STORY TIME: How & Why I started My YouTube Journey (With Pictures)

[@SmithaDepak]

❤Products used in this tutorial (in order): Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream amzn.to/3JftEgh BASMA The Foundation Stick, shade 20 go.magik.ly/ml/1swrp/ Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer - Milani (145) go.magik.ly/ml/1nq4o/ Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer Medium 02 go.magik.ly/ml/1r1jt/ laura mercier translucent powder amzn.to/3jVRepF benefit super setter amzn.to/3IfrCh4 Kokie Cosmetics Micro-Fine Eyebrow Pencil (black) amzn.to/3zWaLuQ MakeUp For Ever Aqua Resist Pencil amzn.to/3AiSdVN lh cosmetics reload palette go.magik.ly/ml/1qkm1/ tartetartelette™ tubing mascara go.magik.ly/ml/1snqb/ Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush (Grateful) go.magik.ly/ml/1r1ju/ To line my Lips: Colourpop Precision Eye Brow Pencil (Bangin' Brunette) amzn.to/3U2t4rs Ofra Lip Lush in Plump bit.ly/3LN3typ (Use my code SMITHA for $$ off)

[@trinayanachowdhury8330]

😊

[@jetson10100]

Thank you for staying with your KZbin subs, I find the more popular everyone gets, they don't post here as much. There are people (believe it or not) that don't do Instagram or TikTok, and don't care about it lol, so thank you for staying here.

[@karenkatona3065]

I am SHOCKED that you have grown children! I thought you were about 25! I have watched you for ages and always enjoyed your approach to makeup. I, too, started out watching Nikki Tutorials. The thing I like most about your videos is that they work for all ages. I'm 68 and I've learned so much from your techniques. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@otherbrides5485]

Me too😂. I love hearing all of the dynamics.

[@Itseasypeesy]

Me too😮😮

[@supposedlyhuman]

Maybe 25 yo look like that in the states. It's pretty common for a 42yo to look like that

[@karenkatona3065]

Well, then, I'm jealous of all of y'all! Gorgeous.

[@bernerandgoldenmom7143]

Wow! What a story!!! Inspirational doesn't begin to describe how wonderful this was to watch. And if it's inspiring to me as a 59 year old, I can only imagine the impact on women of all ages. I absolutely loved the segue from your old "studio" to your new one. That was great! 🤣You could (and should!) do a master class on entrepreneurship! Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information! You've done so much good here. ❤💙❤

[@silverliningseeker9219]

Your passion is contagious. I love learning about your journey. Thank you for the morning reminder and motivation to live an authentic life and follow your dreams! 🦋

[@vaishnodevichettiappan606]

When you say I'm like a sister or a friend teaching you make up.. it's really true because it's how we feel.. so warm and polite and a soothing tutorial, to be relatable is what some ppl strive to achieve but with you, it comes so easily.. never ever stop making these videos for us.. because in this world it's 'relatable' which we are looking for.. love and regards 💙💙💙

[@student-gt6dg]

Smitha..these types of chit chat videos are to die for...plz continue doing these types of content..so that we get to know more about you❤🥰

[@SmithaDepak]

I'm glad you love them, and yes absolutely 😍😍😍

[@Makeupsakeup.]

I like you very much ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sarahhearns780]

Lovely to see you chatting and hearing about your history Smitha.

[@SmithaDepak]

Thanks so much, Sarah 💓

[@meghamilan9308]

I do Smitha💙 watched your journey from the start and it gives me so much inspiration today knowing your story… yes I came here to your channel because first time I understood the art of make up because you made it so simple.. make up used to excite me but no one before you spoke the language of make up simply like you did.. you broke it down to such small bite size modules that someone like me overcame the fear of what looked like complicated world of make up and inducted myself into it and what a joy it brought to me. Thank you so much! You deserve this place and deserve so much more! You’re absolutely phenomenal. And my goodness, I’m taking away the most beautiful and important message you have put out here - don’t overthink anything, just do it❤ love and luck to you Smitha 💙❤️

[@DionLuvsMakeup]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I love how direct and educational you are. I also love your minimalist approach. I wasn't here with you in 2009, but I've been watching you for many years. Thank you for being here, connecting with us, teaching us, and staying true to who you are.

[@ab-fy6ih]

I’m amazed at how you flawlessly applied your makeup while staying focused on your topics!!!

[@MissQueeennn]

I admire how genuine and sincere you are. Ever since I've found your channel, I fell in love with it. I love how you've reminded us how simple beautifying ourselves can be and the fact that you include an array of products including affordable ones. Thank you for sharing your journey. You truly are a gem. 💎

[@SS-pd6im]

I'm a fan of you and your work. You don't need to be loud and entertaining. I love your simplicity and so natural you are while presenting your make ups on records. I learnt many things what you said about life values and ofcourse make up from this video & like from earlier ones too. Thank you Smitha! 🥰 Definitely, motivated by you.

[@glamgamebyabhilasha]

Yes I remember that video 💙💙💙 Your OG here 🥺❤️ I request u to please keep posting such chit chat videos , we love watching you . I appreciate how kind and down to earth you’re ❤ I remember you writing a paragraph full of motivation for me in DM which is what keeping me consistent on Instagram. Thankyou so much for being you , so real and rare ❤ Big thankyou for the entire motivation you gave here. ❤ loved the video. X

[@dellaknowles5306]

It was so nice to hear your back story and be inspired by your motivation.

[@nadiahana4497]

Been with you since around 200k subs on this channel and proud to say i have no plan to leave anytime soon ❤ forever with Smitha ❤

[@VijaySubha1]

💙 congrats Smitha mam!you're absolutely right about your minimal approach to teaching on point and not going over the top loud on camera.Thats why i feel you fit the name makeup "GURU" perfectly bcos there is always a learning in each and every one of your videos. And this is your unique style. I have a request. In your starting point in youtube, you used many drugstore products which are more affordable to majority of audience and is relatable. Nowadays with inflation and recession, people are always looking for affordable options. And drugstore products have been stepping up their game and are up there with luxury brands(bcos most luxury brands and drugstore brands are owned by same parent companies). So as a ardent student(and also a fan) of you, i would want to suggest a constructive feedback idea of making videos with affordable products.

[@afsheenbaloch8066]

Such a great video about your journey with all the important details to learn. One can see the magical fingers of an artist in your tutorials, and yet they are simple. It is a very inspirational one. I love this minimalistic approach also about the mental and emotional impact of social media platforms. Thank you so much for this, and my heartiest congratulations on your incredible journey and milestones, more are on the way. May you grow and glow more Smitha ❤

[@anngibson16]

You're so real and down to earth. I've been watching you for years

[@SmithaDepak]

Thank you, Ann😍

[@miyamuni]

Hi Smitha! I am so glad you started KZbin. I discovered you back when I got my associate degree and I wanted to learn how to do makeup for my graduation. Now I'm getting my masters and I'm coming back to your channel again for this special day. ❤

[@Joy_Boobo]

Thank you for been a true teacher. My Love for you grows day in day out.❤

[@niharika-sanadhya]

I started my YT channel 3 years ago, then I did not continue. I started posting again last year but something happened in the family and I wasn't in right mind state. And finally I decided to give it a shot again and started posted again in December 2022 but thinking I'm not growing, told my husband that I need to start a job again, it is very sad to see no views even after putting in so much effort and I almost decided to quit. But I saw your this video and I think I still want to continue and share my experience with people ❤ Thank You so much for sharing this video.

[@mindy-made-a-mess]

This is the best video on the internet!! You are living what you preach, how refreshingly simple ❤ Thank You for the reality check. Be who you are and do what you do.

[@erinneill9350]

You're very likeable, Smitha. I found myself smiling along with you. I'm glad you've done this video because now we know something of who you are as a person. BTW I saw your video on how to hide redness, brown pigment etc by mixing a little bit of green with concealer for redness and the lilac with concealer for brown patches. It worked like a charm and I really appreciate your help. It has made such a difference. Yes, do more of these. I'm emailing this one to my husband who wants to start a channel. Thanks.

[@teresa01]

The first video of yours I clicked on was one on how to do a smokey eye on hooded eyes - it was magic to me! So many women have hooded eyes (even actresses!) and watching your tutorials has helped me so much. Thank you!!

[@jerrifoster3795]

A beautiful story to match a beautiful soul! You seem to be so down to earth and humble, and THAT, in itself, is so refreshing! My wish for you, is to continue to enjoy everything you have worked so hard to obtain. KZbin needs many more female beauty influencers, just like you. You do teach us so many things, that I have not heard of, or that is being taught by anyone else out there. I also greatly appreciate that your personality is NOT over the top, with a mouth to match. You are perfectly engaging, in all the right ways. Stay sweet! Thank you for all that you do!

[@BlingyBea]

Oh my goodness, what a journey you’ve had and accomplished so much with grown children to boot, I thought you were about 25 years old. I’m 69 and I think I’ve been following you for over a year, don’t remember how I stumbled across your channel but so happy I did. I love watching you and you’ve taught me so much, your techniques are simple and easy to understand. Love that you are to the point and don’t try to sell us stuff, you just like to teach us, very rare in this Utube community. You are so sweet and so easy going and loveable. Loved loved this chit chat cause I’ve rarely seen this side of you, please more of these. That green eyeshadow is so pretty. Thank you for being you, hugs and love from an aging Texas grandma.❤❤❤

[@Tara-jt8yk]

Thanks so much Smitha ! For sharing your journey ❤️you motivate so many women out there to chase what they are passionate about 💞🤗

[@AndreaUK1973]

You’re successful and want to inspire people to be successful too! That says a lot about you, girl! Thank you!

[@MOWNO1000]

That's why I always think about your way of taking which is really beautiful and most of the time I love to watch your makeup videos just to hear your words. You always talk very sweet in a natural way. Loved it.

[@deetalbott]

I really love your advice. It is wonderful that you are honest and you care!!! Thank you for all you do and for helping us. Love your channel so much. 💙

[@SmithaDepak]

Thank you, Dee!💙

[@sheryl3259]

I love that you seem so grounded, truthful. When we do the thing we truly love, it never feels like work. 🙏

[@laurazeller2014]

I love that your makeup tutorials are not complicated! I love them and have learned so much from you!

[@lgrillo]

Fantastic. Love the “just go for it” approach backed up by an overriding love for the work. That said, I also know from your planning video that you are very organized. One of the things that is a real draw to your videos, is not only the simplicity of the teaching, but the *pace* of the teaching. You don’t rush, and you also don’t drone on like some KZbin make-up personalities do. Keep up the great work!

[@beecash3168]

Smitha you're my absolute go to whenever I'm not sure how to do a makeup look. You're so very beautiful and you do explain everything so even someone like me who is not a makeup artist can achieve such a beautiful result thank you thank you thank you

[@sophieannhonym9149]

I watch each and every video you post on KZbin and when I discovered your channel, I flew backwards till the very beginning. What I really highly appreciate is the way you teach us (at least me) how to use simple tips to better apply my makeup : for instance I never run out off sponge applicators now that you taught me how easy it was to create an ombré eye makeup with them or use them under my lower lashes. Thank you for being still so genuine, passionate and keep this minimalist approach. I saw this famous video with the blue sari years later than when you posted it but I still love it. An a lot of your video are recorded on my cell phone so that I get them handy whenever needed. I'm 62 and still has a lot to learn although you tremendesly helped me to improve my skills. 💕💕

[@nataliseleznyova8743]

Dear Smitha, thank you very much for sharing your experience not only about make-up, but also about your business, I watched and listened it with great interest. I'm very happy for you. Good luck in everything, blessings and prosperity to you and your family. ❤

[@DiG900]

I have shared your videos so many times, to friends daughters and my own nieces. They all follow you now. I am a skin specialist so have done and advise them on skin products. Because you do natural makeup is why I have shared your site to them and now they all follow you for makeup and listen to tips you give. 🌺

[@elizabethcox8483]

Thank you for opening up and putting your heart into this….it is very apparent you love what you do. You are so down to earth and thats what makes you so appealing….besides the fact you are so beautiful and talented……keep being you!!!! 💖

[@itsellevee]

You’re amazing and this was so inspiring to watch! I’m definitely one of those people who overthink things, or over complicate processes in my mind and that keeps me from just starting. Thanks Smitha!

[@ElsaDav]

I would like to say thank you for making me believe that my eyes can have a bright makeup on as well :) I have pretty heavy eyelids that are way more than those that everyone show in their "hooded eye makeup" tutorials. I was never able to get even close to that perfect eye makeup because no tutorial worked for my type of eyelids. Till I saw your videos. After seeing them, I just realized that at some point, I have to start somewhere to get to the level. And now I'm proudly wearing makeup that I couldn't have even dreamt of ever before. Thank you really!

[@mockie38]

Your simplicity is my favourite thing watching your videos, thanks for staying humble and with simple and on point explainations.

[@geetmenon8267]

i just love you and your work. please continue to spill tea . it really motivates me a lot

[@SmithaDepak]

absolutely 😍😍😍

[@fionavanderhaer4934]

Wow, that's a beautiful eye shadow color ❤ Luvvvv luvvvv your story time. Gosh sounds hectic and it paid off. HUGE Congratulations Smitha! 💐 🎊

[@roseambat5110]

Yes please post more about your KZbin journey including growth hacks - love this!!

[@hehasrizenful]

Thank you Smitha for sharing it is so inspirational I do have a channel on here and your words they have encouraged me I go back-and-forth wondering if I should continue or not. I am not in it for the money. I am in it to teach crochet not at a fast pace like reels in TikTok, like you were saying, I to like the long teaching videos ❤❤

[@trinichandy3049]

Thanks Smitha for sharing your journey on KZbin. I really love your soft voice and your technique. God bless you in the future.

[@TatysMoranguinhoOh]

I start my makeup course 2 months ago and was looking on KZbin easy makeup tutorials and I watch your first video and I falling in love . trying to to watch your video everyday . Thank you

[@kristiphelan1989]

Love, love, love you. So humble and real. Being 51 you taught me so many new things. THANK YOU. ❤️

[@kimberlywood8545]

I loved hearing about your journey. You can hear how passionate you are about what you do. I enjoy watching your videos because they are simple, short and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@paddyandrews7789]

Smitha I’ve been with you since you had about 400k subscribers! You have taught me so much about makeup! You were and still are my time for relaxation. Whenever I watch one of your tutorials it makes me feel beautiful! Thank you for being so grounded and open with us. I wish you continued success and loads of blessings with your channel and businesses! All the best to your beautiful family 😘

[@VIsidore]

Hi Smitha, I enjoy your videos. I've been watching for about a year. You're taught me a lot about hooded eyes and how to apply eyeshadow. Your style is simple and to the point. I don't like spending a lot of time listening to rambling. I prefer getting down to business. My favorite video is when you used hair spray on your nose. I tried it and it worked. You are sweet, informative, humble, and you have a beautiful spirit. Nobody can take that away from you. The only person that can ruin you is you. I would like to know what year did you start your KZbin channel. I would like to know more about your family. I'll be looking for your first YT video. All the best to you. ❤

[@Rana-gk4ys]

Such wise and sage advice Smitha! You’re so genuine and authentically humble. Thank you for keeping it real. A true inspiration! Also, loved this video (and the eye look) please do more.

[@prettifulmuffin]

Smitha, I’ve been following you for a year for how well, simple, to the point, and easy to follow videos. But this video has allowed me to get to know you and, I know this sounds odd, feel close to you. You are awesome and I had no idea just HOW MUCH you are a BOSS woman!

[@EsKaYf4]

Well done and Congratulations on your continuing success. Totally enjoyed watching and listening to you. ❤

[@karma20241]

I only recently discovered your videos. You are my favorite for sure. I like your style, I love to listen to you speak and always learn something I can take away. I'm amazed that you have two kids in high school! You look amazing! Thank you for everything! 💞

[@milansaxena8249]

I love your videos and you are the only one that I watched to learn new makeup techniques after Wayne goss otherwise I find others tells the techniques in a simple manner. Love you for that ❤

[@anasuasarkar7777]

Devsena was the video with which I came, saw and got mesmerized with your talent 💙💙, and till date getting awed by you girl❤

[@ashishraj304]

Smitha, this video is like cherry on the cake, I just love your simplicity & how down to earth you are.. No nonsense. I am sure you will achieve much more. And please keep doing what you do & sharing with us as we wait for your videos. ❤❤

[@anitaharikumar3312]

I loved the way you said how being grounded humble etc and so on and so forth is so Important

[@roseschulze1647]

That lip color is really lovely on you!! Thank you for sharing your story with us!!

[@FeminineElegancebyRoz]

I love you so much. Thank you for the encouragement. I've been thinking about doing a KZbin channel and I don't know where to start or what to do. Keep it simple. Love it! Smooches 💋

[@romanimafia3041]

💙 That look was stunning! I've learned so much about working with a hooded eyelid from you, and I am so thankful!

[@LawmomLisa]

Thank you, Smitha. It was lovely to hear about the candid journey! I'm experimenting with KZbin. I'm also about to launch into law teaching videos! I'm pretty excited. I'll remember your advice not to overthink it!

[@VIsidore]

You can do it. Good luck!

[@anamarie3722]

Amazing Smitha , you are my inspiration ❤❤❤

[@rincysankaran6313]

Hey Smitha... Really Motivating!! The one thing I liked from this video is how you make things simple.... Whether it be makeup or sharing your thoughts. Just so beautiful!! Loads of love ❤❤

[@Kavita2304]

Just 1 sentence smitha i love u ....u r too modest ....God bless u alws....I loved it when said if your aim is to make money and u start doung stuff u wont suceed . Money is a by product of your hardwork . U r grounded and have your principles in place ❤u rock girl

[@vijaysona1]

Love every video of yours! You are such an inspiration! I have learnt a great deal on how to conceal my problematic eyes and applying eyeshadow on my hooded eyes. There is no one like you on youtube. The steps are so easy on your channel. Theres no one like you on youtube! You make us southeast asian so proud! I absolutely love u! I'd love to meet u if u ever come to AZ. ❤❤❤

[@BDdiva1]

💙 I watched each and every video of you. I couldnt comment in all but I definitely did like all of them and always felt inspired and this sense of i can do too has always rung in my head after watching you. I love you to the moon & back 💙

[@angelaglasscock8721]

I love your channel and how down to earth you are. So approachable!

[@SmithaDepak]

Thanks so much 💓

[@farhanamohsin9151]

Your success journey is inspirational. Also you r right one should ve their own way of demonstration. Absolutely correct..

[@Heyheyrayeraye]

I didn't find you from your first viral video, but I did find you about the same time from your video guide to brushes and their uses!! Best explanation of makeup brushes on KZbin TO THIS DAY! At that moment, I remember thinking "This woman is FANTASTIC!!"💙💙💙

[@diptimehta4160]

You are very talented and inspirational. One of those people who make everything work when you out a heart to it!! ❤

[@alexandranwa]

To think i was doing a research on your career journey yesterday and now I have the info coming directly from you, truly the universe aligns with your one's impilulse thought .. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@MohanaDasgupta]

Smitha, the 1st time I saw your videos, it was a video on how simple yet stunning eye makeup could be, i realized I'm not the only one who struggles with putting anything on eyes. I had watched countless tutorials on eye makeup but I truly felt like I had found the one place I needed to go to find some semblance of hope and not feel scared about putting on eyeshadow. I can tell you are an inspiration to us all brown girls and I hope you become the Ms Beast of KZbin.

[@mariyamhaque3432]

Just the video I needed to watch . your journey is inspiring. I just started my Instagram page and struggling with confidence, and how to come up with Content, the perfect equipment, and all those extra hindrances that come to my mind that stopped me from posting but after watching a video, I feel very confident that I can do it too. As long as I’m doing some thing that I love and I am doing it wholeheartedly I will get somewhere, thank you so much for sharing your journey and inspiring best of luck for all your future endeavors!

[@ashwinihr5068]

I decided to learn basic makeup when my engagement makeup was a total disaster and wedding makeup was not what I expected though I paid 22k for two sessions an 2 years ago. My expectation from makeup artist was too keep it simple and match the skin tone and do not make it too bright, well it ended up other way round. Nonetheless I now know the basic makeup and manage on my own at much affordable price than hiring makeup artist. All credits goes to you and few other KZbinrs. Kudos to you 🎉

[@drsashina]

What a beautiful soul ❤ More power to you Smitha! Keep on shining ✨️

[@darshinidesai3097]

💙you are queen my love! Learned so many things from you over the years! Thank you so much!

[@truth4justice142]

❤ Smitha, oh my goodness! Thank you for sharing your story, as I've been curious as to how you got started. I love how you teach, breaking down the techniques. My dear, you look so young I can't believe you have a child ready for college? Keep doing what you do! I tuned in every day to watch and learn. Congratulations!! 🎉😊

[@netjacqueline]

You so authentic and real. Love your focus and determination and well done, well done ❤

[@sunitamahtani4816]

Great story. Congratulations on your achievements and wishing you success in your upcoming endeavor. Being a MUA myself I continue to educate myself watching your reels and videos. I have great admiration for you 💕

[@cathievredenburg8019]

Stories are a wonderful part of culture. I enjoyed very much the story of your u-tube journey. Please continue. Also the eye make-up is gorgeous!

[@sapnaglam4857]

You really inspired me like other youtubers to start my own channel ❤thanku so much ❣️love ..You are amazing 😍 and so calming to hear you .

[@mini8328]

You have lot of talent that made u who you are,u completely deserve the whole success..

[@ambikas232]

💙… but I have watched you for a long time prior to that viral video. Your story is inspiring and please continue being this incredible human, Smitha. All the best

[@SunFlower-xp6hw]

Love this chat video so much! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

[@Durelle820]

Oh my gosh I’ve been waiting for this video 😅 Question: How did you learn to do makeup? I love your channel. Keep up the great work. 😊

[@sandrarthornton]

My shero. You are one classy gal. I've been a following you off and on for about five years. You taught me how to do half cut creases I am so happy for your success ❤️

[@WonderWomanHere]

This is a motivation video I needed today. Not only on makeup, you teach life lessons!!

[@edena2769]

Smitha, I am 61 years old, and I found you here about a year ago. I fall in love immediately. You are so kind, humble, honest , genuine and talented woman. I enjoy watching you, listening to you, and learning so much! I LOVE makeup, always did, and you have such a unique technics, it is astonishing 😂 Btw…. I can not believe you have 2 grown up kids! How??? 😂😂 I thought your are 28-29! Thank you for all you are doing ❤️

[@PandoraSaysSo]

Thank you for sharing these thoughts. Also, yes that eye look turned out so well! Very lovely.

[@IndianLei]

Smitha you are an inspiration to many!! 😮Wow !! 👏🏽🙌🏽Not only is your story a motivation but your love for simplifying the process is your USP. Like many here I have gotten better with my technique with every video but feel like I can never quiet get it to look like you. I would love to be there for your in person classes when I am up in Norcal or if you have one in LA. ❤ whenever you start them. 😊

[@ankitamukhija7458]

Just love how you simplify everything 😍 I am willing to start something in the field of makeup but having lot of questions in my head. Your journey is so relatable to what currently I am going through 🥺 Hoping it all gets sorted soon. Love your content and you😘

[@pambuus7614]

I love watching your videos. I just started watching you not that long ago and I will continue to watch you. You're so good at what you do. I never ever would have guessed you had children in high school!❤

[@jennzurc1893]

Your message is on point and it can relate to every walks of life. I love all your videos and I really think you are so beautiful inside and out. I am learning a lot from you. God bless you and your family.❤

[@nenyeuju5542]

I feel you are so honest and kind. Thanks for this motivation

[@sharonhardy7187]

You are a beautiful lady. I loved learning your story, I always felt you were special but I never knew just how special.

[@spandanapatlori8041]

Hi smitha, thank you so much for sharing such amazing stuff.. I love ur work.. Love the way you make the things easier.. Ur my inspiration to become a professional makeup artist.. Watching your videos before going to do any makeover is my mandatory thing❤

[@sadoo72]

Love your honesty, and will tell you my honesty for years I wanna start KZbin because since I am teenager I love makeup. But I never get the courage to do it with a phone. Don’t have a camera. Glad to get some more advice how to start with a phone. And how to edit creating the KZbin channel. Thanks for your inspiration. Thanks for sharing ❤❤