**Makeup Influencer Manny Gutierrez Reflects on His Journey in the Beauty Industry**
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Manny Gutierrez, widely recognised by his online moniker Manny MUA, has become a significant figure in the beauty influencer arena. On the occasion of his remarkable journey, the 35-year-old has opened up about the challenges he faced, particularly as a male makeup artist in a traditionally female-dominated industry. His candid revelations come in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
Gutierrez’s foray into the digital world began rather discreetly. Launching his YouTube channel in 2014, he did so under the duress of a homophobic environment, coming from a conservative Mormon upbringing in San Diego. He recalls the hesitations that clouded his early days as a creator, notably the fear of being discovered. “I was very nervous to start posting in those early days,” he remarked, “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want anyone to see what I do.’ It was like living a Hannah Montana life.” To compartmentalise his online presence, he blocked numerous friends and family members from viewing his content.
Initially, Gutierrez’s content, which featured makeup tutorials, product reviews, and various beauty challenges, garnered modest views. However, an upward momentum soon followed, as his dedication began drawing attention, shifting from hundreds to millions of views in a short period. At that time, male makeup artists were quite unusual on platforms like YouTube, giving Gutierrez a sense of being a “novelty” in a space that largely comprised female influencers.
As more men began to carve out their niches in the beauty space, Gutierrez found himself part of a budding community of male creators. This shift had an impact on the industry’s perception, eventually making brands more receptive to collaboration with male makeup artists. In 2017, his efforts were recognised when he made history as the first male ambassador for Maybelline New York. Yet, despite this milestone, Gutierrez faced significant hurdles in securing brand deals comparable to those enjoyed by his female counterparts. “I would’ve been paid the same amount as the girl with one-third my following and way less engagement than me,” he disclosed.
The disparities in treatment prompted Gutierrez and his friend, fellow influencer Patrick Starrr, to think strategically about their brand partnerships. They realised that by presenting themselves as a duo, they could enhance their appeal to brands. “Brands were getting two boys for the price of one girl,” Gutierrez explained, acknowledging the industry’s tendency to couple creators for collaborations instead of recognising them as individual contributors.
Nearly ten years into his career, Gutierrez retains a unique perspective on the evolution of the beauty industry. However, he notes that while male creators initially experienced steady progress, recent trends suggest a regression. “There are definitely ebbs and flows,” he remarked, observing a troubling shift where queer representation in beauty spaces seems to diminish.
Despite the presence of more male influencers today, Gutierrez highlights a disconcerting rise in hostility directed towards queer individuals, particularly online. Referencing a recent backlash surrounding Bud Light’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, he articulated his concerns about the culture of intolerance that seems to be resurfacing within the beauty community. “There’s more boys in beauty than ever, but people are more willing to send homophobic and transphobic hate,” he stated.
Furthermore, Gutierrez has noticed a worrying trend where brands appear to prefer inviting cisgender women to promotional events, signalling a subtle shift away from inclusivity. “It happens so slowly and so subtly that you wake up and suddenly queers are being erased from spaces that they were accepted in,” Gutierrez lamented, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and advocacy for equality in the beauty industry.
In conclusion, Manny Gutierrez’s experiences encapsulate both the triumphs and trials faced by male influencers in the beauty realm. His journey highlights the importance of representation and the ongoing challenges in combating discrimination within creative spaces. With growing awareness of these dynamics, he remains passionate about his work, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in beauty content creation. As the industry continues to evolve, Gutierrez’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers that still need to be confronted to create an equitable environment for all creators.