Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
Hi Blake, welcome to OLC! Can you tell us about your journey from starting out on social media to amassing over 2 million followers? What do you believe contributed to your success?
I started on social media in December of 2019. I started posting just for fun because I loved to entertain people, make people laugh, and bring positivity to the world. My fans and people I met on social media inspired me to continue to post and grow. I received so many positive messages and notes that my content really helped them through tough times or just made them smile. It also gave me something productive to do during COVID shutdowns.
Your content primarily focuses on lifestyle and fashion. How do you stay inspired and keep your content fresh in these ever-evolving industries?
It is likely easier for me to stay inspired and keep my content fresh since I am young and just starting out in my life. I just finished high school, moved away from home, and started college and I am learning and growing and developing everyday . There are always new challenges, new places, new experiences and new things to face in life and I take my audience with me through my journey. There are lots of young adults and college students out there and I try to share my experiences with them as it is always nice to have someone to relate to. Whether it is a day in my life, a get ready with me video, or just some fun adventures or activities, my content is always evolving to the current times.
You recently committed to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. How do you balance your academic pursuits with your growing career as a social media influencer and model?
It is tough sometimes. I have had to make difficult decisions sometimes and be OK with missing out on some opportunities because I had already committed to something else. My parents taught me early on to follow through on my commitments. Education is so important and that always comes first, but I often have figured out ways to balance both work and school with good communication and time-management. If you want something bad enough, you figure out how to make it work. Also, having a planner and writing down everything you need to do on that day (and in the near future) will help you a lot by keeping you organized and accountable. I got that idea from my mom and it has helped me complete tasks and be productive with my day instead of being overwhelmed with my commitments. Breaking them down into a list of items I can complete and check off helps me stay focused.
Signing with LA Models Management is a significant achievement. Can you share some insights into how this opportunity came about and what it means for your modeling career?
I first was introduced to LA Models through my manager, Jake Webb. I originally was contacted through my growing social media channel by IMG modeling agency expressing interest in having me apply to be one of their models. After talking to my manager and figuring out what I really wanted to pursue, he put me in contact with LA Models as the two companies have a great working relationship and they could collaborate on my work schedule. LA Models thought that I had a look that could sell in the print modeling world, so they signed me right away. It has been a blessing working with them and having them by my side throughout my modeling career.
Building a personal brand is crucial for social media influencers. How would you describe your personal brand, and what values or messages do you aim to convey through your content?
My personal brand is authenticity and positivity and to be happy with who you are. I try to convey all aspects of my life to show the good and the not so good, the highs and lows, to let people see that everyone goes through – good times and bad. I try to keep it real, fun and casual and focus on fashion, sports, self-care and fun with friends.
Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced on your journey as a social media influencer and model, and how you’ve overcome them?
Whenever I am asked this question, I usually talk about all of the bullying I faced in school because of social media and modeling. Today I am going to talk about another challenge I face being a model/influencer. For modeling, you have to submit self-tapes and go to in-person auditions for various campaigns on a very short notice, called “go-see’s.” The amount of rejection that you receive is a lot to handle. I never knew how many attempts you had to make to finally book one job. Rejection is just something you have to learn to live with in this industry, unless you are Michael B. Jordan. Realistically though, you can’t think too much about rejection because not all jobs were meant for you and many more will come to you. I overcame this by knowing my worth and thinking maybe the brand was going for a different look than what I offered.
With a widespread audience, you have the power to influence and inspire many. What responsibilities do you believe come with your platform, and how do you navigate the impact you have on your followers?
Across my social media platforms, I feel responsible to set a good example in both my words and actions. I try to put out a clean and positive image and give people someone to look up to and be someone who my followers can relate to. I know I have a lot of fans (of all ages) and I just want to be setting a good example.
Social media can be a double-edged sword, with both positive and negative aspects. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback, and what advice do you have for others facing similar challenges?
Yeah! There is a lot of negativity out in the world and especially on social media. I used to care a lot of what people thought about me. The best advice I could give to anyone is to just be themselves and who cares if someone doesn’t like you. There are 7.8 billion people in the world, just because there are a couple haters, don’t let them affect you. You can actually appreciate the hate because it makes you realize you must be doing something right as it usually just stems from jealousy on their part. Just remember to not take anything negative said on social media seriously and be proud of yourself and who you are.
Looking to the future, what are your long-term goals and aspirations in the world of social media and modeling? How do you plan to continue growing and evolving in your career?
In the future, I want to be a well-known figure in social media and acting/modeling, known for spreading positivity and being authentic. I want to have a strong community of followers who connect with my message. In modeling, I hope to work with top brands in various campaigns, showcasing my versatility and skills. I am also in college right now majoring in theatre arts so I am continuing to get better at performance. To make these dreams happen, I’ll keep learning, networking, and seeking advice from others in the industry. I know it won’t always be easy, but I’m determined to face challenges and keep getting better. By balancing my interests, I believe I can make a meaningful mark in these fields.
