If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, chances are you’ve come across Mikayla Nogueira – Boston-born, thick-accented, brutally honest and one of the biggest names in beauty today. With over 16.3 million TikTok followers and a reputation for delivering no-nonsense makeup reviews, Nogueira has built an empire out of authenticity, passion and an innate ability to connect with her audience. Now, she’s taking things a step further with the launch of her new beauty brand, Point of View, set to debut on March 26, 2025.
Her journey from a small-town makeup lover to a globally recognized beauty influencer holds valuable lessons for entrepreneurs right here in Trinidad and Tobago. Whether you’re selling handmade soaps in St. James, running a boutique in Chaguanas or launching your own skincare line from San Fernando, Mikayla’s story is a masterclass in brand building, digital marketing and customer connection.
From TikTok Newbie to Beauty Mogul
Mikayla’s rise to fame wasn’t something she planned. In March 2020, like many of us, she was stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With extra time on her hands, she started making TikTok videos – originally to help her mother, a teacher, figure out the platform. But soon, her infectious personality, expert makeup skills and refreshingly real product reviews began drawing attention.
Within eight months, she had 2.8 million followers – a number that many brands take years to achieve. The secret? She didn’t just create content; she created trust. She didn’t act like a polished beauty guru or a corporate spokesperson – she was just Mikayla, talking to her followers like a friend. That authenticity turned her into one of TikTok’s most trusted beauty voices.
Her success was soon recognised with awards like the American Influencer Award for Emerging Makeup Artist of the Year (2020) and a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. But she didn’t stop there. She capitalised on her momentum, securing brand deals with major players like L’Oréal, Charlotte Tilbury, and E.l.f. Cosmetics – earning big while keeping her audience at the heart of everything she did.
The Birth of Point of View: A Brand for the People
Mikayla isn’t just reviewing beauty products anymore – she’s creating them. Point of View, her first beauty brand, launches this March, starting with five products designed to prepare and prime the skin for flawless makeup application. But this isn’t just another influencer cash grab.
She has been open about her vision: a brand that outlasts TikTok trends and resonates deeply with her audience. Instead of launching a typical makeup line, she’s focusing on products that set the stage for great makeup, something she’s been passionate about throughout her career.
For entrepreneurs in T&T, there’s a big takeaway here: build your brand with purpose. Instead of trying to do what everyone else is doing, find a unique angle that makes you stand out. Whether you’re in beauty, fashion, food or retail, the brands that last are the ones that solve real problems and create real connections.
What Trini Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Mikayla
Mikayla’s journey is more than just a feel-good success story. It’s filled with lessons that entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago can apply to their own businesses – whether you’re running a small shop in Arima or launching an e-commerce brand from Diego Martin.
1. Authenticity Wins Every Time
Mikayla didn’t try to fit into the mold of a traditional beauty influencer – she embraced her thick Boston accent, her no-filter personality and her unfiltered opinions. That’s what made people trust her.
For local entrepreneurs, this means leaning into your identity. T&T has a rich culture, unique dialect and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit – don’t water it down! Whether you’re telling your brand’s story on social media or engaging with customers, be real, be you and let your Trini flavour shine.
2. Engage with Your Audience Like They’re Family
One of the biggest reasons Mikayla succeeded was because she treated her followers like friends. She answered their questions, listened to their feedback and made content based on what they wanted.
Trini entrepreneurs can do the same. If you have an online business, reply to comments, engage in DMs and ask for customer opinions. If you have a physical store, make every customer feel like a VIP. The stronger your community, the stronger your brand.
3. Use Social Media to Build, Not Just Sell
Mikayla didn’t just push products – she shared tutorials, gave honest review and built a personal brand before launching her own line. That’s why people trust her.
In T&T, many small businesses jump straight into selling without building a connection first. Instead of just posting product photos, try behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials or educational posts about your industry. Let people get to know you before you ask them to buy.
4. Stay Consistent & Keep Innovating
Mikayla didn’t get famous overnight – she posted every single day and experimented until she found what worked. When TikTok trends changed, she adapted. When people doubted her, she pushed forward.
As an entrepreneur, consistency is key. Keep showing up, keep refining your craft and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Whether it’s adjusting your product line, improving your service or switching up your marketing strategy, business is about evolution.
The Takeaway: Your Brand, Your Voice, Your Success
Mikayla Nogueira is proof that you don’t need a big budget, industry connections or years of experience to build a powerful brand. What you do need is:
• A clear voice that stands out
• A genuine connection with your audience
• A willingness to adapt and innovate
• A product or service that truly adds value
So whether you’re selling handmade jewellery in Curepe, launching a digital marketing agency in Port of Spain or growing a local food brand that ships nationwide, the blueprint for success remains the same: Show up. Be real. Stay consistent. Engage your audience. And most importantly, build with purpose.
