{Instagram: Kirbie & Zooey Deschanel}
If you don't know who Kirbie Johnson is, we guarantee that after this interview, you will want to know her! Kirbie is the host and producer for POPSUGAR's beauty channel...but we'll let her share more about that later. We absolutely love seeing people in the Greek community do big things so we wanted to do a "Sisters Succeeding" post to inspire you to pursue your dreams and passions. Kirbie is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumnae from Texas Christian University who has gained a lot of success post grad. The Sorority Secrets had a chance to sit and interview this Texas beauty to find out a little bit more about her road to success with POPSUGAR so read our Q&A sesh with her below.
Make sure to also visit POPSUGAR and check out their beauty channel for great beauty tips and to see Kirbie in action!
Thanks Kirbie! xo
1. Tell us about POPSUGAR!
POPSUGAR is a go-to hub for women. We feature celebrity news and entertainment, as well as lifestyle channels like beauty, fashion, fitness and food. Basically, it's one place to get your celebrity news craving, shopping and lifestyle necessities, all in one stop. I am the host and producer for our beauty channel, and basically I get to test beauty products and give tutorials for a living. It's funny because people are sometimes like, "What do you do exactly?" It's a little bit of everything. But primarily, I research, write, host and produce our beauty videos, then post to the site and make sure they get as much online promo as possible. It's fulfilling working for a company with a celebrity/entertainment core, because I'm really passionate about that as well. http://bellasugar.com
2. What inspired you to pursue Hosting & Producing?
When I was little, I wanted to be Julia Roberts — I loved to act! But as I got older, I was really inspired... no shame... by Oprah. I loved how she reported on important issues, but also did good for other people. Plus, I loved her interview style. So I went to college, got my degree in advertising and public relations, then moved to LA about 10 days after I got my diploma. I wasn't actively pursuing producing gigs, but it was a part of the job at POPSUGAR, and I'm better for taking it on.
3. When you're not hosting & producing, what do you like to do?
People hate me when I say this, but I enjoy working out. I love Zumba, step class, cycling. I think I like it mostly because I get to listen to my music and zone out, day dream. I also am a hardcore music and social media junkie, so if I'm not at a concert, I'm totally browsing the web. One of my favorite things is being on Twitter during award shows or sporting events. Or during The Bachelorette. And, of course, I like writing. I do that on my blogs, Kirbie Goes to Hollywood and Mentervention.
4. You seem really busy with POPSUGAR, how do you find time to work out and stay healthy?
One thing I learned is that if I am going to be active, it has to be in the mornings. Otherwise, I'm tempted to go to an event or party and skip a workout altogether. I have a major sweet tooth, so I have to curb that from time to time, but basically, just packing my lunch every night really keeps me on track. That way I'm never in a rut and don't have something to eat, and won't be tempted to order takeout. The tale of terrible metabolism at 26 really is true, so eating clean and healthy is actually something I enjoy doing now. (Who am I?)
5. What beauty products can you not live without?
This a loaded question! Since I host the beauty videos, I get to test so many amazing products. I've broken them up:
All-time favorites: Mario Badescu's Suncare -- you need at least SPF 30 and it doesn't smell like a sunscreen, plus it is great if you tend to get oily. Guerlain's Cils d'Enfer Mascara is my favorite beauty splurge, because I love mascara and usually opt for L'Oreal Voluminous, but Guerlain's really thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes. The wand is kick ass. And, my secret weapon is this miracle worker from NYX. It's called the Wonder Pencil, and it really is magical. I use it to line my lips, highlight the inner corner of my eyes, and cover blemishes. It's $5 and a lifesaver. Also, I can't stress the power of exfoliating your skin. It will keep you looking bright and youthful! So if you are not already obsessed with a Clarisonic Brush, try Dr. Lancer's Skin Polish. It's non-irritating and Dr. Lancer treats every celebrity known to man!
As far as new items, pick up Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic's polish in Gryphon, a gorgeous light grey. Anything from the Marc Jacobs Beauty line is a good call -- the Lip Vinyl is my favorite.
6. Who is your celebrity crush?
I am a huge fangirl, even at the age of 26. Mama has to feel the youth somehow! I think I've graduated from Justin Timberlake... he is married and ain't nobody got any time for that. I think Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers) is a STUD MUFFIN. He looks like Thor, and he seems to have a great sense of humor. And, don't judge me, but I'm about to go J-Lo/Casper Smart here and just say it: Harry Styles is adorable. I know he's 19. I KNOW THIS. But I saw One Direction in concert and I was just like... I get it now. I was mesmerized. There's something about him. He's got it — the X Factor, if you will. And I'm happy to report that I was not even close to being the oldest fan there.
7. When was your "a-ha" moment that you had reached success?
To be honest, I don't think anyone can really define "success." I know for me, personally, I love my job, but I still have plenty of other goals and dreams I want to accomplish and attain! I have also learned since being in LA that you can't say, "I will be happy when X happens." Because you'll spend so much time working towards that point that you'll miss the beautiful experiences during the journey to get there.
That being said, there have been a few "pinch me!" moments, those being when I interviewed Zooey Deschanel, Rihanna and Nicole Richie. That was something. And when two of my favorite brands, Victoria's Secret and Benefit Cosmetics, asked me to shoot a few videos with them, I thought, "My 13-year-old self would think this is pretty darn cool." And it was!
8. What can people expect watching you on POPSUGAR?
Beauty reviews on all the best and latest beauty launches, tutorials... celebrity interviews! I consider myself a beauty guinea pig... I try anything once, all for the camera. Ha.
9. What advice can you give women pursuing the entertainment industry?
Wake up and remember, every morning, that you are in charge of your own actions. Don't let anyone phase you! You are your biggest cheerleader. You have to believe that, no matter what anyone says or does (or doesn't do), that you are meant to be where you are, pursuing your career. And remember that you shouldn't give up anything you can't go a day thinking about. Whether it's your dreams or your boyfriend, know that it's worth fighting for, if it's something you are truly passionate about.
And remember, it's always best to be kind! You can get what you want and still be kind to others.
@KirbieJ
KirbieJohnson.com
