Where Are the Black American Beauty Creators? | Déja Zhane Responds to the TikTok Backlash

#DejaZhane #BlackAmericanBeauty #TikTokBacklash

In this video, Déja Zhane addresses the recent backlash following her viral TikTok on the lack of visibility for Black American beauty creators in the beauty industry.

After asking, “Where are the Black American beauty creators?”, I received a wave of comments accusing me of xenophobia and colorism although the heart of the message was about representation, erasure, and gatekeeping in beauty media and influencer marketing.

This video breaks down what really happened, why this conversation matters, and how platforms like TikTok, media outlets, and talent agencies play a role in deciding who gets to be seen, sponsored, and celebrated.

I also introduce the concept of “Beauty Redlining “ A modern form of exclusion affecting multi-generational (non-hyphenated heritage) Black American creators in beauty, fashion, and content.

🔴 This is NOT about colorism. This is about systemic invisibility for Black Americans with deep roots in the U.S., especially in the beauty space.

🎯 Let’s talk about media access, signed talent, diaspora politics, and how Black American women are once again expected to take the backseat in spaces we helped build.

📌 Time Stamps for Discussion Highlights:

0:00 – Introduction: "The only people I've seen highlighted..."
0:20 – Video goes viral: "Since posting the video on TikTok..."
0:36 – Playing the original TikTok video: "What happened to the Black American beauty creators..."
1:12 – The message: "I'm Black American... just Black."
2:18 – The erasure of Black American beauty creators
3:05 – Reactions and misinterpretations: "I was called divisive, xenophobic, and colorist..."
4:12 – Colorism and diaspora wars discourse: "A creator stitched my video..."
6:00 – Visibility and representation breakdown: "The concept of Black beauty has always been a group project..."
7:45 – Jackie Aina reference & creator responses
9:10 – Agencies and brand bias explained: "Let me just explain... This chart breaks down..."
10:45 – The shade twin trend and industry strategy
12:30 – Black beauty redlining analogy
14:05 – Structural industry critique
15:30 – Closing thoughts: "Who is your favorite Black American beauty creator?"

📲 Stay Connected with Me:

✨ TikTok: @deja.zhane — 322,000+ followers
✨ Instagram: @deja.zhane — 24,000+ followers

💌 For business inquiries, collaborations, or press:
📧 [email protected]

Let’s keep the convo going across platforms 💅🏾💭
🖤 Thank you for supporting Black American beaut


#BeautyRedlining #FBAcreators #SignedTalentBias #DiasporaPolitics #ColorismInBeauty #BlackBeautyCommunity #BeautyIndustryGatekeeping #BlackAmericanCreators #BlackInfluencers #TikTokControversy #BlackWomenInMedia #VisibilityMatters