player. Try to say that in one breath! If you haven’t heard of her work, it’s time to check it out. Her insane lip looks and fierce makeup skills result in a vivid and arresting display of her artistic mind. Although she admits to her insecurities, those high-glam close ups and sassy glimpses into the camera depicts her otherwise. This duality seems to have dogged her whole life but a new year’s resolution may change everything…

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Growing up I wanted to be quite a few things and quite honestly, still haven’t truly figured it out!

…but I have always been quite introverted so instead I went behind the camera and studied art and photography.

How easy was to get out from the shadow of the camera and present yourself on social media?

It has always been a huge challenge for me to present myself on social media, and open up to the internet world. As mentioned, I am such a shy and self conscious human being, that it took me quite awhile to feel somewhat ok with people I knew in real life looking at my Instagram page, and engaging with my work. I tried to hide it for a while because I didn’t want to open myself up to critique, but over the years I have grown more confident and less afraid of my work being seen.

…so that does keep me pretty busy. I am also a coach/player for Toronto Roller Derby and Toronto Junior Roller Derby, and serve on the executive committee, helping to ensure the league runs smoothly throughout the year. I am also a wannabe hair colorist, and have recently had the privilege of getting to practice that skill on others rather than just myself!

What is the story behind your online persona “Nitro Gena” and where does the name
come from?

Nitro Gena is my Roller Derby name, which is something a lot of derby players adopt at the beginning of their careers. This wasn’t initially my Instagram handle, as I originally went by a completely made up name so I could hide from people I knew in real life! As I grew more and more confident, and realized that…

Roller derby saved my life in a lot of ways, and it truly helped me to become a confident bad ass, and to love myself and my body. This felt like the natural fit for my internet persona, as I want to share those lessons with others as well.

What are the most common misconceptions people have about you?

So many! No, but actually I have struggled with RBF my entire life, and have heard from so many people that they were very intimidated by me when they first met me. In truth, I am just so insecure that I am always in my head, too scared to talk in front of people incase I make a mistake and embarrass myself. It’s taken a lot of personal growth to get over that mentality, and I am still working on it to this day!

What are the makeup products you would never leave the house without?

I hate to admit that the amount of makeup I wear outside of the house is sooooo minimal, because I mostly have no time to do anything outside of my work for instagram! My go to products though right now are lip masks and lip balms as Canadian winters are so harsh. When I am going to be wearing minimal makeup, it’s always going to include a base, some light powder, blush, mascara and a gorgeous highlight.

What are your new year’s resolutions for 2020?

I don’t know if I would call them official resolutions, but my goal for 2020 is to be nicer to myself, and less afraid. I am my own worst enemy…

I also want to adopt a more eco-conscious lifestyle, and educate myself on how to make better decisions every day.