You’ve probably seen her face. Maybe it was on your TikTok "For You" page while she was casually applying a 12-step skincare routine, or perhaps you saw the headlines about her making history with Victoria’s Secret. Honestly, Emira D'Spain is everywhere right now. She’s the girl who literally redefined what it looks like to be an "It Girl" in the 2020s.
But here is the thing: people often get her story twisted. They think she just popped up out of nowhere because of a viral video. That’s not it. Emira is a strategic powerhouse with a background in marketing who basically built her own throne.
She isn't just "the trans girl from TikTok." She is a history-maker.
Emira D'Spain: Making History Without Permission
In early 2022, the fashion world stopped for a second. Emira became the first Black transgender woman to ever work with Victoria’s Secret. It was a massive deal.
The brand was coming off years of criticism for being, well, kind of exclusionary. Then came Emira. She dropped a Valentine’s Day "Single Girl’s Guide" video that wasn't just about lingerie; it was about self-love. She wore a red corset, grabbed brunch by herself in New York City, and bought herself diamonds.
It was iconic.
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She didn't just walk through a door; she kicked it open for everyone else. She’s always been vocal about how she looked up to Valentina Sampaio, the first trans woman to work with the brand. But Emira added a new layer. Being a Black trans woman in that space meant something different. It meant representation for a group of people who are so often left out of the "beauty" conversation.
The Reality Behind the Glamour
Emira was born in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. She moved to the U.S. when she was only three. She grew up in Dallas, doing competitive dance, which probably explains why she has so much poise on the runway.
She’s a smart cookie, too. She graduated magna cum laude from NYU with a degree in marketing and communications. While most people were just trying to figure out TikTok, she was already the Beauty Director at Paper magazine.
She wasn't just the face; she was the brains.
Lately, her career has taken an even bigger turn. In 2025, she joined the cast of Bravo’s Next Gen NYC. This made her the first openly trans full-time cast member on a Bravo reality show. It’s a huge milestone. She’s starring alongside people like Gia Giudice and Brooks Marks.
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If you watch the show, you know she isn't afraid to be "messy." She is blunt. She is honest. She is exactly what reality TV needs.
Being Trans Is Just One Chapter
One thing that really sets Emira apart is how she talks about her transition. Or, more accurately, how she doesn’t make it her entire personality.
She’s been very open about her gender confirmation surgery. She even documented parts of her recovery for her "Cunty Barbies" (her nickname for her fanbase). But she’s also said that her transition is "just such a small part" of who she is.
She wants to be known for her hustle, her style, and her humor.
- Real Talk: She’s admitted to having Botox since she was 19.
- No Gatekeeping: She lists her plastic surgeons and dermatologists by name.
- Vulnerability: She’s shared the scary parts, like having an allergic reaction to filler dissolver.
It’s that level of "kinda-too-much-information" that makes people love her. She feels like a friend who’s giving you the tea, not a distant celebrity.
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What’s Next for the XOXOEMIRA Brand?
The industry is changing, and Emira is the one leading the charge. She’s worked with Fenty Beauty, NARS, and UGG. She’s been on the cover of Glamour.
Her influence isn't just about selling lipstick. It’s about showing that trans women of color can exist in every space—from high-fashion runways to messy reality TV dinners.
If you’re looking to follow in her footsteps or just want to capture some of that confidence, here is the "Emira Method" to keep in mind:
Focus on self-investment. Emira didn't just wait for a modeling agency to find her. She used her marketing degree to build her own platform. Whether you’re an artist or an entrepreneur, be your own biggest advocate.
Stop comparing your "Day 1" to someone else’s "Year 10." She often says "comparison is the thief of joy." Focus on your own growth, your own skin, and your own journey.
Authenticity wins. In 2026, people can smell "fake" from a mile away. Emira’s success comes from the fact that she’s the same person in her bathroom at 2 AM as she is on a red carpet.
Stay tuned to her social media for her latest "Get Ready With Me" videos, and if you haven't yet, check out Next Gen NYC to see how she’s navigating the wild world of Manhattan socialites.