Always Scrolling: Golloria
Always Scrolling is PAPER‘s spotlight on our favorite TikTokers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Keep reading to discover this week’s viral sensation: Golloria.
As a refugee from South Sudan who moved to the US at the age of five, Golloria‘s early years lacked representation of her skin tone. Not only did her family deal with displacement and fall on hard times upon their arrival to the US, but she was also placed in school in middle America where finding even another Black girl in her classroom and in the media was difficult — let alone someone who reflected her own skin tone. Because of this, she began her social media journey and became a voice within the world of beauty inclusivity.
Her platform now is a space for beauty exploration and personal growth, sharing reflections on the color of her skin and embracing her South Sudanese roots, along with beauty and lifestyle content. “What I do comes with a lot of bad and a lot of good,” she tells PAPER. “The advocacy and inclusion work I do has truly built a community of my dreams.”
PAPER chatted with Golloria about her community, how there’s no such thing as too much blush and her favorite spot for Jamaican food in Austin.
@golloria get ready with meee💋💋
What do you love about what you do?
What I do comes with a lot of bad and a lot of good. The advocacy and inclusion work I do has truly built a community of my dreams, and I love meeting the people who support me. It’s surreal.
Who is another TikToker that you love right now?
Toni Bravo. She is that girl, and she is the moment. My sister truly. I love seeing dark skin girls win.
Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?
The comments saying “I’m too Black,” or comparing me to a literal gorilla because of how dark my skin is. It truly does not bother me much because I realize I am not the problem — their bigotry is.
@golloria never performative includion with haus labs, they ALWAYS give the dark skin girls variety in tone & shades!
What’s one of your favorite looks you’ve posted?
This Greece pic. I look so sun-kissed and truly just happy to be alive.
What’s a trend that you love right now?
Anything blush-related. It’s never too much blush.
One that you hate?
Everyday cannot be natural makeup. Put that makeup on.
What would you never wear?
Any extreme chunky shoe. It’s giving boat on my feet.
Favorite fashion and beauty brands right now?
Hanifa and Danessa Myricks.
@golloria eeekkkk i could cry, we have come such a long way girls 🥹🤍
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Damson Idris. Whew, honey.
What’s a good book you’ve read recently?
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan.
Favorite restaurant in Austin?
Bikkle Jamaican in Downtown.
What are three songs you have on repeat right now?
“Alright” by HADURAH, MohBad and Niphkeys, “Dealer” by Ayo Maff and Fireboy DML and “Sweet Tea (Aduke) by Bnxn.
Photography: Grace Bukunmi
