Reka Janisse, a vibrant influencer, turns her morning makeup routine into a powerful act of self-empowerment despite living with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
In July 2024, Reka Janisse captured hearts with a TikTok video on her @pd.family account, where she curls her lashes, blends foundation, and sings to Taylor Swift’s “The One” despite visible YOPD tremors. Captioned with a humorous quip about not ripping out her eyelashes, the clip highlights the raw reality of her Monday morning struggles yet ends with determination and joy. The video exploded, amassing more than 300,000 views and earning comments praising her vulnerability.
Janisse shares that exposing “the good, bad, and ugly” of her journey helps others feel seen and encourages early treatment, making her routine a beacon of resilience.
Reka Janisse, a full-time Bank of America employee and former fitness instructor, lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her three children. She was diagnosed with YOPD in April 2022 at age 39, and publicly revealed her diagnosis in November 2023.
She faces a condition affecting about 4% of the 1 million Parkinson’s cases in the U.S., often striking those under 50.
Her @pd.family accounts on Instagram and TikTok now reach about 29,000 followers, where she candidly shares balancing work, family, and symptoms like tremors that complicate daily tasks.
For Janisse, makeup is more than appearance, it anchors her mental health and sense of self.
"I typically struggle with my morning makeup, work clothes and jewelry, but I also know how important it is to feel and look good for my mental health," she tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.
Tremors make tasks like eyeliner or mascara tough, yet she adapts, proving self-care fosters resilience. Her viral video blends vulnerability with strength, reminding viewers that beauty routines are acts of defiance against illness. In a world that often overlooks YOPD, her openness inspires dignity and independence.
Parkinson’s UK, a trusted authority, offers practical advice to make makeup accessible despite tremors.
Sit at a dressing table or counter, rest your elbow on a surface to steady your hand, and use a fixed wall or stand mirror to avoid knocks.
Choose user-friendly products: easy-open palettes, pump bottles for foundations, thicker brushes (add a rubber band for grip), and cream-based eye shadows or blushers that blend easily.
Start with detailed steps like eyes when hands feel strongest; use short strokes for eyeliner, a mascara shield for smudges, cotton buds with remover for fixes, and fingers to dab lipstick.
Take your time, rushing worsens challenges.
Occupational therapists can personalize tools, turning frustration into flow.
Janisse revolutionized her life post-diagnosis to thrive with YOPD.
“A huge driving force for me along this journey was to completely transform my life and rule out any other health issues so I could solely focus on my Parkinson’s Disease,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively.
She quit alcohol, shed 60 pounds, and committed to daily workouts, starting at 4 a.m. with 5 a.m. gym sessions for HYROX training while prepping her kids for school. Medication helps, but its effects fade after hours, so her proactive exercise and healthy eating routine keep her strong. Her shift from fitness instructor to advocate shows how small changes build resilience.
1. Parkinson’s UK, "Applying makeup when you have Parkinson’s," https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/your-magazine/tips/applying-makeup-when-you-have-parkinsons.
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