Interview with Björk

There is something wonderfully vivid about Björk’s story, a life where hair, music, identity, and reinvention seem to intertwine. A talented hairdresser from Iceland, she inherited her passion for hairstyling from a family that already carried the craft in its hands, with a grandfather who was a barber, a grandmother who was a hairstylist, and an aunt who followed the same path. Yet even as a child, Björk imagined herself in more than one role. First a hairstylist, then a singer, and eventually what she calls a “singing hairdresser,” she found a way to make both dreams part of the same life. Behind the glamorous hairstyles and playful love of pink, however, is a much more intimate story of survival and self-discovery. Björk speaks openly about her struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, and about the profound change that sobriety brought into her life. She also refuses to hide the difficult parts of her journey. Through social media, she has shared raw and painful experiences, including moments when she was attacked, believing that telling the truth about her own struggles might help someone else feel less alone.

 

Her story of coming into her own began remarkably early. As a child, she recognized herself in the story of a trans woman she saw on Icelandic television, even though witnessing the ridicule that followed made her afraid to reveal who she was. Years later, when she finally chose her own path, she also chose a name that had been waiting for her all along. Björk was the name her mother had intended for a daughter before she was born, a name that somehow remained hers to reclaim. Today, she speaks about transition not simply as a physical transformation, but as a journey toward self-love. She has learned to care less about external validation, to recognize that other people’s judgments do not define her, and to leave behind relationships that prevented her from becoming her true self. Her message is simple but powerful: learn to truly love yourself before looking for someone else to love you. Warm, candid, occasionally funny, and unafraid to be vulnerable, Björk embodies the idea that reinvention does not mean becoming someone new. Sometimes it means finally allowing the person who was always there to step into the light. And that is where our conversation with Björk begins.  

 

Interview with Gabriella Karlton

Monika: Today I have invited Gabriella Karlton. She is a Belgian model and proud transgender woman who shares her life moments on social media. Hello Gabriella! Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Gabriella: Hello, nice to be with you!

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Gabriella: Of course. As said previously, I am Belgian, I was born and have lived all my life in this small, somewhat complex country. I love cooking, exercising, and shopping. I'm also keen on art history and architecture... In the end, I think I'm a pretty ordinary woman.

Interview with Antin Belizar

Monika: Today I am meeting Antin Belizar, a Filipino make-up and hairstylist, and YouTube vlogger. It has been 10 years since she launched her Antin Belizar vlog where she shares her beauty tips and transition story. Hello Antin!

Antin: Hi Monika! I'm really glad to answer your questions and thank you for this opportunity.️

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Antin: My name is Antin. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I am proud to say that I am a transgender woman. I work as a call center agent in the BPO industry as my main source of income. Sometimes I like to indulge in little activities to help me escape from reality. That's how my YouTube channel was created. In my channel, you will see me create different makeup Inspirations and most importantly some videos I have shared about my true Identity. I'm just a normal person; I'm far from being perfect. I'm just me.️

Interview with Nadia

Monika: Today I am going to interview Nadia, an American hairstylist and beauty expert, a former entertainer from Orlando, Florida that shares her transition story on social media. Hello Nadia!

Nadia: Hello, how are you?

Monika: Doing fine. Could you say a few words about yourself?

Nadia: Well I am 44. I’m a services district educator for Ulta Beauty. I started my transition in 2005. So I will celebrate 16 years in April.

Monika: Nadia is a nice name. Why did you choose it?

Nadia: This name was given to me by my drag mother when I was a performer. It was a name I always loved as a kid. I love the movie Nadia based on the life of Nadia Comaneci. 

Monika: Yes, I remember the movie. Nadia Comaneci was a famous Romanian gymnast. Were you good at gymnastics?

Nadia: I was an ok gymnast. I taught myself a lot as a kid. All the things I wanted to do I was told “no” you can’t because that’s for girls. But that was with everything that I liked and wanted to do. I did enjoy watching the Olympics growing up and always hoped and wished I could do all those things that the girls did.

Interview with Jasmine Anderson

Monika: Today I am going to host Jasmine Anderson, a qualified hairdresser, part-time model, and social media influencer from Brisbane in Australia. Hello Jasmine!

Jasmine: Hello Monika! Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with you. I applaud you for all the great work you are doing with this blog.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Jasmine: Well I’m a 34-year-old transwoman from Australia. I’ve been transitioning for 3 1/2 years medically and have been married to a lovely man for just over 2 years now. I was lucky enough to meet him a month into my transition. I like to live life to the fullest and appreciate every moment I have on this earth. I hope I influence others' lives in a positive light.

Interview with Solange Dekker

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Solange Dekker, a fashion model from the Netherlands, hairstylist, beauty pageant queen, Miss Netherlands at Trans Star International 2019, Miss Evolution 2019, and Finalist Miss Beauty of Noord-Holland 2020. Hello Solange!

Solange: Hi Monika! Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Monika: You have already taken part in three beauty pageants! What is so special about being a beauty queen? :)
Solange: Thank you for your question. I have actually taken part in 2 beauty pageants! Miss Evolution is a title I won during my participation in 2019 Miss Trans Star International held in Barcelona, where I was the first-ever Miss Netherlands. The title goes to one woman who has shown the absolute most interest in the pageant and who has been the most 'evolving' girl in the pageant. Things such as being on time every time, taking extra catwalk lessons, trying to learn Spanish to talk to the girls, etc. Since this was my first ever pageant and I showed so much determination, I earned the title of Miss Evolution 2019.

Interview with Solena Chaniago

Solena Chaniago is an Indonesian celebrity whose life and career effortlessly cross borders, disciplines, and expectations. Based between New York City and Jakarta, Solena is an actress, model, and highly respected hairstylist, currently working as a Master Barber at the renowned Paul Labrecque Salon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side while simultaneously building her film career in Indonesia. A self-described dreamer with an unwaveringly positive outlook, she draws strength from the support of her family and friends and approaches every chapter of her life with grace, determination, and curiosity. Her work rhythm reflects a truly global lifestyle, with frequent travel that allows her to stay deeply connected to both the American and Indonesian creative worlds. This constant movement has shaped her adaptability and discipline, teaching her how to balance artistic ambition with professional responsibility. Whether she is on a film set in Jakarta or behind the chair in New York, she brings the same level of focus, warmth, and professionalism.

 

Solena sees creativity not as a single path, but as a dialogue between different forms of expression. For her, success is rooted as much in personal fulfillment as it is in public recognition. Solena’s artistic journey began at a very young age, inspired by her grandmother, who introduced her to the stage when she was just five years old. Acting remains her first and greatest love, leading her from an unexpected discovery in a New York restaurant to roles in films such as Brooklyn’s Finest and The Extra Man, and more recently to a major supporting role in the Indonesian feature film Sahabat Langit. Alongside her work on screen, she has cultivated an international career as a gentlemen’s hairstylist, training at top beauty schools in New York, London, and Los Angeles, and forming lasting relationships with her clients. Open about her transition and thoughtful about the social realities faced by transgender women, especially in Indonesia, Solena speaks with honesty about identity, beauty, love, and responsibility. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and a deep belief in dignity, compassion, and the power of simply being oneself.

Interview with Cadence Matthews

Cadence W. Matthews is a multifaceted Canadian artist and advocate known for her work in the hair extension industry, as well as her pursuits in acting, singing, and other artistic endeavors. At 27, she has established herself as a vibrant presence in both creative and LGBTQ+ communities. From a young age, Cadence recognized her true identity, expressing feelings of being different as early as age three. Her journey of self-discovery and transition was gradual, marked by resilience in the face of societal challenges. Throughout her school years, she faced bullying but remained steadfast in expressing her authentic self, often wearing makeup and carrying a purse to school from the age of 13. Cadence's commitment to authenticity extends beyond her personal life. She believes in the importance of sharing her transition story to foster visibility and support within the transgender community. 

 

While she has experienced anxiety and panic attacks, particularly during her transition to living full-time as a woman, she continues to advocate for self-acceptance and mental well-being. Inspired by figures like Candis Cayne, Cadence admires those who embody talent, eloquence, and grace. She acknowledges the progress made in transgender visibility, especially in Canada, and celebrates the achievements of individuals like Jenna Talackova, whom she knows personally and describes as "sweet as pie and absolutely stunning." Though not directly involved in politics, Cadence supports the active participation of transgender individuals in political spheres, recognizing the impact they can make. Her passion for fashion reflects her dynamic personality, embracing a range of styles from edgy biker chic to elegant ensembles. Cadence W. Matthews exemplifies courage, creativity, and advocacy, making her a compelling figure in discussions surrounding gender identity, artistic expression, and community empowerment.

Interview with Liliana

Liliana is a 23-year-old video blogger from Texas, known for her vibrant YouTube channel, Sincerely, Liliana. Through her platform, she shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery and transition, offering support and encouragement to those in the transgender community. As a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist, Liliana combines her love for beauty with her mission to provide a space for visibility and understanding in the world of transgender experiences. Her story began in her childhood, where she faced significant challenges due to her femininity, including bullying and feelings of isolation. Despite these struggles, Liliana found solace in fashion and makeup, which became her outlets for self-expression. Today, she channels those early experiences into advocacy, hoping to inspire others who may feel the same struggles she once did.

 

Having been on hormone therapy for five years, Liliana is comfortable with where she is in her transition, though she’s still contemplating future cosmetic procedures. Her journey is not just about physical changes, but emotional growth and self-acceptance, which she openly shares with her audience. Liliana’s visibility is part of her mission to break down stereotypes and challenge the misconceptions often associated with transgender women. Liliana’s strength comes from her deep sense of self-love and the support of those closest to her, including her boyfriend of three years and her beloved pets. She dreams of a future where she can inspire and help others, possibly by opening a salon and continuing her advocacy for the transgender community. Her journey is a testament to resilience, as she believes that embracing one’s true self is the key to happiness and fulfillment. Liliana is not just a beauty influencer; she is a beacon of hope, spreading positivity and visibility to show the world that transgender women can be unapologetically themselves.