That's So Akiba

That's So Akiba
Podcast Description
Fashion, hustle, and resilience—unfiltered. Hosted by Sarah Akiba—celebrity stylist and AWOM Foundation founder—this show dives into culture, faith, and empowerment. Episodes alternate between Sarah’s solo reflections and interviews with dynamic guests, from young AWOM mentees to industry icons who have shaped her journey, expect to learn the tools it takes to turn your struggles into your greatest superpower.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on personal growth, friendships, grief, spirituality, and the journey to self-acceptance with episodes such as 'Through Thick and Thin' exploring lifelong friendships, and 'Aligning with Your Energy' which discusses self-care and confidence.

Fashion, hustle, and resilience—unfiltered. Hosted by Sarah Akiba—celebrity stylist and AWOM Foundation founder—this show dives into culture, faith, and empowerment. Episodes alternate between Sarah’s solo reflections and interviews with dynamic guests, from young AWOM mentees to industry icons who have shaped her journey, expect to learn the tools it takes to turn your struggles into your greatest superpower.

What does it really take to turn your makeup brush into a brand?
The fiercely talented Raiza Montes (@raizamontes), celebrity makeup and hair artist, joins Sarah on That’s So Akiba, to share her evolution from behind-the-scenes glam to front-and-center influencer. Raiza opens up about how she carved her path from a traditional makeup artist into a full-fledged brand, leveraging social media to build an authentic presence that resonates far beyond the chair.
They talk signature styles, what it’s really like working Fashion Week, the hustle of monetizing influence (hint: her highest-paid post was $12K), and the art of staying inspired in an ever-changing industry. Raiza shares her biggest lessons on building strong relationships, finding the right community, and staying grounded in her Puerto Rican roots.
Takeaways:
-Success in makeup means developing your unique style—and staying inspired by both trends and culture.
-Fashion Week taught her how to blend artistry with fashion storytelling.
-Monetizing influence requires both authenticity and business savvy.
-Building meaningful industry relationships is key to long-term growth.
-The power of community can fuel your journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Glam and Branding
01:53 Transitioning from Makeup Artist to Influencer
05:07 Finding Your Signature Makeup Style
09:17 Staying Inspired in Makeup
10:43 Experiences at Fashion Week
12:27 Monetizing Makeup Influence
15:40 Working with Celebrities
18:54 Challenges in the Makeup Industry
20:16 Building Relationships in Business
22:34 Conclusion and Social Media Presence
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.