Ask Merriam-Webster what a “superwoman” is and you’ll get this definition: an exceptional woman, especially a woman who succeeds in having a career and raising a family. For the longest time, this was the standard of what it meant to be super: the ability to juggle it all, from boardroom meetings to bedtime stories. But the current reality is far more expansive. Today’s superwomen break boundaries, rewrite the rules, and thrive on their own terms—office desk and baby optional.
Here, we celebrate four such women, each of whom has forged their own paths to being their own kind of exceptional. From a flight attendant-turned-content creator to an artist who defied traditional expectations, a musician thriving in a male-dominated industry, and a beauty entrepreneur who built her brand from the ground up, these women “change-makers” are redefining what success as a woman looks like today. Handpicked to share their inspiring stories at the NIVEA Superwoman Rising event hosted by The Beauty Edit, they’re living proof that there’s no single formula to making it; instead, it’s about how you embrace your individual journey and unique strengths as you carve your way forward.
A Woman Taking Flight: Jen Barangan
Born in the small city of Carcar in the province of Cebu, travel and lifestyle content creator Jen Barangan knew early that she was destined for big things. As a child, she’d dreamt of being in the spotlight and had her eyes set on becoming a flight attendant (FA). But as a breadwinner, pursuing her goals didn’t come easy. “I worked as a call center agent for four years,” says Barangan, saving and scrimping to make ends meet and help support her family.
At 25, she landed her dream job as an FA for one of the country’s leading airlines. Suddenly, she was traveling, meeting new people, and exploring the world. This new “life” also prompted her to create her own YouTube channel, where she sought to share her adventures and inspire fellow dreamers.
But in 2020, her rising career was unexpectedly grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was so afraid to tell my viewers that I lost my job—because what if they were only following me because I was an FA?” To her surprise, her announcement was met with so much understanding and support from the community she’s built from scratch. It was then that Barangan decided to pivot to full-time content creation, where she continues to reach new heights: She currently has around 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 3.7 million followers on TikTok.
“My definition of a superwoman is someone who can still confidently create something and inspire others despite or amidst the negativity,” the now 31-year-old social media star shares, candid about her struggles in her career journey and the realities of being in the spotlight, bashers included. A true class act, Barangan thrives by staying focused on the positives, as she always has. “My wings may have been taken away from me, but they can’t take my ability to soar.”
An Artist Breaking Free: Wiji Lacsamana
“The little good girl from the small little wholesome town.” This is what in-demand tattoo and visual artist, astrologer, reiki healer, and all-around creative Wiji Lacsamana prefaces her story as she opens up about her childhood in quiet San Fernando, La Union. Raised in a conservative household, Lacsamana recalls living life in a cookie-cutter world—one where she felt she didn’t really fit in. “What I craved, I didn’t see out in the world,” says Lacsamana, who’s always had a flair for the arts. “Therefore, I thought it just had to stay inside me.”
When she moved to Manila, she took up political science at De La Salle University before trying various office jobs, from teaching to government work. But she would never last for more than six months. Her unease, coupled with her craving for something more prompted her to reassess her life. “If you don’t know what you want, know what you don’t want,” she now shares as life-changing advice.
Eventually, she found herself surrounded by artists and creatives, with her friends proving to be instrumental in helping her learn new skills like painting and illustrating. Then one day, at a friend’s party, she stumbled upon tattooing. Long story short, her life was never the same again.
These days, Lacsamana’s tattoo waitlist speaks volumes of the high demand for her artistry and the unique, custom nature of her designs. “Your superpowers might be seen as your negative side at first, as your shadow side,” she shares, admitting that she used to think there was something wrong with her—for not fitting the usual mold. “But flip it around; your shadow can actually be your best ally.” She adds that everything changed when she shifted from being a passive participant to becoming an “active creator” in her life.
While her days may be busy, she also makes sure to allot time for her family and, of course, herself. As a mother, Lacsamana says that of the lessons she wants to impart to her son, it’s that he can be anything he wants to be. But equally important, is for her son to see “That I’m a happy mom,” says Lacsamana, “because that’s also the energy I’ll be giving him.”
Making Music in a Man’s World: Nica del Rosario
Talented musician, songwriter, and singer Nica del Rosario, known to many as the voice behind the famous “Rosas” anthem during the 2022 national elections, isn’t your typical mainstream artist. Her quiet demeanor shows that she’s more comfortable behind the scenes, dedicated to perfecting her craft rather than seeking the spotlight.
She started loving music at a young age, and her early exposure to theater helped her develop a deep appreciation for storytelling through song. Over time, she realized that her true strength lay in writing songs that resonated with others. “A song can become a hit when it tells a story that’s shared by many people,” Del Rosario says.
Her first major hit, “Tala,” popularized by pop singer Sarah Geronimo, was an accidental success. “It was a last-minute submission,” Del Rosario shares, adding that she had to write it fast, turning to nature—and her own love life—for inspiration. She’s since gone on to pen more hits, including “Karera” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi” by P-pop girl group BINI. But she’s quick to stress, “The success of a song is credited to a whole team; not just the songwriter and artist.”
Though she may be a household name now, Del Rosario reveals it wasn’t easy breaking into the male-dominated music industry. “They would think I’m the intern,” she recalls of her experiences at the studio where she works, with clients often expecting a man to be at the helm of music production. She didn’t let it faze her, though. “Being a woman in this industry is difficult, but not impossible.”
Her career successes aside, Del Rosario is most proud of her personal milestones, which include marrying her partner Justine Peña. The two got married in Sydney in 2022, and again in the Philippines in 2023. “Thinking really hard about it—who is a superwoman to me—I started thinking about my wife, my mom, my friends and family,” she says. “I realized every single one of them, they’re all superwomen.”
Her biggest reminder to any woman feeling lost, small, or insignificant? “Don’t be afraid to take up space.” Del Rosario did, and look at where she is now.
Championing Purposeful Beauty: Mae Layug
“A superwoman is someone who knows what she wants,” declares Mae Layug, founder and CEO of GRWM Cosmetics, a Filipino beauty brand that launched in 2021, right smack in the middle of the pandemic. No virus, no lockdown was going to stop this woman from doing what she wanted to do—and her bold move definitely paid off. She’s since grown her small team of 11 to over a hundred-strong company, and from six products, they now have 354. The brand has also gone from purely online selling to entering major retail stores, not just in Manila but all over the country.
It was only just a few years ago that Layug served a different calling as a cardiovascular nurse. While working shifts in the hospital, she also dabbled in multiple side businesses, selling anything from food to accessories. “But despite my efforts, they failed to take off,” she shares. In May 2018, after passing the NCLEX or National Council Licensure Examination for nurses, she was faced with deciding between going to an interview as the next step to pursue nursing abroad or attending a beauty event in Manila. One can surely guess which path she chose!
Layug listened to her true heart’s calling and stayed behind to continue being a beauty content creator. Her natural charisma paired with her passion for makeup and skincare propelled her to online success, and soon, she found herself collaborating with beauty brands. This also started fanning the flames of a new desire—to launch her very own beauty brand. “I saw a gap in the Filipino beauty industry that I wanted to fill,” Layug says of the beginnings of GRWM. “I believe that every Filipino deserves to discover their perfect shade match.”
It was a huge gamble but she pushed through. “Even though there were uncertainties, I told myself I would work very hard to pursue this,” she says. Not only did she pull it off, but she also successfully built a business that doesn’t merely operate for profit: GRWM stands as a purpose-driven company with advocacies promoting inclusivity and championing animal welfare. As a certified animal lover, Layug has made it part of her brand’s mission to take care of our furry friends by rescuing and adopting stray cats.
“A superwoman has a clear vision of her goals—she maintains focus and determination, never allowing distractions to derail her,” says Layug, who admits she’s had a huge share of curveballs thrown at her throughout her journey, including being scammed. But she continues to stand strong, especially now that she has a young daughter who looks up to her (and another baby on the way!), and who serves as her inspiration as she grows her empire. “I have found my purpose.”
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