Meet Billykiss Azeez, the Ireland-based influencer who’s catching everyone’s attention, from the fashion-forward youth to seasoned style aficionados. While the digital landscape brims with self-proclaimed fashion experts, she stands as a breath of fresh air, delivering content that’s as rich in substance as it is in style. Billykiss’ Instagram feed might be your first introduction to her aesthetic—bold, colorful, and delightfully unpredictable—but it’s the deeper layers of her journey that truly captivate.
Originally born in Nigeria, Billykiss relocated to Ireland at a tender age and has since lived a life as colorful as her wardrobe. Her global perspective was honed further during her time at the University of Hertfordshire in England, a stint in Singapore, and semesters in Madrid and Brussels. This international exposure not only diversified her sense of style but also sharpened her business acumen, thanks to her degree in International Business.
Defying the fast-fashion frenzy, Billykiss’ style is refreshingly distinct. Her wardrobe choices mirror her life—colorful, multi-faceted, and worldly. She’s got a knack for taking trends and infusing them with her unique flair, whether it’s a cargo pants obsession or a newfound love for longer skirts. Her pragmatic voice in the volatile fashion scene strikes a chord, advocating for more sustainable and repeated wear, even in an industry that often seems obsessed with the new and the now.
As we dive deeper into our conversation with Billykiss, we explore her views on everything—from her go-to makeup products like REFY’s Cream Blush and KASH Beauty’s Skin Glaze to her take on re-wearing fashion as an act of confidence. And for anyone teetering on the brink of self-discovery, she has some poignant advice: get out there and start creating. Because in a world obsessed with impressions, clicks, and hashtags, the style influencer reminds us that the most indelible mark you can leave is one of authenticity.
If you’re interested in learning more about Billykiss’ story, she spoke to us about getting into content creation, her style, and much more below. Continue scrolling to read our conversation.
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into content creation?
Okay, so when I was 16, I told my career guidance teacher what I wanted to do with my life. And she was like, “Do you know about blogging? Are you into blogging?” At that time, everyone was doing YouTube, so I told her I’d thought about YouTube but not a blog. She said there weren’t really any black people in Ireland with a blog website, so that could be a good market. I told my sister, who had a YouTube channel, and she thought it was a good idea. So two or three years later, I started my blog website when I was in Singapore.
Do you remember the point in your career when you felt like you made it?
I don’t know, I feel like I haven’t reached that point yet. Maybe recently? Two or three months ago, I signed with a new manager, Icon Management. They’re so good in terms of their approach, perspective, and mindset. I’m quite a strategic and analytical thinker, and I studied International Business with Mandarin at university.
So, I’ve always thought about social media in a strategic perspective, but part-time. Since being part of their management team, I’ve gained so much knowledge and see the long-term opportunity. That might have been when a light switch turned on, like “Oh, okay, this is actually bigger than I thought.”
How would you describe your fashion style?
I like to describe my aesthetic as fun. I love prints and textures, and cool pants. That’s my favorite type of clothing—I’m a pants gal. So whenever I find something cool, interesting, or different, I’ll get it if I want it. I just like to wear things that make me feel free and fun, and I express my style through clothes.
We get a bit of a preview across your social media platforms, but are there any pieces or garments that you swear by or really love?
Yes. So anyone and everyone who knows me knows I’m a pageant girl. I think it was 2021 or 2022, I was all about cargo pants; it was even a problem. But with that being said, even right now I’ve been enjoying longer skirts. They give off that sophisticated, womanly vibe. And I also love the way sunglasses have become such a thing now. They just add that last touch to your look. I’ve always been wearing sunglasses, but I love how they’re such a thing now.
Over these past few years, you’ve become somewhat of a style guru yourself. Where do you tend to find inspiration for your outfits?
I think it’s hard for a content creator like me, who’s been in the industry, to say, “Oh my god, don’t follow trends. I just do my own thing.” Because when something is a trend, you subconsciously are going to see that product everywhere. In the last year, we’ve been seeing trends like jorts. Some people say they don’t want to follow trends just to be different.
There’s nothing wrong with seeing a trend you actually like and making it your own. So, I do follow trends, but I try to make them my own. It’s fun when something becomes trending, and even if it wasn’t initially on my radar, I might end up liking it because it’s everywhere.
Are there any changes you’d like to see in the industry?
Yes, I want to see people be more comfortable with re-wearing clothes in different ways. The whole concept of wearing the same item again and again is beautiful. I’ve been learning to enjoy my clothes continuously, not thinking, “Oh no, I’ve worn this before, I can’t wear it again.” I’ve worn cargo pants 100 times, but that doesn’t define my personality. I think there’s a difference between having something you love and being able to be versatile with it. I really want people to feel confident wearing their quality pieces openly.
I know that you’re also a big makeup gal. What are some of your go-to products at the moment?
Okay, so yeah, I love makeup. It’s so weird because my first love was actually makeup when I was like 14 or 15. But as time progressed, I shifted toward fashion and started incorporating makeup into my platform more slowly. In terms of my favorite go-to makeup products, I love blush. I like to have really colorful cheeks like pink and orange. I’m a big fan of the REFY Cream Blushes, the KASH Beauty Skin Glazes, and also NARS’ Blush in Exhibit A. Anything that adds color to my cheeks, I love.
On YouTube and TikTok, it’s very occasionally that we get a peak into your self-care process — do you have a skincare routine that you swear by?
Oh yes, I love skincare. My big rule is always to take off your makeup after a night out. Don’t sleep with your makeup on. If you had a long day and you’re wearing SPF, make sure to remove that too. Double cleanse your skin, it makes a big difference. Whenever I skip it, my skin feels weird the next day. But when I do take the time to double cleanse, everything feels great the next day.
That being said, what would your advice be to any young girls out there who are struggling with their identity or own personal style?
I’d say, be intentional and start by looking for inspiration. We have so many resources online, such as Pinterest, TikTok, and even Instagram. Save outfits of people that you feel you can resonate with. Are there common key pieces in these looks? Use these key pieces to start building your personal style. Don’t be afraid to try styling the piece in different ways.
I love trying on clothes in my free time and putting outfits together as soon as I get a new item. This can help when rushing to get dressed. As time goes on, you’ll naturally discover your style as you’ll realize you gravitate towards the things that make you feel the most confident.
