In Conversation with Neaha Ranasinghe: MUA | Singer | Model | Content Creator

From transforming faces as a makeup artist to captivating audiences through music, modeling, and digital content, Neha Ranasinghe has built a unique place for herself in Sri Lanka’s creative industry. Known for her authenticity and versatility, she continues to inspire young audiences by balancing multiple creative careers while staying true to herself. Her appearance in the widely discussed track Ceylon Baddie further highlighted her passion for music and introduced another exciting chapter in her journey. In this conversation, I spoke with Neaha about her creative journey, the realities of content creation, her love for music, the challenges of building a personal brand, and her aspirations for the future. Here’s our conversation.
Q1. You balance multiple roles as a makeup artist, singer, model, and content creator. Which side of your career feels the most personal to you and why?
I would say being a singer. Music is something I’ve loved since I was very young, long before I got into makeup, modeling, or content creation. Singing has always been where I’m most vulnerable, and it’s something that has grown with me over the years. Content creation is also personal because I get to show different sides of myself, but at heart, I’ve always wanted to be a singer. I even remember drawing myself as a singer on a mountaintop in a school sketchbook when we had to imagine our future. That dream has always stayed with me.

Q2. What first inspired you to step into the creative industry and start building your brand online?
The people around me inspired me the most. I first started working with Eric & Manisha as a makeup artist for one of their mini-series, and through them I got to witness the world of content creation up close. I’d always imagined making videos when I was younger, almost like pretending to vlog for fun, but seeing creators actually doing it professionally made me realize it was something I genuinely wanted to pursue. Being surrounded by talented people in the fashion and creative industry motivated me to start building my own presence online.
Q3. “Ceylon Baddie” gained a lot of attention among young audiences. How did being part of that song influence your music journey?
It was an incredible experience. Working on the song and music video introduced me to an entirely new creative process. I was fortunate to collaborate with talented people who guided me throughout the journey. The best part was that I was surrounded by friends throughout the production, from the artists to the production team, so the whole experience felt very comfortable and enjoyable. I’m grateful I got to be part of something that connected with so many people.

Q4. Out of makeup, music, modeling, and content creation, which field has been the most challenging so far?
Definitely content creation. People often think it’s just about making videos and looking good, but it’s much more than that. Staying consistent, coming up with fresh ideas, filming, editing, and managing everything behind the scenes takes a lot of effort. It’s mentally demanding too, and I think many people underestimate how much work goes into it.
Q5. Social media can be both rewarding and stressful. How do you handle the pressure and stay creatively consistent?
Honestly, I’m still learning. There are times when I struggle with consistency because constantly creating fresh content isn’t easy. It can be discouraging when videos don’t perform the way you expect. What I’ve learned is to accept that it’s a journey. You won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay. I stay inspired by the people around me, keep myself open to learning, and remind myself that authenticity matters more than perfection.
Q6. As someone representing Sri Lankan youth culture online, what kind of impact do you hope to create through your content?
I just want to bring people joy. Through creating content, I’ve learned so much about myself and how to be more authentic. If someone watches one of my videos and it makes them laugh or brightens their day, that’s incredibly rewarding. Some people have even told me my content helped them through difficult moments, and hearing that reminds me why I do what I do. My goal is simply to create happiness while staying true to myself.

Q7. What do you think is the biggest challenge girls face when trying to become known personalities in today’s social media industry?
I think confidence is one of the biggest challenges. There are so many unspoken expectations about how female content creators should look or behave. I know so many incredibly funny and talented girls whose personalities don’t fully come across online because they feel they have to fit a certain image. People are made up of so many different sides, and I think content should reflect that. I try to show different aspects of who I am, and I hope more creators feel confident enough to do the same.

Q8. Are there any artists, brands, or creators you dream of collaborating with in the future?
I’m honestly open to working with anyone who’s excited to collaborate. As a makeup artist, though, I’d love to work with international beauty brands like Huda Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury. That’s been a dream of mine for a long time, and just thinking about it makes me happy.
Q9. Do you see yourself focusing more on music in the coming years, or continuing to balance all four careers?
I definitely see myself putting more focus into music because it’s something I’ve only recently started exploring seriously. At the same time, I don’t think I’ll completely leave the other areas behind. Content creation will always be part of what I do, and makeup will always have a place in my journey. Right now, I’m enjoying balancing everything and seeing where each season of my career takes me.

Q10. What has been one unforgettable moment in your career that made you feel proud of how far you’ve come?
One moment that really stands out was after the Ceylon Baddie shoot.
It had been a long day, and I was exhausted. On the drive home, I suddenly realized that just one or two years earlier, I never imagined I’d be singing, collaborating with amazing artists, doing makeup on set, and working alongside close friends who had supported me throughout my journey. That moment made me stop and appreciate how far I’d come. I became emotional because I realized all the hard work had been worth it.

Rapid Fire
Makeup or music?
Music. Singing is something I could never stop doing.
One word your friends would use to describe you?
Weird, in a fun, goofy way!
Dream country to perform or create content in?
Switzerland. I’d love to create content or perform with beautiful mountains in the background.
What’s one thing you can’t leave home without?
My water bottle. I genuinely can’t survive without it.
Favourite song on your playlist right now?
“Jesus Be the Name.” I’ve been listening to a lot of worship music lately.
If you weren’t a creator, model, singer & MUA, what career would you choose?
I’d either be a lawyer or a psychologist. I’ve always enjoyed understanding people and their behaviour.
One goal you want to achieve before the end of this year?
Believe it or not… organize my cupboard! It’s something I’ve been putting off for ages, and I’m determined to finally get it done.
