'I have never followed boundaries': Ken Doll on fame, representing Pakistan at Huda Beauty event

Faisalabad-born influencer opens up about breaking stereotypes, online bullying, creator industry

Adnan Zafar, the skincare and makeup influencer popularly known on social media as Ken Doll, spoke to BBC News about his invitation to Huda Beauty’s exclusive event in London, opening up about his confidence, boundary-breaking content, and rise to fame.

Ken Doll discussed his experience as the only Pakistani content creator invited to Huda Kattan’s beauty brand trip. The influencer said, “I am very blessed that they messaged me out of the blue,” adding that he was added to a group, wondered what was going on, and was told he was heading to London for the event.

He shared his excitement at being the sole creator from Pakistan invited to the event, proudly referring to his hometown Faisalabad as the "Manchester of Pakistan." 

When asked why he believes he was chosen, Ken Doll said it was because he has never limited himself to societal expectations. “Because I have never followed boundaries. I have always made boundary-breaking content. I have tried to break stereotypes,” he said.

The influencer added, “I have always taught that men can also do skincare and makeup, they can also look good. Men should confidently promote this.”

Discussing the event itself, Ken Doll became emotional speaking about meeting Kattan. “She was giving me love like a mother,” he shared, adding that the beauty mogul “gave me the most meaningful advice about online bullying: ‘Don’t ever stop doing what you are doing. I know what is being said about you, my whole team sees what people say. You are very unique.’”

“When I came back from London, I came back a new person,” he stated.

Ken Doll also touched on the various challenges Pakistani influencers may face. Highlighting how audiences often expect influencers to remain confined to one niche, he said “If I am doing skincare, botox, or surgical treatments, I am very open and transparent with my audience. I want people to see the pros and cons. I guide people, but once I give my opinion on something else, people are like, ‘No, please stick to makeup.’”

He also discussed influencer culture, noting that rivalry seems to be more common within the Pakistani industry than internationally. “I think it’s only in Pakistan. Internationally, people say we should collaborate or make something together. They look for opposite people, they want to connect with people from different countries,” Ken Doll said.

Regarding Pakistan’s influencer community, he acknowledged that creators often unite when facing criticism from outsiders, but noted that solidarity can disappear when internal groups and rivalries form.

Ken Doll also addressed paid political campaigns, explaining that he carefully considers the message behind any project before accepting it. “You should remember that you are an online market. If someone gives you chips, it is your art, how you choose to promote it. Will you give it a healthy or unhealthy look?” he asked.

Concluding the interview, the influencer encouraged younger generations to consider social media as a serious career path. “I worked in the hotel industry for 15 years in Dubai and left it to come back to Pakistan because social media was giving me more financial opportunities,” he said. “It is definitely a big market if you use it right,” the influencer added.

On why he chose to return to Pakistan, Ken Doll stated that the country has a 250 million audience and that he gets respect here.

Ken Doll’s journey reflects the growing influence of digital creators in Pakistan and the evolving conversations around beauty, self-expression, and individuality.