I’m super pleased to host Alicia, aka, better known as Kinkysweat. Her channel name is a combination of  “kinky is her hair” and “sweat is her lifestyle”. Plus a little makeup thrown in.   Alicia is a breath of fresh air. Her unassuming style combined by. a  wicked sense of  humor are simply addicting.  I’m confident you will enjoy getting to. know her as much as I  did.

I can’t remember who told me to start watching you but whoever it was I owe them a huge “Thanks”! Your style is so down to earth and FUN!  Tell my readers a bit about how you came to be on YouTube and what your current thoughts are on your success.

Thank you so much for the kind words! I started YouTube uploading natural hair videos! I was very much influenced by other “naturalistas” who shared their wash n’ go’s, and wanted to contribute. Having been through an interesting hair journey, I thought perhaps there is someone out there with a similar texture who might find my demos and reviews helpful. My channel was born on September 4th, 2009.

When I started my new schedule as a group fitness instructor, I let my YouTube channel fall on the wayside. However, since my channel was still active, I was still getting comments! I discovered the longer I waited, the harder it was to start up again. I kept dreading reading the comments, and felt overwhelmed starting my channel again.

One day, I fell upon an Artis Brush review because I was interested in buying it. Perhaps that was the day the YouTube gods sent lightning down because I felt ultra inspired to start up again! I also made the mistake of buying WAY too much makeup.

I bought a new camera and new laptop, embarking on a fresh start of  my channel. It was SCARY, because it has been upwards of 5 years since I uploaded. My first video up was titled “I’M BACK”, and from then I started to upload more consistently. I started with a mix of hair and beauty, but eventually learned more beauty with the videos.

As I write this, it’s incredible to think how many videos I created, and they accumulated over 7 million views. Never would I have thought I would have that many views, but even more importantly, the community I have found is wonderful. This new support system is beyond anything I could  have asked for, and I am beyond grateful for it!

Your first YouTube video was about 9 years ago and was focused on how to style hair. You took a 2 year break and returned in June of 2016 with updated equipment and a renewed sense of direction. Your video “Summer Skin” was your first break away from hair tutorials.  Why did you decide to branch out?

This is so funny, because I feel I have two YouTube anniversaries! I made the shift when I realized my resurgence of beauty came full force. I saw how successful beauty videos were, and wanted to dip my toes in the pool.  I also found that beauty videos (for me and my set up) were far more easier to film than hair videos. And that played a vital role  in me transitioning to filming more beauty than hair.

You mention in one of your videos the following about the need for makeup “…more than wearing makeup or not wearing makeup, is about connecting. It’s about saying “hi” to people, looking them in the eye and complementing them. You’ll never know when someone is having a crappy day and just that “hello” or “I love your glasses” or “I love your jacket” could really make someone’s day.”  This positive and giving attitude seem to personify you so well.  How do you stay positive and upbeat?

Thank you! I’m happy you remember that moment, because it’s important especially now when the general vibe all around is not upbeat. My willingness to stay positive comes from, I feel, my work as a group fitness instructor. It is my responsibility to make the participant’s hour the best hour of their day. And I recognized the importance to not take that responsibility lightly, because I don’t know what happened to anyone before entering the room. I only know that I strive to make class worth their time, and that requires a very uplifting spirit on my part.

To maintain, I make sure to have time with myself. Since I give a lot of energy, I recover by having solo time. And during that time, I allow myself to be upset, sad, concerned, and find my way to gratitude. This cycle gives me an opportunity to find myself with a full tank, so that whoever I encounter will receive the best I have to offer.

YouTube is an amalgamation of every type of person and interest. If you could wave a magic wand and eliminate/change one thing on YouTube what would you eliminate/change and why?

I would improve the algorithm, as it’s not reliable. It will flag certain videos for including certain phrases, but still allow violent/hate speech content. It’s not a perfect system, but hopefully can be refined.

If you could do a makeup collaboration with any brand, what would the brand be and why would you collaborate with them? What would your end product contain?

Funny, I wouldn’t do a makeup collaboration! As much as I love it, I love teaching it more. I could change my mind, but right now I just love being an enthusiast. However, I would love to collaborate with local brand designers to create a limited collection! ISLYNYC and Aliens of Brooklyn would be stellar!

Since Covid begin, what one thing have you been doing  that would surprise most people who know you?

Even though I have mentioned it quite a bit, I teach classes and workshops. I have been a group fitness instructor for over 10 years, and that has been my specialty for quite some time.

Your content is split between three main areas of focus. Hair tutorials, makeup up, and movement tutorials. If you could only do 1 of these focus areas, which would it be and why?

Movement for sure: It has always been a part of my life, and it’s something I’m passionate about bringing to people’s lives!

If money etc. were no consideration, would you live in Paris, New York, the Maldives, or _________ (fill in the blank and why)?

Ooooo that’s tough! I’m not that well traveled, so I could very well be missing out on a fantastic city, but NYC without a doubt. The accessibility, diversity in food, entertainment, public spaces is incomparable. It’s a part of the reason as to why I don’t have a car. I can walk anywhere, and public transportation makes it a breeze to get around.

If you could host a makeup session on your channel and include three famous people (living or dead), who would you include and why?

Pat McGrath because she is one of the most influential artists of all time, and I just want to interact with her genius! Danessa Myricks because of the way she teaches and describes her process is something I feel needs to be shared. And my last will be Josephine Baker, because to dig into stage makeup, and sharing her perspective of makeup for black people during that era would be enlightening.

If you could host a workout session on your channel and include three famous people (living or dead), who would you include and why?

I would host Dr. Benjamin Bikman because his research on insulin resistance is something I feel anyone can benefit from. Because exercise and nutrition go hand in hand! I would love to have Janet Jackson choreograph a dance workout, HA! And it will have to be to “Pleasure Principle”! Lastly, I would have Bret Contreras on to share his knowledge of exercise science, and how glute strength is crucial for overall total body function.

What is your superpower? Cape or no cape?

To Teach!

What do you most want your followers to remember you for specific to your YouTube career?

I want to be remembered as the one who positively influenced someone to form a healthy habit.

What is the most out of character thing you have ever done?

Ordering from Hello Fresh, and cooking!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself running an online subscription service, hosting all my classes!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

That we all have a purpose, and there’s no need to compete because we all contribute in some way to make a difference.

What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Impressing everyone is draining, and do the work for yourself.

What are the top 1-5 things that we can look forward to from you in 2020-2021?

  1. Local brand collaborations
  2. MERCH
  3. Online class library
  4. International workshops
All photos were taken by Daphne Youree.