LIFE

The glitz and glam of social media and great camera angles can be misleading. People have the tendency to put on their best face online, and while there is nothing wrong with that, it is often a misrepresentation of reality. Here are some influencers that are breaking down that barrier and showing their followers some serious and very necessary behind the scenes footage. 

Alexis Ren 

 

 

 

 

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Heaviness. We’ve all felt it, and we can all relate to a feeling of inadequacy and lack of motivation for life. There have been times where I felt I couldn’t push through it, and this was how I would feel for the rest of my life, but there was one recurring pattern that I kept seeing...I got through it. Whether it was my mother’s death, a heartbreak, or sleepless depression, each and every time I got through it. This is how I learned to trust myself, it was not in spite of these events but because of them. I trusted my ability to bounce back to living in love because I realized real strength is staying open-hearted through these “bad” experiences. They are opportunities for me to dive deeper to understand myself, therefore connect deeper with others. It is my hope for each of you, as my god sister would say, “to find the strength it takes to be soft.” A lack of empathy is a huge contributor to the state our planet is in, and it’s needed more than ever if we really want to save ourselves. I will continue to share more of my heart, and I hope you will too, because what’s a life half lived for fear of living? Video directed by the best @timmilgram produced by @tmillytv and choreo by the insanely talented @erica_klein Music by @kianalede

A post shared by Alexis Ren (@alexisren) on Dec 11, 2019 at 12:59pm PST

Alexis Ren is an admired model and healthy living advocate, sharing her meals plans and workout routines on her online platform of over 13 million followers. As her audience has grown, her efforts to display the true and personal stories behind her Instagram photos are quite evident. She has opened up in Q&A videos about her struggles with an eating disorder and her trials with the modeling world. Even recently, she shows her strength by sharing that she too grapples with a lack of motivation and insecurities. Our favorite thing about Alexis is that she continues to "show us her heart". 

Ashley (aka bestdressed) 

Known for her unbelievable thrifting hauls, lifestyle videos and being #superrelatable, Ashley has also put her best work forward for her YouTube family to enjoy. She became better at her craft as she gained experience, holding herself to the highest standards. She has been transparent about the pressure she puts on herself to work hard and produce the highest quality of content all while meeting a weekly deadline. In this video, she discusses the status of her mental health and new posting schedule, telling herself and all her followers that it's OK to take a break and set boundaries for yourself. 

Deja Foxx

 

 

 

 

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It was 3 years ago today when my life took one of it’s most wild turns yet. I stood there as a 16 year old, living with her boyfriend, working at a gas station, demanding that I have access to the birth control that could help me reach my full potential, my American dream. Today I sit here writing this as a young woman about to turn 20, living a life of her own design, the first in her family to attend college, and defining success for myself. I knew then what I know now: that control over your body is control of your future. I’ve become a woman that 16 year old couldn’t have yet imagined. I’m living her dream and no matter what turns life takes next, I’ll never stop fighting for people to live a life of their choosing. You’ve probably all seen this video, but I’ve included at the end of this a little behind the scenes of me and Melissa on our way home. We drove 2 hours each way to be there; had been to many a training on bird-dogging, storytelling, and power mapping; spent hours volunteering earlier that day at a fundraiser; and had already fought and won a battle for sex education. You don’t see it in this 2 min clip, but this moment wouldn’t exist without those and it certainly wouldn’t exist if Melissa hadn’t seen my power and pushed me to see It too. Social media is an incredible tool and tactic. We should never take for granted for it’s power to make change, but let’s also not forget the organizing and relationship building that happens behind the scenes and sustains us.

A post shared by Deja Foxx (@dejafoxx) on Apr 13, 2020 at 4:22pm PDT

Deja Foxx went viral due to her unapologetic presence and advocacy for women's reproductive rights at a town hall meeting at the young age of 16 (as seen above). She has shared her story of housing insecurity, her dreams for higher education and the "why" behind her drive for change with her followers. She is proof that you are not simply a product of circumstances. In addition, at the young age of 20, she knows she still has a lot of room to grow. She continues to make herself an accessible role model—whether she's posting her fave ice cream flavor or opening up about an experience of failure.

Cartia Mallan 

Cartia Mallan is a literal spirit animal with an infectious energy in her cinematic travel vlogs. Throughout her time on YouTube, she has made a consistent effort to stay vulnerable and update her followers on everything from her emotional journeys to her future career goals. She has been a voice for those who have ever experienced any type of bullying, explaining the traumatic effects it's had on her. She has always been transparent online, making it so easy for her to connect to her subscribers. 

What influencer has inspired and motivated you the most in your life? Shout them out down below!

Slider Image: instagram.com/alexisren

by Cassandra R Lopez | 4/26/2020