On weekends, while most students catch up on sleep or scroll endlessly on their phones, Johanna Michaela Duyag spends her days under studio lights, practicing camera angles, and perfecting her beauty routines. At just 20 years old, this Quezon City University student is not only thriving in her entrepreneurship degree but also carving a name for herself in the beauty industry—as L’Oréal Digital Beauty Academy’s valedictorian and a rising social media influencer.

“I’ve always been passionate about beauty and modeling,” Johanna tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, her eyes lighting up as she recalls the moment she was chosen to join the academy.

The month-long program, held every weekend, became her training ground—not only in content creation but in confidence. From learning how to capture the perfect shot to hearing advice from industry professionals, Johanna discovered that beauty is more than just makeup. It’s about discipline, self-care, and knowing how to carry yourself.

By weekdays, Johanna is a third-year entrepreneurship student, juggling marketing projects, presentations, and exams. By weekends, she transforms into a content creator, working on brand collaborations and building her online presence. For her, both worlds feed into each other.

When asked how she spends the money she’s earning, her answer gave a glimpse into how she views her work—not as mere side hustle, but as an investment in her future.

“Since I’m the marketing head for our project this year, I’ve been saving up for an iPad. I really need it for editing and digital marketing,” she explains.

Unlike many students who work to help their families, Johanna emphasizes that her earnings are personal. “I save because I want to be responsible and independent,” she says. Coming from a big family—she’s the youngest of seven—her siblings are all grown with families of their own, leaving Johanna to focus on her education and career.

Of course, being in the spotlight isn’t always easy. Johanna admits that social media hasn’t been free from negativity. At one point, even someone close to her tried to discredit her online. Instead of letting it weigh her down, she chose grace and resilience.

“I don’t take things personally. I know myself, and I’m confident in what I’ve achieved,” she says firmly. “At the end of the day, I’m doing this for me—not for them.”

It’s this quiet strength, paired with her charm and creativity, that makes Johanna stand out among her peers.

As graduation approaches, Johanna is already mapping out her next steps. She plans to return to modeling while continuing her content creation journey. With her strong foundation in entrepreneurship, she also envisions building a career where business and beauty intersect.

Her message to fellow young people? “Even if beauty isn’t your passion, there’s so much to learn when you challenge yourself with opportunities like L'Oréal’s Digital Beauty Academy. It’s not just about makeup—it’s about confidence, creativity, and self-care.”

To L'Oréal, she expresses heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you for the chance to grow and shine. I’ll continue to do my best in the opportunities you give me.”

For Johanna, the future is wide open. Whether in front of the camera, in a business pitch, or on stage as a model, she carries with her the grace of someone who believes that beauty is not just seen—it’s built with passion, discipline, and purpose.