What James Charles Taught Us About Creativity, Branding, and Resilience at NFC

WORDS BY NFC STUDENT, ELOISE TUSA

This week at NFC, we had the amazing chance to attend a Q&A and meet James Charles! It was one of the most inspiring experiences I've had whilst studying fashion. I expected I would learn a little more about his beauty brand PAINTED, but I ended up gaining so much more.

James spoke candidly about his career journey, discussing how he built his brand from scratch, the challenges of creating something real and the hard work that goes into it. One thing that really stood out to me was his honesty about needing thick skin in this industry. He reminded us that success doesn’t come overnight, but with consistent effort, creativity, and confidence, you can create something great.

He also provided us with insights on how to navigate social media, stay motivated, and handle the pressures of being in the public eye. Hearing him talk openly about the ups and downs of being a full-time content creator ensured the session felt genuine and relatable.

The energy on campus that day was incredible — everyone was excited, and you could sense the inspiration in the room. James was really nice, lively, and truly engaged with all of us. He offered advice that I believe will greatly help many students who aspire to launch their brands.

The meet-and-greet afterward was a highlight. James was so friendly, and it was fantastic to meet him in person. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that truly motivated me to continue my own journey in fashion and creativity.

SEE MORE FROM NFC’S Q&A WITH JAMES CHARLES: