If you’ve been on TikTok, you’ve probably seen the drama between Patrick Ta and beauty influencer Avonna Sunshine. And trust me, it’s not just your average beauty catfight—it’s a wake-up call for the industry. Let’s break it down (pun intended).
Avonna, a Dallas-based Black influencer with over 400K followers, recently posted a video exposing Patrick Ta Beauty for allegedly failing to compensate her for promoting their products. In true millennial-meets-Gen Z fashion, she didn’t just speak up—she made a statement. This video was so powerful that Avonna never even said Patrick Ta’s name—she smashed the makeup on camera. Viewers instantly recognized the packaging and knew precisely which brand she was calling out. Picture this: Avonna smashing Patrick Ta’s blushes and glosses on camera, saying, “What do you suppose I do?” The message was loud and clear: Black creators are tired of being undervalued and dismissed.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one brand forgetting to cut a check—it’s about the systemic way Black creators are often treated in the beauty industry. Black creators have always been the backbone of beauty trends, from bold eye looks to flawless skin hacks, yet they are routinely underpaid or overlooked. Avonna herself said, “How would you feel if someone stole from you? If someone took your hard-earned time, blood, sweat, and tears, and they stole from you?”
And let’s be honest—if Avonna hadn’t spoken out, would Patrick Ta Beauty have addressed this? Probably not.
The “Apology” Heard ’Round TikTok
Patrick Ta responded with an apology video, admitting that he overlooked Avonna’s message over a month ago. He blamed the oversight on his finance team and apologized for not compensating her sooner. But let’s be honest: if you’re running a major beauty brand, ignoring a message like that for an entire month is not just a slip-up; it’s low-key negligence.
Avonna’s frustration was completely understandable. She had waited patiently, tried handling the matter privately, and was met with silence. By the time she posted her viral video, it wasn’t just about getting paid—it was about calling out a pattern of dismissing Black creators.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok’s reaction was both swift and pervasive! While Ta’s apology might have been intended to smooth things, TikTok wasn’t buying it. One thing that several TikTok users pointed out was that Patrick Ta initially posted an apology video with little emotion, only to replace it later with a second video where he was visibly crying. Many users called it insincere and performative, feeling it was more about protecting his brand than making real amends.
What’s worse? Some users took it upon themselves to accept his apology on Avonna’s behalf. Excuse me? This is not your apology to accept. The audacity of people telling Avonna to “move on” and “let it go” because Patrick apologized is a prime example of how Black women’s emotions and experiences are constantly minimized.
Breaking Makeup, Breaking Cycles
What makes this even more powerful is how Avonna flipped the script. By smashing his makeup in her video, she broke the tools used to exploit her. It was a symbolic, cathartic, and honestly genius move that screamed, “I’m reclaiming my time (shout out to Auntie Maxine) and energy.”
Her actions weren’t just about getting her bag (which she deserves) but about demanding respect for Black creators everywhere.
The Bigger Picture
This drama isn’t just tea—it’s a reminder that the beauty industry needs a serious overhaul. Many brands love profiting off the Black consumer and hop on trends rooted in Black culture, but things get a little tricky when it’s time to pay up or give credit.
As Avonna put it, “This isn’t just about one brand; it’s about fairness, accountability, and equity across the industry.” And she’s right. It’s time for beauty brands to stop treating Black creators as disposable marketing tools and start treating them as the innovators they are.
Avonna’s bravery in calling out Patrick Ta Beauty is a reminder to all of us—creators, consumers, and brands alike—to do better. Support Black creators and pay them fairly.
Oh, and to all the makeup out there: don’t get too comfortable. Now we know it’s smashable.
XOXO,
Your Beauty Bestie
