10 Stellar Questions With Content Creator Nadia Bowes

 

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Irish content creator Nadia Bowes has become a recognisable face thanks to her relatable lifestyle content and infectious personality.

Known for her fitness journey, hair and beauty content and unapologetically authentic personality, Nadia has quickly become one of Ireland’s standout digital creators, offering her followers a refreshing mix of glamour, humour and real-life conversations.

From her hilarious Taxi Talks to her viral blow-dry series, Nadia has built a platform that feels both entertaining and refreshingly genuine. Now taking the leap into content creation full-time, she is proving that sometimes you just have to take a chance on yourself.

STELLAR sat down with Nadia to chat about her journey from working in a hotel to becoming a full-time creator, her best Dublin blow-dry spots, confidence, fashion and beauty must-haves, and why she is passionate about being authentic and honest online.

 

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This year you have taken the Irish social media world by storm, when did you start making content and was to become an influencer always your goal?

No, it was definitely not always my goal, I only was posting for fun, and I only started it full time this year in February.

I worked at a hotel full time before this, and I went for a meeting with my agency and they said to me look you do not need the hotel as much as you think you need to, as I was constantly downsizing my hours more and more.

They said if you believe in yourself as much as we do, just go for it, and then I gave in my notice that week.

That’s amazing, it’s important to know deep down when it’s the right time to fully immerse yourself in it.

Exactly, as you never know what the future holds, it can be a bit daunting to let go of your stability. What if everything comes crashing down? But the reality is you can always go back if needed.

 

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Your fitness journey is a big part of your content. How do you stay motivated in the gym, and do you have tips on how to stay consistent?

I would say that I am not motivated by the likes of staying thin and looking good, for me it’s more the mental aspect of things.

If I am not in the gym every week I notice my mental health routine goes down, so for me it’s more the mental aspect of things, it keeps you in routine and it keeps you grounded. Obviously life gets busy and things can happen but for me the gym is an outlet.

Motivation comes and goes, you can’t fully rely on it. If you have a goal in mind, you must create daily habits that you stick to over time.

I have been struggling with consistency as well, but it is very important to just remember your ‘why.’

You are the queen of hair content, particularly with your ‘best blow-dry’ series on TikTok. Where would you say are the best 2-3 places to get a blow-dry in Dublin?

So, I haven’t reviewed this place just yet, but it is where I always go, my hairdresser Shelley is there and it is called The Space in Drumcondra. She actually asked me not to review as she knew I would be biased!

It’s more on the expensive side, but it is an experience. It’s not just getting your hair done, you get a tea, there’s a lovely waiting room, so it is an amazing space if you want to treat yourself.

@nadia.bowesLet the games begin as Dylan said hahah, off to a strong start 👀🤭💞💞♬ bossa 90s – BOAS ENERGIAS

Also, Wildflower in Ranelagh with Dylan Byrne, he is a master in his work. His blow dry is phenomenal and lasts so long.

And then finally Darlo in Phibsborough with Dina. Darlo feels like a piece of home being an Irish girl, everyone is chatting and it is so lovely, you feel just at home.

When you do your own hair, what are your must haves, whether it’s a particular styling tool or haircare products?

You will never catch me doing a blow-dry without my Colour Wow Extra Large Bombshell Mousse. I am always asked about volume and that product makes mine last.

And then I use the Dyson Airwrap, it is the holy grail. I actually also sleep with my rollers in, which is quite bad [for your hair] but that’s really one of the secrets to the big blow-dry.

My favourite content is where you strike up conversations with your taxi drivers or strangers – were you doing this before you started posting so often? 

Oh yes, I always did that before I started recording, I think that’s just naturally the person I am. I converse with anyone, if I make eye contact with someone, I will start a conversation. I would talk to a brick wall!

I grew up to be like that, I also starting working young and I learned quickly how to communicate with people. I usually always take the piss, and people actually find it funny.

@nadia.bowesHe was the biggest hype man EVER

♬ original sound – Nadia Bowes

Not everyone is confident naturally, some people even struggle with phone calls. You need to challenge yourself.

Set a goal like, ‘I am going to try and speak to one stranger today,’ if you’re with a cashier challenge yourself to compliment them or ask a question. The more you do it the more comfortable you will get.

You have quite a fun, bright sense of style. What attracts you to a certain piece of clothing and what are your favourite brands to shop at?

I’m a sucker for a bit of lace or a flow-y material, I love the boho vibe and I also love a colourful piece. We were all obsessed with beige for a while, Molly Mae had us in a chokehold, but I always love bright colours.

At the moment I’ve been on a shopping ban, but I have been loving Vinted and I love Zara.

Do you find it is important to experiment and go outside your comfort zone when it comes to fashion?

Yes definitely, what happens is you grow up around certain people and you naturally dress like those around you and that’s completely normal, but there is no harm in experimenting.

You should always choose what makes you the most confident and most like yourself.

 

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You’re good friends with other creators like Painted by Ciara and Charleen Murphy, how important is it for you to have those friendships in the industry? 

I think it’s so important to be honest, as these are the people you are going to be around. Before I got into this, I would be like, oh my god they’re so big and amazing and then you realise they are actual real humans, they are normal people just like everyone else.

Usually, I’m a lone wolf. I’m okay with being alone and I love my own company but it’s important because friendships help you grow. Human connection is so important and it’s important to find the right people.

You are clearly in love with the social media world; is there any other media you enjoy?

I love YouTube so much, like I watch the most random things. I love Cal Freezy and Mukbangs. I also love a good vlog; I love Painted by Ciara and Lauren Whelan and Charleen Murphy’s YouTube channels.

I also love a good game show, like The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing. And my favourite musical artist is definitely Olivia Dean; I truly connect with her music.

@nadia.bowesThis felt personal♬ original sound – Nadia Bowes

You have a lovely glowy makeup routine, what are your top must have beauty products?

I have a couple of must haves. Number one is skin prep, if you want a glowy makeup look but are not preparing your skin you’re setting yourself up for failure.

I love using the Haru Haru Wonder Essence, it’s my favourite face product for a glow. I also adore my Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Bronzer, I cannot live without this, it is unbelievable.

Obviously the KASH Beauty Lip Stain particularly the shades ‘Hard to Get’ and ‘It’s Complicated’ and because I struggle with hormonal acne, I always use the Sculpted by Aimee Brighten Up Concealer.

How important is it for you to talk about your struggle with hormonal acne online?

I used to talk about it so much more when it was more active, I would never hide it, because I feel like with social media all you see is perfect skin and when you are struggling with your skin it feels like the end of the world and you feel horrible about yourself and it’s really upsetting.

It needs to be more normalised that everyone is still beautiful even with flare ups, there is no filter with that. It’s important to see a human side to the people you follow.

Words by Robyn Jane Lawlor