Glow up: Emma Ellingsen

2019, Emma Ellingsen, Glow Up, Norway, Norwegian,

Aired by: TV2
Release Year: 2019

Synopsis:

Emma Ellingsen's participation in the 2019 edition of the Norwegian "Glow Up" series marked a significant milestone, not only in her career but in the larger narrative surrounding transgender visibility in the beauty and fashion industries. As a transgender woman, Emma’s journey on the show was both a personal and professional triumph, showcasing her incredible talent and resilience.

 

This competition, which pits aspiring makeup artists against each other in various challenges, was a platform that allowed Emma to not only hone her skills but also prove the importance of representation and inclusion in the beauty world. "Glow Up" is a competitive reality show that takes eight contestants through a series of colorful and creative challenges over seven weeks. Hosted by Martine Lunde, with main judges Tomas Erdis and Dajana Tomanovic, the show tasks participants with demonstrating their technical skills, artistic flair, creativity, and professionalism. Throughout the series, contestants must impress both the judges and eminent guest judges, each week facing the risk of elimination in a duel against the weakest performers. Ultimately, the last contestant standing is crowned Norway’s next makeup star, with the winner earning a prestigious opportunity to further their career in the beauty industry. 

 

Born on September 9, 2001, Emma Ellingsen grew up in Nøtterøy, a town located an hour outside of Oslo, Norway. From a young age, Emma knew that she was different. At just nine years old, she came out as transgender to her family and friends—a courageous decision that would shape her life and career. Emma’s story as a transgender child was featured in the Norwegian documentary "Born in the Wrong Body", which followed the experiences of transgender youth in Norway, giving her an early platform to speak openly about her identity. Despite the challenges she faced as a transgender person, Emma thrived. By the time she was 17, she had already achieved notable success in the modeling industry. She had appeared on the covers of several Norwegian fashion magazines and gained international exposure in publications like "W Magazine", a high-profile publication with a readership of over half a million. With a growing social media following, Emma’s influence quickly extended beyond modeling, cementing her place as one of Norway's most recognized names in the digital space. Her social media platforms, especially YouTube, became a vehicle for her to connect with fans worldwide. Emma began posting makeup tutorials, vlogs, and travel videos, initially in Norwegian, but later switching to English to reach a broader audience. This strategic shift paid off, as her subscriber count skyrocketed, growing from 40,000 in 2017 to an impressive 300,000 by 2018. By this time, she was already a popular figure on Instagram, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers and engaging with a wide array of brands. Emma’s rise to fame was not without challenges, but her openness about her transgender journey and her unapologetic authenticity resonated with many.

 

Her positive influence was recognized in 2018 when she was named ‘Influencer of the Year’ at the See and Hear Celebrity Gala, and she was also nominated for the prestigious ‘Name of the Year’ award by the Norwegian newspaper "Dagbladet". When Emma joined "Glow Up" in 2019, her presence was groundbreaking for several reasons. Not only was she an incredibly skilled makeup artist, but she was also representing a demographic that had long been underrepresented in mainstream beauty competitions: transgender women. Emma’s participation was significant because it showcased the growing importance of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. Her visibility on a national platform like "Glow Up" brought attention to the struggles and triumphs of transgender individuals, inspiring many young people who saw her as a role model. Throughout the show, Emma’s unique perspective as a transgender woman informed her approach to makeup. In a space where self-expression through artistry is highly valued, Emma was able to demonstrate that beauty and creativity know no boundaries. Whether it was experimenting with avant-garde looks or mastering more traditional beauty techniques, she consistently impressed both the judges and her peers. Her talent was undeniable, and it became clear that she wasn’t just participating in "Glow Up" to prove her skills; she was there to challenge the perceptions of what a makeup artist—and a woman—could be.

 

Hosted by Martine Lunde, with Tomas Erdis and Dajana Tomanovic serving as the main judges, "Glow Up" presented contestants with a series of demanding challenges, each designed to push them to their limits. The contestants were required to demonstrate their ability to work under pressure, deliver technically precise looks, and maintain a high level of creativity. As each week passed, Emma consistently rose to the occasion, impressing the judges with her flair and professional attitude. Her performances in challenges like editorial makeup, creative fantasy looks, and high-fashion styles proved that she had not only the technical expertise but also the artistic vision necessary to thrive in the competitive world of makeup artistry. One of the most powerful aspects of Emma’s journey on "Glow Up" was her confidence. As a transgender woman, she had faced both personal and public challenges, but she carried herself with grace and resilience throughout the competition. Her ability to balance her identity with her artistry was inspiring, showing that she could be both true to herself and an outstanding professional. By participating in "Glow Up", Emma was not just vying for a career opportunity in the beauty industry—she was also advocating for greater representation of transgender people in spaces that had traditionally been exclusionary. 

 

Emma’s participation in "Glow Up" was about much more than winning a competition. It was a celebration of her journey as a transgender woman, her commitment to beauty as an art form, and her ability to break down barriers. By the time the series concluded, Emma had already secured a lasting place in the beauty world. She was celebrated not just for her skills but for the message she sent to the world: that transgender people belong in every corner of society, including the beauty and fashion industries. Emma’s success story became a beacon of hope for young transgender individuals, showing them that they, too, could succeed in fields that often felt out of reach. Her visibility in "Glow Up" further cemented her status as a leading figure in Norway’s growing movement for transgender rights and visibility. Emma Ellingsen’s journey in the 2019 "Glow Up" competition was a testament to her talent, determination, and the power of representation. As a transgender woman, her participation was groundbreaking, helping to pave the way for greater inclusion in the beauty industry. Throughout the competition, Emma demonstrated that beauty is not defined by gender, and that creativity and self-expression are universal. Her success in "Glow Up" marked a pivotal moment in her career, but more importantly, it served as an inspiration for others. Emma’s story is one of overcoming adversity, embracing one's identity, and using one’s platform to advocate for change. As she continues to rise in the world of fashion and beauty, there’s no doubt that Emma Ellingsen will remain a trailblazer for both transgender individuals and aspiring makeup artists everywhere.

 

via: youtube

and wikipedia

Image credits: YouTube