Painted Lips: Inspiring Beauty With Shaaanxo

Shannon Harris

Shannon Harris or as most of you know her as Shaaanxo is one of the most inspiring kiwis I think I have ever met.A Palmy Girl the same age as myself (21) and having set herself up pretty well through a strong passion and long hours of hard work and dedication she has people all over the world addicted to watching her you tube phenomenon.

Going back to watching Shannon's first Youtube video and following her right through to now in 2013 shows what progression and dedication she truly has for a subject she is so passionate about. Shannon herself hasn't attended any formal make up training and has purely just taught herself with her huge collection of brushes and range of to die for make up products.

When I first met Shannon I was taken by surprise as to how shy she was you see them on Youtube and you instantly expect the bubbly outgoing person you see on your computer screen to be that way in real life. I found Shannon to be very humble quiet and totally appreciative of the life she now lives. As I casually stalk out Shannon's videos on a daily basis being a true fan I often filter through comments of jealousy and negativity in which Shannon shrugs off very professionally I on the other hand feel I need to make a clear statement on my view of her.

Shannon has put in thousands of long hard hours of work, hundreds of videos ,lots of her own hard earned money and effort into becoming what she rightfully is now so much so that worldwide company's like to reward her for her amazing skill and effort. Yes she is very lucky to now be able to make Youtube her full-time career and review products given to her but it wasn't a given she worked hard and earned everything she has in her empire .

A real example of if you want something in life go out and get it nothing comes to those who just sit there and wait for it to fall at their feet.Now living in Auckland I see this girl doing even more great things for the beauty industry of New Zealand and inspiring those hundreds of thousands of people who continue to follow her amazing journey through life.If you see her on the street go say hi! she is the loveliest most approachable girl in the world and I wish her all the best for what her bright future holds. I asked Shannon a few questions myself you can find these and her answers below ..

What inspired you most to start making Youtube videos?

Before I made videos, I was OBSESSED with watching Beauty Gurus from the States. I would come home from school and sit through dial-up internet and load their videos and watch them on repeat. My obsession with make up was growing and I was inspired to create my own channel. The reason I had the idea was because I couldn't ever find anyone else from New Zealand to watch! I wanted to make videos so I could let other NZ'rs know where they could shop and find good deals.

What is a look you find yourself wearing often?

I change up my look almost daily. When I wear make up on a casual day, I'll go with nude eye shadows, lots of mascara, winged eye-liner, and a pink or nude lipstick. However most days I'm trying out something new, because I will film it for my channel! I try to come up with new ideas and colour combos all the time

Your launching a new line of lashes  to your all ready thriving empire of XOBeauty what direction do you see yourself taking next?

I'm currently working on a jewellery line with Michael John, Auckland Jewellery Designer. Next, I'm hoping one day to have my own make up line, but that's something that will require a lot of research and time! It is my ultimate goal in life though 

What would be 2 things your viewers may not know about you?

I'm VERY shy around people I don't know, I don't like to be the centre of attention or in the spotlight, it makes me feel super uncomfortable and awkward. Also, I LOVE tomato soup paired with avocado on toast. I know that's random… I couldn't think of anything else better, and that's what I had for dinner haha

You get comments on your Fashion just as much as your makeup give us the secret to where you find what defines your style?

I have no idea how I would even define my own style… At the end of the day, I wear what I find comfy and cute and I encourage others to do the same. It doesn't matter if its 'in' or not, if you like it you should rock it! My style changes constantly, but I mostly like easy and cute outfits such as play suits. I hate thinking too much about outfits, I'm a big over thinker and so I'll just end up changing my mind and getting changed!

Being so publicly known must be hard at times when it comes to negative feedback people often forget you are only human as well,what do you think is the best way to deal with this? 

I ignore them as much as I can. At the end of the day, they are in the minority and I am lucky enough to have thousands of supporters. Not everyone will understand you and not everyone will care to try. I focus on positivity instead, not only with comments but with every aspect in my life! Think positive - be positive 

Lastly if there's one piece of advice you could give to your followers what would it be?

Be yourself, live life how you want to live life. At the end of the day you are the only person you need to impress. Your happiness comes first over anyone else's! And to anyone who wants to make videos, just try to be yourself. Don't try to act like someone else, people will love you for you! I think that is the most appealing thing about all of my favourite you tubers, they all have their own quirky personality that their viewers can see and connect with.

I hope you have all enjoyed this Q&A With Shaaanxo  so Please Subscribe To Shannon's Channel's and be sure to check out her amazing range of brushes which are super affordable and great Quality!