IN CONVERSATION WITH MONICA RAVI-CONWAY
interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by GRACE BUKUNMI
Monica Ravi-Conway is redefining what modern beauty looks like, and who gets to shape it. A first-generation Indian-American creator, entrepreneur, and speaker, Monica has become one of the most respected new voices in beauty, merging her background in computer science with her deep understanding of color theory to create a more inclusive, science-backed approach to makeup. As the original creator of the viral #ColorTheoryTest and #LipstickColorTheory trend, she’s built a global community inspired by self-expression, education, and representation. This year, Monica’s influence reached new heights with her sold-out collaboration with MOB Beauty — a red lipstick and liner duo inspired by her mother’s signature shade — selling over 2,.000 units within 24 hours of launch. Beyond the success, she continues to use her platform for advocacy.
You’ve become one of the most recognizable educators in beauty, especially with your viral #ColorTheoryTest trend. What inspired you to start exploring beauty through the lens of science?
I think I’ve always seen beauty as part art, part science. When I first started wearing makeup, I’d get so frustrated that what worked on someone else never worked on me and no one could explain why. Once I started looking at it through a scientific lens undertone, light reflection, pigment ratios, it all clicked. I realized color theory could take the guesswork out of beauty and make it more inclusive. I wanted to help people understand that makeup isn’t about rules, it’s about tools, and science just gives you the language to explain what your eyes already see.
How did your background in computer science and software engineering influence the way you approach color theory and product formulation?
In tech, you’re trained to think in systems inputs, outputs, and variables. The engineering mindset is really just a problem solving mindset and that’s exactly how I approach makeup and product development. Color theory is basically data science for beauty. When I was formulating with MOB Beauty, I built mini “test frameworks” to see how undertones interacted across different skin depths and lighting environments. My engineering brain helps me zoom out, look for patterns, and then translate them into something practical, like helping someone finally find their perfect nude lipstick.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in beauty, from Rare Beauty to Vaseline, but you’ve always stayed true to your values of inclusivity and education. How do you decide which brands align with your mission?
I always ask one question first, “Does this brand care about education or just exposure?” I love working with brands that don’t just want a pretty campaign, but want to actually teach people why their products work and who they’re made for. I look for teams that listen, want to be held accountable, and are open to learning from creators who represent different perspectives. I say no a lot, but that’s what keeps my community’s trust and that’s something I’ll never compromise.
Your MOB Beauty collaboration was such a hit, selling out 2.000 units in a single day. What was the process like bringing that “perfect red lipstick” to life?
It was actually 3.000. It was one of the most rewarding, and obsessive, projects I’ve ever done. We only spent six months working with the MOB Beauty lab team mixing pigments, testing shades on dozens of undertones, and documenting every iteration. I wanted to create a red that would work across different skin tones and, most importantly, for my wedding. One that didn’t turn orange on deeper skin or too pink on olive tones. Every tweak was rooted in color science and tested on real people. When the kit finally sold out, it felt like the community and I had built it together.
The product was inspired by your mom’s lifelong love of red lipstick. What do you think makes a truly timeless red lipstick, both in color and in feeling?
A timeless red isn’t just about the shade, it’s about the energy and confidence it gives you. My mom always wore red lipstick like armor. It wasn’t about looking glamorous, it was about feeling powerful and put together, no matter the situation. I think that’s what timeless beauty really is, something that transcends trends and connects to confidence. For me, the perfect red should flatter your undertone, but more importantly, it should make you feel like you are at your boldest.
You’ve been such a strong voice for inclusivity in beauty. Where do you think the industry is making real progress, and where does it still need to do better?
We’ve definitely come a long way in shade ranges and representation on camera, but inclusivity can’t stop marketing. The real progress happens when diverse voices are in the rooms where decisions are made, creative direction, brand strategy. The industry still struggles with understanding undertones beyond “light, medium, dark.” Until we see that nuance reflected in formulation and education, and not just campaigns, there’s still work to do. But I’m hopeful, because creators and consumers are demanding more transparency than ever before.
As someone who bridges the technical and creative sides of beauty, how do you see innovation shaping the next wave of inclusive products?
Innovation is going to come from data and empathy working together. We’re entering an era where brands can use technology — AI, shade mapping, pigment analytics — to create formulas that are truly optimized for all skin tones. But it only works if the people behind the data understand cultural context and real human experiences. I think the next wave of inclusive beauty will be co-created with scientists, creators, and communities working together instead of separately.
You recently shared your experience dealing with negative comments about your body after your wedding. That honesty resonated deeply with your followers. How did you find the strength to speak out?
I think it came from realizing that silence helps no one. I’ve built my platform on honesty, and I didn’t want to only show the highlight reel. The truth is, no matter how confident or successful you are, social media can make you question your worth and I wanted to talk about that openly. I’ve learned that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, it builds connection. If my honesty helps even one person feel seen, then it’s worth it.
How do you personally protect your mental health while navigating an industry and platform that can be so appearance-driven?
I’ve had to set really clear boundaries. I remind myself that my job is to create, not to constantly perform. I take time offline, I delegate, and I’ve built a team that helps me separate “Monica the creator” from “Monica the person.” Therapy, journaling, and having people in my life who don’t care about social media at all have also been game changers. It’s easy to lose yourself in the noise, but protecting your peace has to be part of your strategy, not an afterthought.
You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age — content creator, business owner, consultant, speaker. What keeps you creatively inspired?
Curiosity, always. I love asking “why” questions. Why certain products work, why trends spread, why something resonates emotionally. I think that’s the engineer in me. I also get inspired by my community and they’re constantly challenging me to go deeper, to explain things better, to make beauty more accessible. And honestly, I’m still learning. Every new project feels like a chance to build something smarter, more meaningful, and more inclusive.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you, whether in beauty, business, or personal growth?
This next chapter is about expansion, but with intention. I’m working on scaling my “No BS Beauty Lab” into something bigger than just me, creating tools and products that empower people to understand their own beauty through color theory. Personally, I’m focused on slowing down a bit, enjoying married life, taking care of myself, and building things that last. I’ve spent years proving I can do it all, now I just want to do what truly matters.
