Athena

@athenalayna

There's something refreshingly authentic about Athena Layna's approach to TikTok that sets her apart in a sea of perfectly curated content creators. While many influencers stick to polished, heavily produced videos, Athena has built her following of over 1.2 million by embracing what she calls "relatability in chaos." Her makeup tutorials and comedy skits feel more like hanging out with a friend than watching a traditional beauty guru, and that genuine energy has clearly resonated with her audience.

**The Sephora Skit That Changed Everything**

Athena's breakthrough moment came with a comedy skit about shopping at Sephora that racked up over a million views. The video perfectly captured the overwhelming experience many people have when walking into the beauty retailer, complete with confused expressions and relatable internal monologue. It's the kind of content that makes you think "finally, someone gets it" – and it established her knack for turning everyday beauty experiences into comedy gold.

**From Professional to Personal**

What makes Athena's content particularly engaging is her willingness to share personal aspects of her life. She's been open about her journey as a trans woman, discussing topics like not being on hormones and the pressures of living in Los Angeles. This transparency has created a deeper connection with her followers, who appreciate seeing someone navigate real-life challenges while still delivering entertaining content. Her early attempts at being overly professional actually held her back, she's admitted, because audiences crave that authentic, unfiltered connection.

**Building a Community Through Chaos**

Since launching her TikTok account in January 2020, Athena has mastered the art of balancing makeup education with pure entertainment. Her tutorials don't just show you how to apply eyeshadow – they're mini comedy shows with practical beauty tips woven throughout. She's created a space where people feel comfortable being imperfect, where a messy makeup application can be just as valuable as a flawless one. Her content often features music from various artists, including a memorable TikTok set to Lil Tracy's "Beautiful Nightmare".

**Beyond the Algorithm**

While Athena's primary platform remains TikTok, she's expanded her presence across other platforms and even offers personalized videos through Cameo. Her journey hasn't been without its challenges – she's faced workplace issues (including being fired from Sephora) and industry drama, but these experiences have only added to her relatability. Her ability to turn setbacks into content opportunities shows a resilience that her audience clearly admires, proving that sometimes the most compelling creators are those who aren't afraid to show their imperfections along with their expertise.