You’ve probably seen her. Maybe it was a 15-second TikTok where she’s blending out concealer with the precision of a surgeon, or perhaps you caught her making history on a Victoria’s Secret campaign. Emira D’Spain is everywhere right now. Honestly, she’s hard to miss. With a personality that basically vibrates through the screen and a “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) series that’s racked up over 85 million views, she’s become the internet’s favorite big sister.
But there’s a lot more to the story than just being a "TikTok It-Girl." People search for Emira D’Spain trans history because they want to understand the woman behind the milestones. She isn't just a face; she’s a marketing whiz, a former magazine director, and a reality TV pioneer who is currently navigating the chaotic waters of New York City's elite social scene on Bravo.
The History-Making Moment with Victoria’s Secret
In early 2022, the fashion world stopped to look at a TikTok. It was titled "Single Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Day." It wasn’t just a cute video. It marked the moment Emira D’Spain became the first Black transgender woman to model for Victoria’s Secret.
That’s a huge deal.
For years, the brand was criticized for its lack of diversity. Remember Ed Razek? The former CMO who famously said the show shouldn't include "transsexuals"? Yeah, that didn't age well. Emira stepping into that role wasn't just a job; it was a pivot for the entire industry. She followed in the footsteps of Valentina Sampaio, but she brought a specific kind of "Cunty Barbie" energy that the brand desperately needed to feel relevant again.
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She’s often said that as a kid, she only dreamed of this. It wasn't just about the wings or the lingerie. It was about proving that a Black trans woman could be the face of the most recognizable "feminine" brand in the world.
Not Just an Influencer—An Editor
Before the millions of followers, Emira was a "Hermione Granger" type at NYU. She didn't just stumble into fame. She worked for it.
She started as an intern at Paper magazine.
Then she moved into marketing.
Then she became the Beauty Director.
Basically, she knows how the "ecosystem" works from the inside. When she’s pitching a brand or filming a collab with NARS or Fenty Beauty, she isn't just guessing what looks good. She understands the ROI, the analytics, and the creative direction. That’s why her content feels so polished even when she’s being "messy" or blunt.
Documenting the Journey: Gender Confirmation and Transparency
Transitioning in the public eye is a nightmare. Most people would want total privacy, but Emira took a different route. In early 2023, she decided to document her gender confirmation surgery.
She vacillated for about six months before hitting "upload."
She was scared.
She wondered if she was sharing too much.
But when she finally posted, the support from her "Cunty Barbies" (her nickname for her fans) was overwhelming. She’s also been open about having two rhinoplasties and her general love for plastic surgery. She doesn't gatekeep. If she got work done, she’s going to tell you exactly who did it and how much it hurt.
"Simply existing on TikTok and sharing my life... gives people a broader understanding of what a trans person looks like," she told Mashable. She’s very vocal about the fact that being trans is a "grounding pillar" of her life, but it isn't her entire life. She wants to be known for her marketing degree and her makeup skills just as much as her identity.
Next Gen NYC and the Bravo Era
By mid-2025, Emira took her talents to cable TV. She joined the cast of Next Gen NYC on Bravo. This was another "first"—she became the network's first full-time openly transgender cast member.
The show follows her navigating NYC with people like Brooks Marks (son of Meredith Marks from RHOSLC) and Gia Giudice. It’s a lot of drama. It’s a lot of high-fashion events and "messy" dinners. But for Emira, it was a way to show a version of a trans life that isn't just about "the struggle." It’s about being successful, being a loyal friend, and occasionally being "banned from Mallorca" (if you believe the show's teasers).
What People Get Wrong
People often assume she’s an activist first. She’s actually pretty clear that she isn't. She’s a content creator who happens to be an advocate by existence. She’s expressed concern about anti-trans legislation in the U.S., especially as a woman of color, but her "big sister" approach is more about inspiration than political lecturing.
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She has a boyfriend named Kevin. She has a high-stress career. She buys her family houses. She’s a 360-degree human being.
Actionable Takeaways from Emira’s Career
If you’re looking at Emira D’Spain’s trajectory and wondering how she did it, there are a few real-world lessons to pull from her "hustle DNA":
- Diversify Your Skillset: Don't just be "good at social media." Emira’s background in marketing and editorial gave her a massive advantage when it came time to negotiate with brands like Victoria's Secret.
- Authenticity is a Shield: She uses beauty and "glam" as armor. Being honest about her surgeries and her transition journey didn't "ruin" her brand; it made her audience trust her more.
- Know When to Center Your Identity: She intentionally balances her "transness" with her professional achievements. She doesn't want her identity to be the only thing people talk about, which paradoxically makes her a more effective representative for the community.
- Consistency Over Everything: Even when her videos "flop," she keeps filming. The GRWM format was something she pioneered early on TikTok, and she stuck with it until it became a global trend.
Emira is currently focusing on her burgeoning modeling career and her role on Bravo. She’s proof that you can be "the first" without letting that title define the rest of your life. Whether she's walking her first runway show or just showing us how to use a Dyson Airwrap, she's doing it on her own terms.
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To keep up with her latest moves, follow her @XOXOEMIRA on TikTok, where she continues to drop beauty tips and life updates for her million-plus followers. You can also catch her on the first season of Next Gen NYC to see how she handles the transition from digital influencer to reality TV star.