The internet can be an accessible platform for anyone who wants to share their story, content and voice. Generally, mainstream media does not represent individuals from Middle Eastern and South Asian backgrounds accurately or frequently.
Social media is changing that, and Instagram is one of the most popular apps out there that has allowed individuals to represent themselves and be in charge of their image.
There is a social media world out there beyond the Kardashians and Jenners, and we’ve found seven MESA (Middle Eastern and South Asian) influencers you should follow.
British Bindi
Founded by best friends Amani, Jasmeen, Kiran and Tanisha; these four friends blog about all things from lifestyle, culture and experiences from the perspective of young British Asian women. Their recent posts shows them adjusting to lockdown, including holding a hen celebration in quarantine!
Alok Vaid-Menon
Indian-American writer, Alok is gender non-conforming (them/they), transfeminine whose work advocates for de-gendering the fashion industry. They use their account to explore topics of gender and transphobia, and use their platform to help raise awareness.
Huda Beauty
This list wouldnโt be complete without Huda Beauty, founded by Iraqi-American Huda Kattan, who has taken the world by storm both online and offline. Beautiful, successful and powerful, this account is the most followed beauty account on Instagram that shares useful tips and entertaining make-up tutorials.
Zahra Lari
This five-time national champion was the first figure skater from UAE to compete internationally โ and in a hijab. She subsequently helped inspire Nike to add hijabs into its athleisure collection. Follow her for behind the scene insights into her training and journey.
Hadia Ghaleb
A Cairo native but Dubai based, Hadia is the CEO of media company GPH (Ghaleb Production House) and has been a Grazia Award Winner. Sassy, audacious and creative, follow her for an insight into her entrepreneurial developments and journey.
Ankita Chaturvedi
Mumbai based blogger Ankita has her own YouTube channel and is an Instagram star with more than a quarter of a million followers. Her content includes colourful make up tutorials and close ups of the certified MUA.
Dalal AlDoub
Kuwaiti based beauty blogger has collaborated with the likes of Benefit Cosmetics and has a YouTube channel. The hijabi wearing influencerโs most popular video is about her way of wearing her headscarf.
MESA Magazine 