Beauty, Pride, + Becoming: Spencer Hedges

Spencer Hedges has never been just about the transformation. Known for his striking glam and signature before-and-after content, his work is as much about connection as technique, blending precision with personality in a way that feels both aspirational and real.

Originally from Florida, Spencer moved to Los Angeles at just 16 to pursue his career, quickly carving out a space for himself in an ever-evolving industry. Today, he stands as one of beauty’s most compelling voices, and as the new Global Brand Ambassador for ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr, he’s stepping into a moment that reflects both his artistry and his influence.

Beyond beauty, Spencer is also initiating conversations that matter. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a single father, he has shared his journey through IVF and surrogacy with honesty and intention, helping to redefine what a modern family can look like while creating space for others to feel seen in their own paths.

In this conversation, he reflects on his evolution, the meaning of Pride today, and the power of showing up fully, in your work, your identity, and your life.

You’ve built a career rooted in beauty while also sharing such a raw and personal journey towards becoming a father. What does this chapter of your life represent to you, both professionally and personally?

This chapter feels like the most grounded I’ve ever been. For a long time, my career was everything, and I was constantly chasing what was next, what bigger thing I needed to build, what I needed to prove. Becoming a father changed the weight of all of that. Professionally, I still care deeply about my work, maybe even more now, but it comes from a different place. There’s a different perspective behind it, a different kind of motivation, because now I’m not just building for myself anymore.

You moved to Los Angeles at just 16 to pursue your dreams. Looking back, what did that younger version of you get right, and what has surprised you most about where you are today?

What that younger version of me got right was leaving early and trusting that instinct. I understood that I needed to get out of my environment if I wanted a real shot at becoming who I felt I was supposed to be. I didn’t fully know what I was doing, but I knew I needed to be somewhere that felt bigger than my circumstances. What surprises me most now is that even after reaching things I once dreamed about, I still keep evolving. I’ve realized success doesn’t suddenly make me feel complete, it just asks different things of me and forces me to avoid becoming too comfortable.

Your transformations are incredible, but what really draws people in is you. How do you balance the technical side of makeup artistry with the storytelling and personality that make your content so engaging?

I think people can tell when something is fully yours. Every part of my content, the way it looks, the pacing, the lighting, the tone, the editing, all of it goes through me. For the level of production people see, they’d probably assume there’s a much bigger team behind it, but I wear a lot of hats and I’m very involved in every detail. The artistry matters because I care deeply about doing things well, but people also connect when something feels authored and honest. So I’ve always believed that if I ever put my name on something beyond content, it would have to carry that same level of excellence.

The beauty industry is evolving, especially when it comes to inclusivity and representation. Where do you feel we’re making real progress, and where do you still want to see change?

I think there has definitely been progress, especially compared to what the industry looked like years ago. More people are being seen, more voices are part of the conversation, and that matters. But I still think there’s a difference between being included because it looks right and being genuinely valued once the cameras are off. I’d still love to see more consistency from brands, where support doesn’t disappear once the campaign ends and people are trusted long term.

You’ve been open about your IVF and surrogacy journey, which is incredibly powerful. What made you decide to share that part of your life, and how has becoming a father changed your perspective on everything?

I shared it because for a long time I kept that part of my life very private, but eventually it felt more meaningful to be honest about it than to protect it. There are a lot of people building families in ways that don’t always get spoken about openly, and I think that deserves more openness than it usually gets. Becoming a father changed the way I see almost everything. It softened certain things in me, sharpened other things, and made me much more aware of what actually deserves my energy.

“I’m not building for myself anymore.”

For anyone currently navigating IVF or exploring nontraditional paths to parenthood, what would you want them to hear, especially on the days that feel overwhelming?

That it’s okay if it doesn’t feel good all the time. People often talk about these journeys once they’ve made it through, but while you’re in it, it can feel very different. I remember feeling uncertain, emotional, financially stretched, exhausted, and very lonely. But none of that means you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re in one of the harder parts. Keep going, and don’t let one difficult moment convince you that it won’t happen for you.

As the new Global Brand Ambassador for ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr, you’re stepping into a major new chapter. What drew you to this partnership, and how do you see yourself helping shape the brand’s voice and impact moving forward?

What drew me to ONE/SIZE is that it never felt like a forced fit. The relationship was there long before the title. I had been using the products for years, teaching with them, and genuinely connected to what the brand stood for, so stepping into this role felt very natural. Patrick built a brand with a strong point of view, and that clarity is part of why people connect to it. Moving forward, I want to bring what I naturally do, helping people understand what they’re using, trust it, and feel like beauty can still be expressive without needing to feel intimidating.

Photography by Roman Lopez