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Shalom Blac: The Inspiring Journey of a Burn Survivor and Beauty Influencer

Discover the transformative story of Shalom Blac, a burn survivor who redefined beauty standards and inspired millions globally.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Discover the transformative story of Shalom Blac, a burn survivor who redefined beauty standards and inspired millions globally.

Shalom Blac: Beauty, Strength, and Inspiration Beyond Scars

At just nine years old, Shalom Nchom—known online as Shalom Blac—endured a life-altering accident that changed everything. Severely burned by hot oil while working in her family’s shop in Nigeria, Shalom suffered extensive injuries to her head, face, neck, and shoulders. But through extraordinary resilience and creative expression, she transformed her trauma into a journey of empowerment and self-love, touching millions worldwide through her YouTube channel and social platforms.

Early Life: Trauma, Recovery, and Emotional Struggles

Shalom’s childhood was deeply marked by her accident. The physical pain of severe burns led to over four months in the hospital. Emerging from this ordeal, she faced a different kind of pain—constant bullying and emotional abuse from peers who fixated on her visible scars. She was given cruel nicknames, including “Monster,” “Two-Face,” and “Scarface.”

Physical injuries: Scars on her face, head, shoulders, and arms.
Hospitalization: Four months following the accident.
Psychological toll: Endured harassment and isolation throughout school years.
Struggle with self-worth: Faced severe depression and even suicidal thoughts.

As she recalls, “I remember taking a knife, going into the bathroom, and just looking at myself, wondering why people don’t like me and why they see a monster…” Yet even in this darkness, Shalom’s resilience began to surface.

Adapting and Finding Solace in Beauty

A major turning point came when Shalom discovered makeup tutorials on YouTube. At thirteen, makeup became her sanctuary—a means to both cover her scars and regain confidence. She learned to draw eyebrows, use concealer, and transform her appearance, initially in hopes of “being invisible” to bullying.

First makeup experiences: Found solace and creativity in makeup application.
Skill-building: Self-taught using online tutorials; practiced regularly.
Emotional comfort: Makeup offered temporary relief from negativity.

As her skills grew, so did her self-assurance. Makeup, once strictly defensive, soon became a tool for bold self-expression—vivid lipsticks, artistic looks, and daring hairstyles turned her identity into art.

Rising Above: Self-Acceptance and Influencer Journey

Shalom’s transformation was more than physical—it was philosophical. The realization that beauty comes from within inspired her to share her story online. She made the decision to stop hiding, using her YouTube channel to display her makeup transformations both with and without products, advocating for acceptance of natural flaws.

YouTube channel launch: Featured tutorials and personal stories.
Advocacy: Encouraged self-love, particularly for those with scars or differences.
Community building: Fostered an inclusive, supportive environment for viewers.

Her radical act was not just applying makeup, but removing it on camera. By showing her unfiltered self, Shalom sent a powerful message: “I feel like this was my calling. I’m just glad that my story can actually inspire someone enough for them to realize their life is worth living.”

Bullying, Mental Health, and the Power of Resilience

For years, bullying followed Shalom in both Nigeria and America. Initially, her move to the United States provided little refuge, as hostile behaviors continued. Yet, through online support and communities like #PerfectlyMe, she learned to reframe her narrative—she wasn’t a victim, but a survivor with a voice.

Online inspiration: Followed fellow burn survivors and figures like Talia Joy, a cancer fighter who shared her journey through beauty.
Empowerment through storytelling: Used her platform to normalize scars and differences.

Eventually, Shalom’s story motivated others to embrace their quirks, owning their “flaws” as strengths. Her journey illustrates how social media can be a double-edged sword—harboring cruelty, but also enabling profound healing and global solidarity.

Embracing Beauty: Makeup as Art and Therapy

Shalom’s relationship with makeup evolved. Initially a shield, it became a medium for creative exploration and self-assertion. “Rocking a purple weave or a bold lipstick is a way I can express myself, like art. We all have flaws, so why hide them? Own them. That’s beauty right there,” she shared.

Personal beauty philosophy: Makeup enhances, not hides, and confidence is the real foundation.
Influence on trends: Encourages viewers to experiment and express their authentic selves.

Impactful Table: Shalom’s Evolution Through Makeup

Age	Key Milestone	Beauty Transformation
9	Burn Accident	Physical trauma and scars
13	Discovers Makeup	Begins covering scars, regains confidence
Teen years	Creates YouTube Channel	Shares makeup tutorials and stories
20+	Influencer & Advocate	Promotes self-love, inspires global audience

The Role of Community and Social Media

Communities like #PerfectlyMe and platforms such as YouTube and Instagram enabled Shalom to connect with others who faced adversity. Through collaboration, she elevated conversations on self-acceptance, challenging mainstream standards of beauty and normalizing different appearances.

Features and campaigns: Participation in #PerfectlyMe by Seventeen Magazine and Ebony.
Mental health advocacy: Openly discusses bullying, depression, and healing.
Global inspiration: Stories and influence reach audiences worldwide, beyond race, gender, or age.

Influence, Advocacy, and Redefining Beauty Standards

Shalom’s experience as a burn survivor grants her a unique perspective on the dynamics of beauty. She emphasizes that true beauty radiates from the inside, calling on others to embrace themselves regardless of physical appearance. Her message is clear—life is worth living, and everyone deserves love and respect.

Inspirational content: Her tutorials blend artistry with vulnerability, removing makeup to reveal her scars.
Positive impact: Fans credit her with helping them navigate bullying, discrimination, and self-doubt.

Shalom’s Story in the Broader Beauty Industry

In an industry where surface perfection often reigns, Shalom stands as a powerful disruptor. By carving out space for real conversations about trauma, healing, and identity, she challenges narrow conceptions and expands definitions of beauty for all.

Media features: Covered by Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Ebony, and more.
Collaborations: Works with other influencers and brands to elevate self-love and diversity.

Her impact reaches far beyond cosmetics—she fosters an inclusive culture that celebrates resilience and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How did Shalom Blac transform her pain into empowerment?

A: Through creative expression and online storytelling, Shalom used makeup as both armor and art—helping herself and others discover inner worth and confidence.

Q: What is the main message in Shalom Blac’s advocacy?

A: She champions self-acceptance and compassion, encouraging people to embrace their differences rather than hide them. She believes that beauty is defined by confidence and authenticity, not by social standards.

Q: How does Shalom Blac address bullying and negativity?

A: Through honest dialogues about her trauma and mental health, Shalom both acknowledges pain and offers hope—building communities that support healing and acceptance.

Q: Where can we follow Shalom Blac’s journey?

A: Shalom’s primary platforms include her YouTube channel (Shalom Blac) and Instagram, where she shares tutorials, personal stories, and encouragement for followers worldwide.

Maya Allen: The Journalist Behind the Interview

The original interview was conducted by Maya Allen, known for her expertise in the beauty industry. With a passion for makeup and wellness, Maya brings a nuanced understanding of beauty’s emotional and cultural dimensions.

Professional background: Former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com, previously at Byrdie.com and Cosmopolitan.com.
Perspective: Advocates for diverse beauty standards and uplifting stories.

Her reporting on Shalom Blac helped amplify a transformative message of hope, inclusion, and empowerment.

Actionable Takeaways: Lessons from Shalom Blac’s Journey

Resilience: Life’s challenges can catalyze self-discovery and new beginnings.
Creativity: Personal expression—whether through makeup, fashion, or storytelling—can fuel healing.
Community: Real connection and acceptance thrive in supportive groups, both online and offline.
Self-worth: Every individual deserves respect and love, regardless of appearance or background.

Join the Movement: Loving Yourself, Inside and Out

Shalom Blac’s journey is a vibrant reminder that true beauty is found in confidence, kindness, and authenticity. Her work invites us all to question what beauty really means—and to celebrate resilience both within ourselves and each other.

For more on Shalom Blac’s tutorials and stories, follow her social media accounts and subscribe to her YouTube channel for ongoing inspiration.
Support and join campaigns like #PerfectlyMe and other self-love movements to connect with those redefining beauty worldwide.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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