Check out our interview with talented Podcast Host, Entrepreneur, and Designer Christina Harris.
The multi-talented Christina Harris, also known as BeautyChickee by her over 1.5M followers (across all platforms), has her hand in almost everything. Christina recently launched her highly anticipated and rebranded Bitchee Podcast, now titled, Gin & Toxic; a show about the messy adventures and lessons of two absolutely un-hinged best friends, living life in NYC in their 20’s, hosted by Christina Harris & Lily Stewart. New episodes are out every Wednesday!
The digital creator turned Entrepreneur just founded her own full-service, influencer marketing agency, West 27th Talent.
Follow Christina @beautychickee
Hi Christina, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a content creator and podcaster living in NYC. I also run an influencer talent management group, West 27 Talent, and a successful women empowerment merchandise line, BITCHEE Apparel. Aside from the crazy business side of myself, I’m a 22-year-old woman, navigating my life just like anyone else in their 20’s. Going out with friends, having some massive wins, and just as many mistakes. I’m an extrovert, maybe too much at times, but overall, I am just living my life to the fullest I can!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Fierce, Driven & Funny. I think those three words sum up how I am and how I portray myself! I also think my friends would probably agree. Especially funny- I’m definitely the “class clown” of the friend group.
Name one your strengths?
One of my strengths would be confrontation. I know many people hate confrontation, but I’ve always been very good at handling issues head-on and creating resolutions to these issues in a controlled manner. It’s always been one of my strengths, and it has helped me a lot in my personal life and my work life.
Best advice ever given?
One time my life coach told me that relationships aren’t 50/50; they’re 100/100. She initially told me this when I was going through a tough breakup, and it stuck with me not only for my romantic relationships but also for friendships. Your friendships should also not be 50/50; they should be 100/100. If I’m going to be putting effort into a friendship, they should be putting the same amount of effort back into it. I think saying the typical phrase “a relationship is 50/50” is not great because that would mean you’re only putting half of your efforts into it. Who wants to have a friendship or a relationship where you and the other person are only putting half of yourselves into it?
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
I think my dad has been a significant influence on my life ever since I was young. He was always incredibly supportive of everything I was doing in the social media field and always tried to understand things I was going through. He helped me out a lot with money management at a young age. He’s been such a significant influence on me and has reminded me from time to time that, “hey, you are this total boss, but at the same time, it’s okay to let your emotions flow, and it’s okay to have fun.”
How did you get started into the business?
I started my entire social media career on YouTube, creating videos at the young age of 12/13 years old. At the time, I was in love with YouTuber Michelle Phan, who made beauty videos such as makeup tutorials and DIY projects. I was absolutely in love with her and her videos, and she ended up being my biggest inspiration to start up my own YouTube channel and start creating videos. I started by making little makeup tutorials and fashion lookbooks, which initially kicked my career off.
How has this changed your life?
My career has made my life do a complete 360 in the best way possible. I would never be able to have my dream life in NYC had it not been for my career taking off at such a young age. I’m just so grateful that I love what I do and live by my schedule and rules. I can work whenever I want from wherever I want, and if I want to go out to dinner every night or treat myself or the people I love to nicer things, I can! I just would have never thought that I would be in such a fortunate position where I am my boss, and I have a schedule that is completely controlled and created by myself.
What is the best and worst part of being an Entrepreneur and a Designer?
As an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to take a loss if your investment doesn’t pay off. I feel like that’s probably one of the worst parts. Imagine making a massive investment into something you believe in, and it doesn’t play out the way you want, so you have to take that loss. Whether it be an investment of your time or financial investment, taking a loss on an investment sucks. However, on the contrary, what if it does take off? All your hard work pays off, becoming the best feeling of success. This plays into so many things I do, from BITCHEE Apparel to Gin & Toxic. Sometimes I invest my time and money into a new BITCHEE launch that either ends up taking off with successful sales or doesn’t take off. Or I invest in Gin & Toxic- putting a bunch of time and money into marketing materials that either pay off or it doesn’t. Long story short- the cons are taking a loss, but is it even a con if you can learn and grow your business from it? Loses are needed to gain knowledge to form a win!
Can you tell us about your influencer marketing group, West 27th Talent? What is different from your management group to others and why did you decide to create a management group like this in a very competitive market?
West 27th Talent Management is a full-service influencer marketing group that works with content creators of all kinds. With 360° management, deep brand relationships, outstanding leadership, and a firm understanding of the competitive landscape, West 27th helps content creators build their brand and create lasting partnerships. I wanted to make sure I started a management group from an influencers perspective and ensure it’s everything an influencer wants in a manager. They want high-paying deals, the best cut that they can get, and they want flexibility. Honestly, in this day and age, I know starting as an influencer, you want to grow your brand and make some side cash while doing it, but everyone wants to lock you up in long-term exclusive contracts that might end up doing more damage than good. The West 27th strategy is a perfect medium for both the manager and the influencer, giving the flexibility and terms they want in a partnership.
Tell us about your very popular podcast “Gin & Toxic?”
Gin & Toxic is a show about the messy adventures and lessons of two unhinged best friends living life together in NYC through their 20’s. We talk about dating, we talk about sex, we talk about crazy nights out, and everything in between.
Our friendship dates back to our college days, attending the Fashion Institute of Technology and being stuck in a boring journalism class with a professor who came straight from what felt like hell itself. We sat beside each other all class, which naturally led to us to working on projects together and having weekly gossip sessions during lessons. Through this, we slowly became friends, but it wasn’t until 2020 when our friendship truly took off. Being some of the only people left out of our friends in NYC post-pandemic, we naturally gravitate towards each other. Looking for practically any human interaction, we constantly hung out, and grabbed margaritas almost daily. We quickly realized we had way more in common than what met the eye. Throughout the conversations and tequila consumed, we soon became an inseparable duo.
Fast forward through the crazy nights out and life experiences we shared over the past year and a half, I was looking to trash my old podcast show to make room for a new, crazier, more unhinged show than ever before, and who better to co-host the show than my unhinged best friend Lily herself? Lily was immediately on board, and thus, Gin & Toxic was born!
What is different from your podcast to other podcasts?
When I was doing The Really BITCHEE Podcast, I honestly didn’t feel that passionate about it. I launched the podcast when I was going through some life changes, and trying to do a podcast, let alone a podcast solo, during that time was challenging. Ideally, you want to have someone to bounce your ideas and jokes off of. I think that waiting until I was stable and healed from my past, as well as bringing on a cohost on to the show who aligns with my energy and goals, just allowed me to be more vulnerable and open and share the crazy stories I’ve been holding back on with my audience. Going from a podcast where I was not doing well mentally and recording alone to doing a podcast with my best friend after learning so much about myself and breaking old habits that held me back from being myself has genuinely changed the podcasting game for me and this new show.
How often do you release new content?
We release new episodes every Wednesday at 12:00 PM ET!
What do you think is the secret to having a successful podcast?
Consistency and having a niche are key to a successful podcast. Consistency because people love consistency, and algorithms love consistency even more. If you are uploading your podcast on the same day at the same time every week, then it’s going to help the algorithm to pick up on it and recommend your show to the public. Then, you have to find your niche; what are you good at talking about? What can you talk about for hours on end? That’s what your podcast should be surrounded by. Those are two of my best tips for a successful podcast. Funny enough, I just did an interview with Gotham Magazine on my seven tips for becoming a successful podcaster. If you want to check that out, you definitely can!
What actor/actress do you admire the most, and why?
I love Dakota Johnson, which is so random, but I just think she is brilliant! She seems like such a sweet soul & humble woman, and the way she carries herself is incredible. I love her and all the films she’s been in!
Tell us about your clothing brand “Bitchee™ by Christina Harris?”
I do me. I don’t care what other people have to think. I don’t care if they love me or hate me. I do my thing and consider myself a bad bitch. I do not care if people think I’m a bitch, because to me, a bitch is the most powerful, carefree, badass female, and we shouldn’t be using the word bitch as a term to degrade others, but rather as a term to empower them. Of course, I had to throw that double-E on the end of BITCHEE because of the name BeautyChickee.
What inspired your latest collection?
We have a new collection coming out in January 2022, and I wanted to finally add a bit of color into BITCHEE because it’s always been black and white with all the collections I’ve ever released. I wanted to add color with this collection, but in a timeless, modern way, so we finally decided to add some brown and tan colors to this new release. I’m obsessed with it, and I think it came out perfectly. It’s the perfect colors to mix and match with outfits in the new year. Additionally, I wanted to incorporate more of the BITCHEE mission into this new collection, which is why you’ll see the fine print under the BITCHEE logo, which speaks about doing what you want and living unapologetically.
What is different from your brand/products to other ones in the market?
Our most differentiating factor is that we have the word “bitch” right on the shirt. People initially look at BITCHEE, and they say, “oh my god, why is the word bitch just written on a t-shirt,” but they need to take some time to read our mission statement & what we stand for. We stand for women empowerment, and we stand for using the word bitch as a powerful, uplifting word rather than a word to degrade women. Our morals and mission behind the brand set us apart from competitors on the market.
Where can we buy them?
Currently, BITCHEE Apparel is sold exclusively on Fanjoy at Fanjoy.co/beautychickee, or you can also go to bitcheeapparel.com!
What would you say is a color that resonates with you the most and why?
I love the color pink, but I think red might resonate a little more with me just because I’m very fiery and sassy! I feel like every time I see the color red, it just screams at you; it’s a powerful, bold color, and I feel like that’s what I represent.
What comes to mind when you think of the next collection?
Definitely more colors! I would love to create a collection using pink or blue, or even a lovely sage green; I think that would be pretty! I think it’s also time to make some accessories, such as backpacks, purses, socks, little things like that. The sky is the limit with BITCHEE in 2022!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I am a nerd for some good self-help books, but my top 2 books that I think not only should every aspiring entrepreneur read, but anyone who needs a push to succeed, would be “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero and “Your Brain At Work” by David Rock. Both get you out of your stuck mindset, teaching you valuable lessons and strategies for battling self-sabotaging habits that are causing you to slack behind and help you progress into your future. Both are pretty easy reads, making them the perfect books for starters. Another book that is incredibly inspiring to an entrepreneur and anyone who is getting into the world of making their ideas a reality & manifestation would be “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. I genuinely believe that everyone needs to read it once in their life as a vital part of self-discovery and growth within your mindset. These books, whether directly stating how to change your mindset with facts or showing you in a fictional matter, have helped me re-shape my working habits.
What’s next for Christina Harris in 2022?
In 2022, my main priority and focus will be to grow my podcast, Gin & Toxic. Lily and I feel very passionately about the show, and it’s already going so well. We want to make sure we capitalize on it and make it bigger and better than ever. We want everyone to be as obsessed with the show as we are, and so Lily and I are pouring our hearts and souls into this show. We love seeing the reactions from fans and the DMs they send of their toxic confessions; It’s incredible to see. Hopefully, we can start doing some NYC live shows at comedy clubs. Additionally, this year we will incorporate video into the show, so our audience will have the option to watch the show!
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I hope in five years I am still podcasting, because I love podcasting, but honestly, it’s so unpredictable! Last year, I didn’t think I would be in the place where I am right now. But, I would love to see myself thriving, having a high income, and still living in NYC. I want to have my beautiful apartment, continue to podcast, manage other influencers, and most of all, continue to do what I love.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Not going to lie; I feel like I am the worst Influencer to talk about Instagram to because I honestly suck at it. But the one thing I have found that keeps my fans engaged is just talking to them as if it’s a vlog, but on my Instagram stories. Talk to them about anything, no matter how boring or stupid it may be. Good stories, bad stories, how my day is going, how I had a terrible day, anything. They love to interact with you and feel like they are involved in your day, so involve them.
You are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
The pressure to do the right thing in the public eye is insane. You don’t want to slip up and do something stupid, or someone takes something you say the wrong way. You need to tread carefully and know how to do the right thing. I try to live my life very truthfully with my audience and try to be my most authentic self with them. The people who genuinely love me for me and watch my content for the most authentic version of myself will stick around. I’m also not the corny influencer who will preach to my fans to “follow their dreams!” consistently. I’m just simply not like that, but I do think that a lot of my fans see how successful I have become in the past few years, and they get that sense of inspiration from me. Hopefully that gives them the extra push they need to follow their dreams and pursue the things they’ve been wanting to do.
I bet you get millions of it, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you received so far?
This question made me laugh! I get so many weird messages from men all the time, from guys trying to be genuine to men who are extremely weird and creepy. Unfortunately, I get way more DMs from weird & creepy guys, ones of them just flat-out asking to see “private areas” of my body without any introduction to their message. It’s interesting how bold they can get, messaging a girl they don’t know at all asking to see her boobs. Once in a while, I get a nice meaningful message from a man, but it’s usually drowned out by the 40-year-old creeps.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love a salad from Sweetgreen that has goat cheese, arugula, apples, spinach, lentils, carrots, onions, and balsamic vinaigrette. It’s so healthy and tastes so good, I could eat that salad every single day for the rest of my life; I love it.
And your favorite cheat food?
Shake Shack 100%. I always get a shack burger, cheese fries & a chocolate milkshake. It’s so good but so bad for you, and I always break out after eating it, so I try not to eat it often.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness is measured in so many different ways. For example, sometimes going out with my friends brings me happiness, but other times I enjoy lying in my bed alone with a candle burning. Sometimes getting my work done brings me happiness. There are so many different ways to bring happiness into your life; I don’t think it has to be one specific thing.
How would your best friend describe you?
I texted her and asked her once I read this question, and in her exact words: “Christina is the type of girl who lights up the room when she walks into the door and always brings a contagious chaotic energy everywhere she goes.”
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Michelle Phan! I started watching her videos at an extremely young age, and she was the person that pushed me to start my own YouTube channel & upload beauty, fashion & lifestyle videos. I think she is an absolute boss! I still follow her and adore her and her work ethic to this day.
What does fashion mean to you?
I see fashion as confidence. Wear whatever the hell you want, as long as it makes you feel confident, and you feel good in your skin. I love that about fashion because some days I feel more comfortable and confident in casual leggings and t-shirt outfits, and then other days I feel more confident and badass if I’m all dressed up in my leather pants. You don’t have to stick to one style; there are so many styles out there for you to jump around and wear whatever you feel your best in.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
I love Coco Rocha. I have seen the way she works the camera and the confidence she has, and she knows exactly what she’s doing. It’s honestly mesmerizing to see how she works a camera! For designers, of course, I have the classic designers I like, such as Prada and whatnot. Still, I prefer to be more conscious nowadays of fashion and support smaller designers, such as Marcelo Gaia from Mirror Palais. The pieces he creates are just so beautiful, and it’s all ethically made. I’m not perfect with my fashion purchases, but I try to support smaller businesses, upcoming designers, as well as sustainable and ethically made products.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I don’t usually put a label on my style! Some days I prefer to dress in streetwear, other days I like to wear athleisure, and other days I like to dress up in a cute dress & heels. However, I dress cute and comfortable on most days—lots of leggings, stylish sweatpants with cute sweaters and hoodies. Most of my weekdays are spent working on a laptop and running errands around NYC, so my outfits need to allow for my lifestyle. The one item I would say I cannot live without are my Nike Air Force 1’s. A good white sneaker can be dressed up or down!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
For living, I would love to meet Lori Greiner from Shark Tank! I would ask so many questions and want to know so many things from her. I mean, that woman is an absolute POWERHOUSE! I’d like to know how she knows what to invest in, what not to invest in, investments she missed out on, investments she wishes she had made, and so many more questions. She seems like such an incredible woman with a huge heart. Even industry aside, I would love to chat with her about anything. I also would have loved to meet Betty White, and I was so saddened to hear she passed away. She was an incredible woman and made so many people laugh and smile with all the iconic films and TV shows she has been in within her lifetime. I would love to talk to her about her experience being in the entertainment industry for all those years and talk to her about how the industry has shifted and changed over the years from her perspective. She seemed like such a lovely woman & I would have loved to chat with her.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday would probably be a 2-week stay, anywhere tropical, at an all-inclusive resort with my best friend/podcast co-host, Lily. When I think of vacation, I think fully of relaxation. Relaxation to me includes no work, plenty of drinks, great food whenever I feel like it, laying out on the beach & spa treatments every day.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I am a huge reality TV fan. I honestly live and breathe “Love Island UK” above all shows, but some others I love are “Are You The One?”, “Too Hot To Handle”, “90 Day Fiancé”, and any show that falls under that umbrella!
What music do you like?
I’d say pop, pop-punk & rock are my most listened-to genres of music!
Do you support any charity?
I love to support women’s rights organizations, one of which comes to mind right away would be Ms. Foundation, an incredible women’s foundation that helps give voices to women and bring attention to the equality issues women face. Aside from supporting women’s rights organizations, I am also actively supporting and researching charities that support and help all kinds of groups, such as The Trevor Project, which supports LGBTQ+, BLM organizations and more.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Hair ties, an eyelash spoolie and lip balm.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
The perfect Sunday to me would have relaxing rainy weather; I’d stay inside and clean my apartment, so I have a nice clean space and crawl into bed and binge watch some TV, read a book, take a long shower or even a bath, take extra time on my skincare routine, and in general have some “me” time to relax and reset before a crazy week ahead.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on all social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc., @BeautyChickee & make sure to also check out the Gin & Toxic Podcast page on Twitter, Instagram & TikTok @GinToxicPodcast!
Favorite(s)
Quote: “Every man is just some guy.”
Holiday Destination: Either Cabo Mexico or the Virgin Islands. I’ve been to both places multiple times and I love being able to sit in the sun all day, sip on Pina Coladas & eat great food.
Drink: Espresso martini. I’m already a huge coffee lover, and I feel like a well-made espresso martini hits the spot.
Celebrity Crush: I’m probably going to sound typical for this one, but I do have quite the crush on Jack Harlow right now. For girl crush, though, I mentioned her earlier, Dakota Johnson! She is just so badass, and I love how she carries herself.
Favorite song? Why?
September by Earth, Wind & Fire. I first heard the song when I was super young, and for whatever reason, it just stuck with me through my 20’s. It’s such a classic feel-good song, and every time it comes on, I can’t help but dance & be happy!
Sports Team: Please don’t hate me, but I barely ever watch sports, so I don’t have a favorite team or know anything about sports. I’ll have to pass on this one!
Movie: My binge-watch guilty movie is Someone Great. I love that movie, and it’s just one of those movies I can watch and never get sick of it. On the opposite side of a cliche rom-com, my other all-time favorite movie is Rocketman, the story of Elton John’s life. Every time I watch it, it makes me want to break out into song and dance!
