We were lucky to catch up with Robert Butch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Robert, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

One thing I strongly believe, that many people disagree with, is that makeup is for everyone, regardless of gender. Being a masculine man who enjoys doing eyeliner, I often get pushback from those who think makeup is only for women. The journey to this belief started when I first tried eyeliner just for fun. I realized it wasn’t about conforming to a stereotype but about expressing myself creatively. As a man, especially one who might be considered masculine, people assume I’d never engage in something like this. But for me, makeup is an art form, and being confident enough to embrace that is empowering. It wasn’t about making a statement, but over time, it became a way for me to show that you can be both strong and break traditional norms. I think it’s important to challenge outdated views and redefine what masculinity can look like.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Rob, otherwise known as FriedFather, a content creator and makeup enthusiast who started on TikTok, where I make eyeliner videos that highlight my unique perspective as a masculine man who loves makeup. My journey into this world was pretty unexpected. Initially, I was just having fun with my content, but one random “Get Ready With Me” video blew up, and since then, I’ve embraced the chance to inspire others to break free from stereotypes—especially the idea that makeup is only for women. I want to show that creativity and self-expression are universal, regardless of gender.

My content revolves around eyeliner looks and tutorials, but what sets me apart is the fact that I’m challenging gender norms while staying true to who I am as a person. I’m proud of being able to combine two seemingly opposing things—masculinity and makeup—and create a space where others can feel comfortable exploring their own identities. It’s not just about applying eyeliner; it’s about the confidence and freedom to express yourself in ways society doesn’t always expect.

I’ve built a following by being authentic and relatable. My goal is to encourage others, whether they’re men hesitant to try makeup or anyone feeling boxed in by societal expectations, to embrace who they are unapologetically. I’m most proud of the community I’ve created—a space where people feel seen, validated, and inspired to break away from the norm. My brand is about pushing boundaries, encouraging creativity, and showing that confidence is the real key to any look.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments in my journey that illustrates my resilience came when I first started posting eyeliner videos on TikTok. As a masculine man, the feedback wasn’t always positive—there were plenty of harsh comments and judgment from people who didn’t understand or agree with what I was doing. It would’ve been easy to take those comments to heart and stop. But instead of backing down, I chose to lean into it even more.

One particular video stands out to me. I posted a “Get Ready With Me” video that combined a casual outfit with a bold eyeliner look. The comments flooded in—both good and bad—but something clicked for me that day. I realized that people’s discomfort was often rooted in seeing something they weren’t used to. Rather than let the negativity get to me, I saw it as an opportunity to push past those barriers. I kept making videos, kept expressing myself, and over time, I started building a supportive community of people who understood what I was doing.

The experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about standing firm in who you are, even when others are uncomfortable with it. I’m proud that I didn’t let the negative voices drown me out. Instead, I used them as fuel to keep going, to keep challenging norms, and to create content that not only represents me but also inspires others to embrace their own uniqueness.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media was a mix of consistency, authenticity, and embracing the unexpected. It all started when I posted a random “Get Ready With Me” video that featured eyeliner. To my surprise, it blew up. That one video showed me the power of just being yourself—people are drawn to genuine content. From there, I focused on consistently posting content that reflected who I am, combining makeup with a masculine aesthetic, which challenged traditional norms. Over time, this unique angle started attracting more followers, creating a community of people who appreciated what I was doing.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that authenticity is everything. People can tell when you’re trying to be something you’re not, so stay true to your personality and values. Also, don’t be afraid to interact with your audience—respond to comments, ask questions, and make them feel like part of your journey.

For those just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is simple: be patient and consistent. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but if you keep showing up and creating content that resonates with you, it will eventually resonate with others. Don’t get discouraged by slow progress or negative comments; use them as fuel to keep pushing forward. Most importantly, find your unique voice and lean into it—there’s an audience out there for everyone, you just have to connect with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@friedfather
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friiedfather/