Michela Wariebi

Makeup Artist & Body Painter

Known for her transformative artistry and masterful work across skin tones, Michela Wariebi approaches beauty as an act of advocacy. Drawing inspiration everywhere, from Afrofuturism to geometric shapes, her work transcends the surface and uses the complexion as a canvas. As an engaging and empowering educator, she teaches her students how to work across tonal spectrums, shade ranges, and complexions with precision, respect, and care.

“I want my work to make people feel seen. I think the work that we create has to remain visible because it gives the next generation permission. When you feel seen, sometimes you see somebody like you doing something, and it lets you know, it gives you permission to say, ‘I can do that, too’.” —Michela Wariebi

Michela’s artistry is informed by a deep understanding of beauty as a reflection of cultural history and social context. By expanding the references that shape visual storytelling, she encourages a more nuanced and inclusive perspective on how beauty is defined and experienced.

“Beauty as a visual language essentially is a discussion about beauty beyond just the vanity of it. It’s beauty at the intersection of politics, history, culture and religion, because those things always inform beauty ideals and standards. As a Black person, you almost have to be proactive to tell your stories, because if you’re not proactive to push it out there, then we don’t know.” —Michela Wariebi

Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid

Multidisciplinary Artist & Creative Director

Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid is a true multihyphenate, whose storytelling naturally bridges music, film, and beyond. Inspired by her multicultural heritage, spanning India, Ghana, and Jamaica, she crafts narratives that resonate globally. “I hope that when people see my work, they feel seen, I hope that they feel respected. I want people to feel like they can see and experience this level of care that goes into every decision I'm making,” she shares with Oribe. Committed to mentoring and uplifting emerging Black and Brown creatives, she works closely with leading organizations to help shape the future of the industry. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and a Grammy Voting Academy member, she represents a new generation of cultural authors—those not only documenting culture, but helping define it.

“Every day you can also do something that pushes this conversation forward, like help somebody, inspire somebody, choose to shine a light on somebody new or somebody who maybe doesn't typically get that light shone. Those are small decisions we can all make. The same way that I can make a decision. I'm going to choose this specific hairstylist because this is like the model that we have, and it's important that she feels seen. Everybody has that sphere of influence to make those small decisions, that are in service of like, getting us all to a more authentic place. And I think that's something that we can all take from this. These moments are great to remind us of that, but we should be doing that every day.” —Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid