Beauty star Aba Asante shares personal journey after three years away from social media

Aba Asante, the Gen Z influencer with over 6.6 million followers, is back on social media after taking a three-year break to focus on mental health, personal growth, and creativity.

The 22-year-old first began sharing beauty and lifestyle content as a teenager. But by 2020, the constant pressure to post and keep up with trends became overwhelming. Instead of pushing through, she decided to step away from social media entirely.

“I took a three-year hiatus from posting and just started again after graduating in May,” Asante told PEOPLE. “I’m trying to build something more than just myself and content. I care deeply about representation, mental health, and showing that you can turn something you love into a real career.”

Growing up, makeup was a “safe space” for Asante, helping her feel confident and in control, especially while navigating ADHD and adolescence. Over time, posting became more than fun—it was a form of self-expression and connection.

“Posting started as something fun, but it quickly became a way for me to express myself and connect with people who get it. It is my passion and always will be,” she says.

Now, Asante shares a variety of content, from makeup tutorials and fashion trends to chaotic and humorous videos that reflect her authentic self. She emphasizes creativity without limits.

“I don’t have to fit into one box. I can be funny, vulnerable, glam, chaotic, all of it!” she explains. “Consistency isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up as you are. When people come to my page, I want them to know they can just breathe.”

For Asante, the highlight of content creation is the community she has built.

“Knowing that something as simple as me doing my makeup or talking can make someone feel seen or less alone, that’s everything to me,” she shares. “Getting messages constantly from young women who see themselves in me, and seeing how I bring them confidence to be themselves, makes me the happiest.”

Recently, Asante joined Jergens for the Jergens Joy Club, a creator getaway celebrating glowing skin and feel-good moments, which highlighted the Shea Fusion Scented Lotions and Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning line.

“It was a full-circle moment,” she says. “I literally grew up having my mom slather Jergens lotion on me after my showers as a kid. My skin goes through a lot with traveling, and I also have eczema, so having something that keeps me glowing and moisturized means everything to me.”

Asante’s current beauty focus is healthy, hydrated skin. “I love a glossy lip, soft glow, a shiny face, and products that actually take care of my skin, not just cover it. I’ve been loving sunscreen lately,” she adds.