What Does It Mean To Be An Influencer In New York These Days?

Do you see yourself as an influencer?
I never really thought of myself as that, but then my following just grew and now I’m signed with NEXT Models as one. I wanted to be more of a designer, and push myself as a brand. I won’t post something unless it fits who I am and my aesthetic - I want it to be real. I don’t want to post things that aren’t genuine.

Do you use your influence as leverage for anything in particular?
FUNBOY will send me 12 of their floats at a time. That stuff I love. It helps when you don’t have to pay for it.

Is it easy to make a big splash in New York or is it difficult in an over-saturated market of “influencers”?
It’s been easier but not for the best. You get more of a backbone growing up here. It sort of is like the Gossip Girl-esque thing where you have to deal with a lot of people and you get stronger and more mature at an early age. At 16 I felt like my friends and I were more mature than most people and I discovered that when I went to LA. You learn a lot more and it helps in the long-run.

What’s your favorite place to grab a cocktail in the city?
The Blond and Paul’s Casablanca.

[Photo courtesy Cogent]