At 56, Tonia Ranco has redefined the concept of beauty, proving that confidence and elegance are timeless. As an influencer and content creator, she has built a substantial following by encouraging women to embrace their authentic selves—no matter their age or appearance. With a focus on makeup, skincare, and fashion, Ranco aims to inspire others to look and feel their best, proving that beauty knows no age limit.
Tonia’s journey into the world of social media and content creation began later in life, when she was 47 years old. Like many women, Ranco grew up surrounded by societal pressures and negative perceptions about her appearance. “Your lips are too big, your eyes are too large, you don’t look like the beauty standards on TV,” she recalls. These comments left a mark, and for years, she battled with self-doubt, unsure whether she belonged in the public eye. But, in 2016, at the encouragement of her Husband, Ranco decided to push past the negativity and share her story with the world. She posted her first YouTube video, beginning her path as a content creator, despite the fears of judgment that often accompany putting oneself out there.
The response was nothing short of transformative. Ranco’s vulnerability resonated with people, especially women who, like her, had faced beauty standards that seemed impossible to meet. “It took me far too long to reach this space of self-love and self-acceptance because I fell victim to the negativity of people around me and the impact of the media telling me I wasn’t good or pretty enough,” Ranco reflects. But through persistence and a commitment to celebrating her own uniqueness, she found confidence in herself and her voice. She began building Rancobeauty, her personal brand, and her following grew exponentially.
Her big breakthrough came in 2020 when she posted her first TikTok video. What she hadn’t expected was the outpouring of positivity and support from viewers. This reaction surprised Ranco, but also made her realize that she had found her true community—a group of individuals who shared her values of self-love, authenticity, and age-positive beauty. The next year, she was chosen as one of the first 100 creators for TikTok’s Black Creators Program, and the news was covered by major publications like Rolling Stone, NBC News, CNN, and Entertainment Tonight. The recognition was a momentous occasion for Ranco, marking her as a trailblazer in the world of beauty influencers.
Her rise to prominence didn’t stop there. Ranco’s influence continued to expand, and in 2024 she was featured in The Girlfriend by AARP, recognized as one of the top influencers over 50 to follow. Her name was also included in Women’s Wear Daily as one of the “Top 10 Gen X Beauty Influencers to Watch.” These accolades were particularly meaningful to Ranco, as they validated her message and defied the beauty industry’s narrow view of aging and relevance. In fact, prior to her success, some beauty brands had told her that she had “aged out” of certain campaigns. Instead of feeling discouraged, Ranco took this as an opportunity to challenge the industry’s stereotypical boundaries and prove that beauty doesn’t have an expiration date.
Ranco’s commitment to embracing beauty at every age is a central theme in her content. “I used to say I wanted to help others be confident despite their age or skin color. But now, I want us all to be confident and proud because of our age or skin color,” she explains. For her, beauty is not about defying the passage of time but about celebrating it. She believes that each wrinkle, every imperfection, is a badge of honor earned through life’s experiences. “We’ve earned our wrinkles and imperfections through our years of life, through our highs and lows. Let’s celebrate our beauty and this amazing journey,” she says.
Ranco’s mission has evolved over time. What began as a simple desire to create beauty content has now grown into an empowering platform where women of all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to feel seen and valued. She uses her platform to remind her followers that their beauty is not defined by the number on their birth certificates or the shade of their skin. “All skin tones are beautiful. Our age doesn’t diminish us; it enriches us,” Ranco declares. “Everyone needs to know that they are ENOUGH. They are beautiful and deserving of happiness.”
Ranco’s authenticity resonates deeply with her audience. She doesn’t just talk about self-love—she lives it. Her content is not only centered around beauty tutorials and skincare routines but also on the larger concept of self-empowerment. In her posts, Ranco offers practical advice on how to embrace aging with grace and confidence. She shares her personal journey, including the struggles she faced with her appearance, as well as the triumphs that followed. By doing so, she creates a space where women can connect, learn, and grow together.
What sets Ranco apart from other influencers is her ability to weave humor and relatability into her content. Alongside her beauty tips, she and her husband often share lighthearted, joyful moments on TikTok, spreading positivity and laughter to her community. These videos have become some of her most popular, showing that life isn’t just about beauty routines and products—it’s about joy, connection, and embracing the people around you.
Ranco’s influence as an over-50, African-American content creator has positioned her as a unique voice in the beauty and lifestyle conversation. Through her content, she encourages her followers to see themselves as beautiful, worthy, and empowered, no matter their age, skin color, or background. By sharing her experiences, insights, and recommendations, Ranco has become a role model for women of all ages who may feel underrepresented or overlooked in the media.
Today, Ranco continues to be a full-time content creator with the support of a talent agency, balancing her professional endeavors with her passion for spreading positivity. “Life is good,” she says, with a smile that’s contagious to anyone who follows her on social media. Whether she’s sharing her favorite makeup tips, skincare routines, or simply enjoying a laugh with her husband, Ranco’s message remains the same: Confidence comes from within, and beauty is about embracing who you are—inside and out.
Tonia Ranco’s journey from self-doubt to self-love is a testament to the power of confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance. She is living proof that beauty is not confined to a specific age, size, or skin tone—and that every woman deserves to feel beautiful at every stage of life.
To learn more about Tonia Ranco and explore her content, visit Rancobeauty and connect with her on TikTok, Instagram ,Facebook, and YouTube. For reviews and feedback from her community, visit her Facebook page.