Nikita Dragun
Discover the story of Nikita Dragun (born January 31, 1996) — a prominent American influencer, makeup artist, model, and transgender activist. Explore her journey, her brand Dragun Beauty, her challenges, and her most quoted lines.
Introduction
Nikita Dragun (born Nikita Nguyen on January 31, 1996) is an American internet personality, beauty influencer, model, and entrepreneur. She is known for her bold aesthetic, outspoken advocacy for trans rights, and creation of beauty products that aim to serve marginalized populations. Her public presence combines glamour, vulnerability, and activism.
Early Life and Background
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Nikita was born in Belgium and later raised in Springfield, Virginia, United States.
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She is of mixed heritage: Vietnamese and Mexican descent.
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She began her transition during her time in college and publicly came out as a trans woman in 2015 via YouTube.
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The name “Dragun” was adopted in reference to the TV series Nikita, and partly as a response to prejudice she faced (remarks that she looked like a “dragon”).
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She attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, studying in fields connected to beauty, design, and marketing.
Career and Achievements
Rise as a Creator & Influencer
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Nikita launched her YouTube channel in February 2013, sharing makeup tutorials, vlogs, and personal stories.
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Over time she became a major voice in beauty and influencer culture. Her social media reach spans millions of followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
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In 2019, she launched Dragun Beauty, a vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics brand aimed to fill gaps in the beauty market, especially for trans women and marginalized groups.
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She starred in her own docuseries, Nikita Unfiltered, which debuted on Snapchat. The show documented her life, dating, fame, and challenges as a trans influencer.
Advocacy & Public Voice
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Nikita has used her platform to speak on trans rights, inclusion in the beauty industry, and representation.
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She challenged exclusionary remarks from Victoria’s Secret leadership by modeling lingerie when trans women were said to not “fit the fantasy.”
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In 2022, she was arrested in Miami for alleged disorderly conduct. During the booking process, she was reportedly misgendered and placed in a men's facility, sparking conversations about how the legal and corrections systems treat transgender individuals.
Personality, Style & Philosophy
Nikita Dragun projects confidence, flamboyance, and a defiant sense of self. Her style is bold — high glamour, dramatic makeup, extravagant fashion choices — and she often embraces her visibility as a tool.
She often speaks about authenticity, the importance of owning your identity, and the struggle to remain true under public scrutiny. For her, beauty is not just aesthetic — it’s also empowerment, self-expression, and political statement.
Memorable Quotes
Here are several standout quotes attributed to Nikita Dragun:
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“This is all me. That’s why all my products come in this dragon egg … Every little last detail is so Nikita and extra and wild.”
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“I think the most powerful beauty is representative of uniqueness and individuality of every person.”
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“Every comment, every tweet, every snap, every second of my life is viewed … it can be hard to remain true to my message … and to not be biased by whatever is thrown at me…”
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“Have you watched Animal Planet? … so you need to be the fierce lioness or dragon that you are. … Ask nobody for permission.”
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“Don’t be afraid to be ugly on Snapchat at 2 a.m. when you wake up … it’s those real moments that … create a connection.”
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“Loving yourself is a rebellious act in a world that constantly tells you, you’re not enough.”
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“I don’t knock anyone’s hustle, but I didn’t want to slap my name on anything that wasn’t authentic to me.”
These quotes reveal her emphasis on authenticity, self-love, visibility, and resisting pressure to conform.
Lessons from Nikita Dragun
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Visibility is a form of activism
By being visibly trans and vocal, she challenges norms and opens space for others. -
Authenticity over opportunism
She emphasizes not endorsing or putting her name on projects that don’t align with her values. -
Beauty as power and voice
For Nikita, makeup and aesthetics are tools for expression, transformation, and self-assertion. -
Resilience under scrutiny
Living publicly can be harsh. She acknowledges that and works to stay grounded, even under pressure. -
Innovation in business meets personal mission
Her brand Dragun Beauty was designed not just for profit, but to serve communities often ignored by mainstream beauty.