Deepica Mutyala Inspires UT McCombs Graduates

Fifteen years after graduating from McCombs School of Business, entrepreneur and beauty founder Deepica Mutyala returned to the university as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2026. The founder and CEO of Live Tinted delivered a powerful and deeply personal speech that encouraged graduates to embrace risk, authenticity, and self-belief as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Her return to campus marked a full-circle moment for the McCombs alumna, who graduated in 2011 with a degree in marketing and has since built one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the industry.

Speaking candidly about her unconventional journey, Mutyala reminded students that success rarely follows a straight line. She shared how she once dreamed of working in beauty, only to face rejection early in her career after not receiving a full-time offer from a company she admired. Rather than allowing setbacks to define her, she used them as motivation to continue pursuing her passion. From quitting a stable corporate job to taking a leap into content creation and entrepreneurship, she emphasized that many of the decisions that ultimately shaped her career initially appeared uncertain or even “cringe” to others.

One of the strongest themes throughout her speech was the importance of betting on oneself. Mutyala encouraged graduates to choose boldness over comfort and to trust their instincts even when the path ahead feels unclear. Reflecting on the viral YouTube video that changed her life and eventually led to the creation of Live Tinted, she explained that what many people call luck is often the result of preparation meeting opportunity. Her message resonated strongly with students navigating an increasingly competitive and unpredictable professional world.

Mutyala also spoke passionately about the value of authentic relationships and representation. She urged graduates to move beyond transactional networking and instead focus on building meaningful human connections rooted in curiosity and vulnerability.

In one of the most memorable moments of the speech, she introduced the idea of “bringing your own chair” into spaces where opportunities may not naturally exist. As a South Asian American woman founder in the beauty industry, she reflected on overcoming imposter syndrome and challenging barriers in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Her remarks highlighted the importance of creating space not only for oneself, but also for future generations.

Closing her address, Mutyala encouraged graduates to define success on their own terms rather than through societal expectations or online validation. She acknowledged the constant noise and pressure created by social media and public opinion, reminding students that the most important voice they will ever hear is their own.

Her speech concluded with a message of individuality and courage, urging the graduating class to live authentically and unapologetically. The address received widespread praise for its honesty, relatability, and empowering message, further cementing Mutyala’s role as an influential voice for the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.

Watch Deepica's Full Speech Here