Zaya Wade has blossomed into a true fashion icon and beautiful young woman. In a recent interview, the teen credits her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, for helping her “understand” and embrace the meaning of beauty.

To promote her ambassadorship with MAC Cosmetics’ new campaign, “Born Famous,” the 17-year-old sits down with Out to discuss how getting style help from Union has been a game changer for her. 

“She’s definitely really helped me in the hair department,” Wade said. “Without her, my hair would be a hot mess. In the earlier years, I just did not have a clue how to maintain 4C hair because it’s not something that’s often explained.”

She added, “Having her as a guiding hand for that, whether it’s active or passive, being able to watch her and her makeup journey and her beauty experience… It’s just inspiring to me and how I understand beauty and care in this world.”

The graduating high school senior went on to offer her own sage advice for other trans young people who are trying to figure out their style.

“My favorite word: Experiment, experiment, experiment. It is such an experiential thing. You can’t just think one day, ‘got it.’ You have to go through it.” She continued, “I have had some dangerous moments, including a failed attempt at an eyebrow slit and just… I’ve gone through it and I’ve come out of the other side so much better for it.”

Wade added that it is very important to “educate yourself on skin” because it’s “the first step to beauty. Understanding my skin and what makes it feel good, so I can feel good and look good, is just another part of the process that’s helped me boost my confidence in terms of beauty.”

Zaya came out as trans five years ago at the age of 12. Since then, she has been a vocal advocate for people in the LBGTQ+ community, even co-founding a company with her father, Dwayne Wade, called Translatable, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and a safe space for transgender young people of color.

In addition to MAC Cosmetics, Zaya has modeled for MIU MIU and has even created a design for PUMA.

Photo: Zaya Wade Instagram