In so many ways, social media has become a conduit for jealousy and negativity. It has become a space where the insecure ‘trash talk’ freely with little to no repercussions. Despite the negativity that is pervasive, there will always be persons who use the platform to uplift and inspire others. The mesmeric, emerald green eyes of Leah Herbert are the eyes of a visionary. Leah Herbert is a skin care and beauty blogger out of Trinidad & Tobago who makes it her point of duty to highlight the local brands that she believes have potential for growth. Not only does she show unequivocal support to the brands, but she gives solid affirmations to her fellow female creative entrepreneurs that develop these brands.
Leah Herbert’s presence on social media is a refreshing departure from the intense competition that defines the relationships between so many creative entrepreneurs in the region. Her adorable, soft-spoken tone of voice is the perfect tool of engagement when talking about the delicacy of beauty and skincare products. Leah is unafraid of experimenting with different products on camera and provides her viewers with credible details about how the products make her look and feel. A testament to her bravery, Leah was transparent about her journey through pregnancy and the birth of her angelic daughter, Seven. Any aspect of her life and refined taste that Leah can use to encourage women and other female entrepreneurs will be employed; she will do it because that’s just the heart she has.
Leah’s appraisals of the products she reviews are always honest, but never demeaning. She would rather not do a feature on a product than to speak negatively of it. In that sense, she is selective about who and what she features on her blog, but the engagement on her posts are proof that her viewers are locked in. They have grown to trust Leah’s assessment on products and that is the biggest compliment that any blogger can ask for. It’s easy to trust someone’s taste in aesthetics when they themselves are easy on the eyes. Leah’s sculpted face structure, high cheek bones and astoundingly beautiful eyes would make anyone want to confide in her aesthetic sensibilities. The journey to building such a reputation could not have happened overnight, and we needed to find out more from Leah about her experiences.
CARIB VOXX: Before you started your blog, when did you realize that you had passion for beauty and aesthetics?
Leah: “I’ve always been a creative at heart. I used to absolutely enjoy painting when I was younger. Unfortunately, one of my art teachers in secondary school told me art wasn’t for me, so I decided to pursue sciences. But art has always been in me, and once I recognized at around 18 years of age the power to be creative with makeup, I ended up delving into that world and have been in love ever since.”
CARIB VOXX: What is it about the way you were raised that has compelled you to want to support other creative entrepreneurs, especially females?
Leah: “My mom has always taught my brothers and me that it is more important to be good and kind than anything else in this world. My mom has always been one to take someone young under her wing and help in any way she could. She’s ingrained in us the habit of building people up and assisting when and where we could, so it has become a part of me to always want to see people around me lifted; that, and my own innate sense of seeing a world where women help each other achieve greatness.”
CARIB VOXX: So many females struggle with insecurities about their appearance, especially their skin. What words of advice do you have for young female followers who have these challenges?
Leah: “I would love everyone to be able to see themselves as unique. I would want them to know that the ‘imperfections’ on their skin do not define the beauty that they are or the impact that they have on the persons who love them. Many people can’t see themselves as they move around on a daily basis, so they don’t see their true beauty as others see them. What has helped me (God knows I have many insecurities), is looking for things about myself that I do like and focusing on that instead. Soon enough, you will begin to appreciate how spectacular you really are. Also, don’t believe everything shown on social media. Everyone has imperfections. It’s normal.”
CARIB VOXX: Outside of the context of beauty and lifestyle, tell us a hidden artistic/creative talent you possess that your fans would be surprised to know about.
Leah: “I don’t know if I have hidden talents per se, but I’m pretty good with face painting – on myself, that is (lol!)
CARIB VOXX: How has motherhood shaped your perspective on creative entrepreneurship?
Leah: “Motherhood, for sure, has made me want to strive for excellence in every aspect of my life. I definitely was a perfectionist before; but now, I want my daughter to be able to look at me with pride, and this makes me pay even more attention to detail and spend hours pouring over an idea before I execute. This was something I previously did for fun, but now it has become more because of her.”
