Beauty influencer Achieng Agutu, known for her uplifting content and dubbed the “Confidence Queen” by Vogue, is set to debut as a host on Amazon MGM Studios’ new reality show, Influenced. The show will premiere on August 1, 2024, and will feature Agutu alongside other influencers like Taryn Delanie and Cyrus Veyssi. The half-hour series aims to merge the realms of social media and television, providing a fresh platform for beauty influencers on TikTok to engage with audiences.
Agutu, who has over 800,000 followers, has had a remarkable year. She was featured in the March issue of a major magazine discussing beauty and confidence and was honored as Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Swim Rookie. She celebrated this achievement with a trip to Cancun, Mexico.
Reflecting on her journey, Agutu shared her excitement about the new show with ESSENCE. “I’m sitting, I’m taking it all in,” she said. The show will cover various pop culture topics, including beauty, fashion, and entertainment. Agutu’s goal is to leave a positive impact on everyone who interacts with her and her platform. “I want people, if they interact with me, my platform, to leave that space feeling 10,000 times better than they did when they walked in or when they saw it or watched it,” she emphasized.
Agutu’s path to success has been anything but small. After moving to the United States in 2016, she drew inspiration from figures like Ashley Graham. She recalled seeing Graham on the cover of Sports Illustrated and finding it revolutionary to see a woman above size four featured in such a prominent way. This inspired Agutu to use her platform to encourage others to embrace their bodies and love their curves.
Agutu also shared a personal anecdote from her college days. When asked about her career aspirations, she expressed a desire to become a TV presenter. A friend suggested she might think smaller, but Agutu chose to dream big. Her journey from aspiring TV presenter to influential beauty content creator and now a television host illustrates her determination and confidence.
With her new role on Influenced, Agutu aims to bridge the gap between social media and traditional media, offering a new avenue for influencers to shine. Her story continues to inspire many, demonstrating the power of confidence and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.
