Modern-Day Black Girl: Torion Johnson

Meet Torion Johnson: the artsy, liberated self taught MUA and Michigan State University student who believes in ‘knowing your worth and protecting your peace.’ After following Torion on social media for a few months, and having a few heart-to-hearts about life, I decided to get candid with her. We talked beauty, self peace, and her experience at MSU.

When Torion is not volunteering, adventure-seeking, jamming out to 90’s throwbacks and Solange’s ‘CRANES IN THE SKY’, she is in her dorm, beating faces to the gawds. In other words, she is pursuing her passion of doing freelance makeup. 

“My freelance journey began when a friend of mine asked me to do her prom makeup,” Torion told me. “When she initially asked me...girl. I was shook, but she came over on her prom day and I got her together. I was so proud of myself and appreciative that she believed in me enough to be such a big part of her day. Ever since then people kind of just new lil T could get them together with the beat.” 

Doing freelance makeup is more than just giving someone a flawless glow. It has allowed Torion to grow bonds with other girls at MSU.

“I get to meet so many new people. It’s flattering to know that people see value in my work, and because of that I’ve been able to meet and connect with girls that I potentially wouldn’t have otherwise. Makeup gives me a platform to bond and build relationships with many different types of young women and I love it.”

Ever since her senior year of high school, Torion has mastered the art of doing makeup—but back then, she was just a beginner. 

“I honestly didn’t start getting good at makeup until senior year,” Torion admitted. 

She used YouTube tutorials as a guide to practice doing her makeup, which lead her to doing her own makeup for senior homecoming. “I was so proud of myself. But looking back on those pictures now—my eyebrows were too thin and my eyelashes were clumpy.” 

I couldn’t help but laugh when Torion told me the story of her sneaking mascara out of her grandmother’s bathroom when she was in 8th grade.

“I remember trying to scam mascara out my Nan’s bathroom and putting it on at school to be all cute. Then I’d rush to the bathroom before sixth hour, to try and take it off so I wouldn’t get in trouble when I got home.” 

Anyone who follows Torion on social media knows that she frequently changes her hair style. I had to ask her what her favorite look is. 

“Truthfully, I am a mess,” she laughed. “I do not change my hair all the time, because I am high maintenance. The honest to God truth is that I will be so determined to get a new hairstyle, and then after the fifth day I hate it.” 

Torion usually wears her natural hair, but sometimes opts for a long, cascading curls, or a wavy ombre look. 

“The fun part about changing my hair is feeling confident. It’s just something I do for myself that serves as a confidence boost.” 

But Torion’s favorite hair style is definitely box braids.

“I feel like such a powerful black woman when I have [box braids],” she states. 

Torion exercises her #BlackGirlExcellence at Michigan State by attending social networking events hosted by WQLU (When Queens Link Up) and participating in the DocOfMSU (Daughters of the Collective), a mentoring program dedicated to uplifting young girls. 

Torion is currently majoring in Social Relations and Policy. Her plan is to go to law school to become a criminal defense attorney, or a social worker. 

“God is going to reveal what my true destiny is one of these days, so until then that is my plan,” she told me. “Praying and keeping my faith is what gets me through it all.” 

Attending Michigan State University was a dream of Torion’s since she was in sixth grade. During the fall of her senior year in high school, she applied to many universities, including MSU. She got accepted into every school, but getting the acceptance letter to MSU sealed the deal.  But, now T has a new perspective and outlook about attending school in East Lansing.

“Now that I’m here, I realize that I should have gotten out Michigan, and spread my little baby wings somewhere else. Michigan is not the place for me, but I am making the most of it. I am not completely content here, but I am going to stick it out. And go somewhere ostentatious for law or grad school. Michigan is not the move. Not the wave—not anything honestly.” 

One word Torion uses to describe herself is: progressing. 

“I do not know how I balance all of my responsibility. There is so much on my plate everyday. It’s surprising that I even have time to sit and breathe. I know God has me and I call home a lot to talk to my nana, about my worries and insecurities. She motivates me, and keeps me on the right track. My nana really is the strongest woman I know, so everything she says really sinks in. And I try to be a better person as a result.”

As a sophomore at Michigan State, Torion has definitely experienced many chapters in the beginning of her womanhood. Her first year of college has taught her four major keys.

“Everyone is not your friend. It’s okay to say ‘no.’ Prayer changes things. And my peace of mind, and my mental health are what’s most important—those are things that CANNOT be compromised.”

The last thing I asked Torion was her thoughts on my October mantra: ‘Timing is of the essence.’ Check out my post (on my homepage) about change and how time presents certain chapters to play out on our lives. 

According to Torion, ‘timing is of the essence’ means “I better ball like there’s no tomorrow.” 

Torion is beautiful inside and out, and is the prime example of a modern-day young, black girl transitioning into an excellent, phenomenal woman. For so long black girls have been typecast into molds that lack depth. There are no limits to black girls. Black girls can be vulnerable while being bosses. Black girls can be clean-cut and glamorous, but still venture out and be earthy muses. Black girls do more than just slay. We are writers, artists and leaders. Black girls can have multiple hobbies, artistically express themselves while staying true to their roots. There is no specific guideline of what a black girl should be.

After interviewing Torion, a few weeks later we had an organic, emotional conversation about our lives that was definitely an eye-opener for me. Our conversation made me realize that we are not alone. We’re both young, black girls who have golden hearts, who dream larger than life and who both depend on God through our many seasons/chapters of womanhood. Black girls have stories. My goal is to continue to showcase our narratives.