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Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through TikTok in the last few years, you’ve definitely seen her. The "glauuuur" (that’s "glow" with a signature accent, for the uninitiated). The razor-sharp winged liner. The unapologetic, big-sister energy.
Emira D'Spain isn't just another girl with a ring light and a PR haul. She’s a bit of a phenomenon.
But while the headlines love to fixate on the phrase emira d'spain transgender, they often miss the actual person behind the history-making titles. People see the Victoria's Secret contract and think it happened overnight. It didn't. They see the "Cunty Barbies" fan base and think it’s just about makeup. It’s way deeper.
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The Hustle Most People Miss
Before she was a face for major brands, Emira was—in her own words—a "studious girlboss." We’re talking about a woman who graduated magna cum laude from NYU with a degree in marketing and communications. That's not just a fun fact; it's the foundation of everything she does.
She didn't just stumble into being an influencer. She actually worked the other side of the desk first.
Emira started as an intern at Paper magazine and climbed that ladder until she was the Beauty Director. Think about that for a second. She was booking the talent, coming up with the concepts, and running the editorial vision before she ever became the "talent" herself. She knows exactly how the industry works from the inside out, which is probably why her brand deals feel so much more intentional than your average sponsored post.
Breaking the Victoria’s Secret Barrier
In 2022, things got real. Emira became the first Black transgender woman to work with Victoria’s Secret.
This was a massive deal. Like, internet-shaking.
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For a brand that had spent years under fire for a lack of diversity (and some pretty regressive comments from former executives), the partnership with Emira felt like a genuine shift. Her debut wasn't a stiff, formal runway walk—it was a TikTok. A "Single Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Day." It was relatable, funny, and basically told girls they didn't need a man to buy them flowers or diamonds.
"I want to empower young trans women and men around the world to show them that the beauty and fashion industries are changing, especially if you are a POC," Emira told USA Today at the time.
She’s always been vocal about the fact that she’s following in the footsteps of pioneers like Valentina Sampaio, but adding her own layer of Black trans representation that was desperately missing from the mainstream.
Transition, Transparency, and TikTok
There's this weird pressure on trans creators to make their entire identity their "content." Emira has always pushed back against that.
She’s been very clear: being trans is part of who she is, but it isn't her whole personality. She’s a Libra. She’s a beauty obsessive. She’s a friend. She’s a Bravo star.
But when she does choose to share, she doesn't hold back. In 2023, she documented her gender confirmation surgery. It wasn't just for the views. She spent months debating whether to talk about it at all.
"I really didn’t want to, but I felt that I had to," she admitted in an interview. She wanted her audience to see that she wasn’t just a "pretty face putting on makeup." She wanted to demystify a process that is often shrouded in stigma or mystery. By being open about her recovery and her journey, she humanized an experience that many people only know through politicized news clips.
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Living the Bravo Life
If you haven't caught her on Next Gen NYC, you’re missing out. Joining the Bravo universe in 2025 as the first full-time trans cast member was a bold move.
Reality TV is notoriously messy. Emira knew that.
On the show, we see a different side of her. It’s not just the polished "GRWM" (Get Ready With Me) videos. It’s her relationship with her boyfriend, her real-life friendships with people like Ariana Biermann and Gia Giudice, and yes—her Red Robin order. (It’s mozzarella sticks and a plain burger, if you’re wondering).
She’s brought a level of "hustle in her DNA" to the screen that feels refreshing. She isn't there to be a token; she's there to be a main character.
What Emira’s Journey Teaches Us About Modern Beauty
Emira D'Spain's impact goes beyond a high-follower count. She’s shifting the "why" behind the beauty industry.
- Authenticity beats perfection. She often starts her videos by telling her followers their makeup looks like "fcking sht" before showing them how to fix it. It’s that "bestie" tone that builds real trust.
- Education is power. Because of her marketing background, she teaches her audience why a product works, not just that they should buy it.
- Representation isn't a trend. By existing as a Black trans woman in luxury spaces, she’s forcing brands to realize that her community has spending power and deserves a seat at the table.
The Reality of Being a Trailblazer
It’s not all "glauuuur" and designer bags. Being "the first" of anything comes with a target.
Emira has spoken about the fact that there are still "tables in which there are not seats" for her. She faces the same politicized negativity that many trans people do, especially in a landscape that can feel increasingly hostile.
Her response? Radical positivity.
She doesn't spend her days arguing with trolls. She spends them building a brand and a community. She’s shown that you can be successful, educated, and happy while being exactly who you are.
How to Take Inspiration from Emira's Growth
If you’re looking at Emira’s career and wondering how to apply that "hustle" to your own life, start with these takeaways:
- Master the "Other Side": Like Emira’s marketing degree, understand the business behind your passion. Don't just be the creator; be the strategist.
- Don't Pigeonhole Yourself: You are allowed to be multiple things at once. You can be an activist without making it your entire brand, and you can be a professional while still being "messy" and fun.
- Consistency is the Only Way: She started posting during the pandemic when everyone was home. She didn't stop. Most people fail because they quit before the momentum kicks in.
Emira D'Spain is a reminder that the most "cunty" thing you can be is yourself—even when the world is still catching up to that reality.
Practical Next Steps
If you want to keep up with Emira or learn more about the industry she’s navigating, start by following her @XOXOEMIRA on TikTok for daily beauty techniques. For a deeper look at her personal life and how she handles the "Bravo drama" with grace, check out the latest episodes of Next Gen NYC. Finally, if you're interested in supporting the causes she champions, look into the National Center for Transgender Equality, an organization she has supported through her own platforms.