Always Scrolling is PAPER‘s spotlight on our favorite TikTokers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Keep reading to discover this week’s viral sensation: Achieng Agutu.
Kenyan creator Achieng Agutu is the “confidence queen” and has made a name for herself on our feeds with a daily dose of motivation, affirmations and self-love. With almost one million followers on both TikTok and Instagram, she’s now a 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie and will one of the lead hosts of The Influence this year – a Gen Z version of The View premiering on Amazon Prime.
This year, Agutu has also picked up DJing as a hobby and plans to continue utilizing her platforms to create a more inclusive fashion and beauty world for Black, plus-size women. “I am the internet best friend!” she tells PAPER. “I am out here influencing the culture through fashion beauty, lifestyle, travel and laughs.”
PAPER caught up with Agutu about the Met Gala, low rise jeans and her current favorite fashion and beauty brands.
@noordinarynoire RELEASE ITTTT!!! RELEASE ITTTTT!!!!! – Love, management ❤️ #fyp
What do you love about what you do?
I love everything and that I get to have an amazing community around me. I get to dictate what fun, joy and community look like to me. I can explore the world and meet people.
Who is another TikToker that you love right now?
DeAndre Brown is my favorite! He is so fun and cool, and I love how he is changing the way of corporate culture and navigating how to navigate life through adulthood. Plus, his style is amazing!
Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?
When Kerry Washington commented on my Sports Illustrated post hyping me up. It was amazing!
What’s one of your favorite looks you’ve posted?
My favorite look is the Met Gala look. It was a mixture of art and celebrating black creatives.
What’s a trend that you love right now?
I love flats! There are super cute, especially the ballerina flats. I love that the girls are going back to being comfortable and wearing flats.
One that you hate?
Low rise jeans. I am not a big fan of it.
What would you never wear?
Low rise jeans.
@noordinarynoire And the mask was sat💅🏾💅🏾✨✨ #fyp #bestie #mondaymotivation #skincareroutine #skincaretips
Favorite fashion and beauty brands right now?
Fashion brand is Christopher Jones Rogers. Love the silhouettes and that it is black owned. My favorite beauty brand is Patrick Star. I love all the great products!
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Sterling K. Brown.
What’s a good book you’ve read recently?
My private journal. It is really juicy.
@noordinarynoire SCREENSHOT EVERYTHING B!!! NEOW!! Okay love you bye 😘 #skincare #skincaretips #skincareroutine #fyp
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Fish Cheeks! It is the best place to eat Thai food.
Favorite club in NYC?
I do not go clubbing. I love a rooftop vibe with friends.
What are three songs you have on repeat right now?
“Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter, “II HANDS II HEAVEN” by Beyoncé and “Makila : Wablé” by Dadju and Tayc.
Photography: Kerla Marie