John Strand
photo: Mark Arroyo @arroyoworks
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
This model-actor brings a very strong game when it comes to style and words of inspiration on his Instagram.
Describe your followers.
As diverse as they are devoted, they represent regions around the world but are united by creativity and a burning desire for the freedom to express it.
I definitely have significant followings in my two home cities: Los Angeles, where I’m originally from, and New York City, which has become a second home. I see a lot of people involved in athletics and the pursuit of health and fitness, along with fellow artists of many kinds and a lot of young entrepreneurs.
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
Simple; passion and authenticity. I am naturally passionate but I also intentionally focus and engage in anything that I do with every fiber of my being; as though my life depended on it.
I believe that enthusiasm is contagious, and it shines through my content and communication.
And there is nothing more influential than something truly pure and honest, that comes from the heart.
What shapes your personal style?
The classics are definitively the foundation of my style identity; I love refined elegance and a perfectly tailored fit. But rock 'n' roll rebellion also shapes it dramatically, giving me a daring edge that I call "StyleMaverick."
How would you describe the current U.S. lifestyle?
At its best, freedom and creativity are the hallmarks of the American ideal that allow us to enjoy the most wonderful lifestyle on the planet.
We must guard against apathy and arrogance, and continue to champion the cause of equality and diversity.
When have you used your social influence to impact social issues?
I often use my platform as a model to educate others in fighting against obesity and the poor nutrition found in modern commercial agriculture, along with supporting mental health and encouraging balance and positive self-image to reduce the dangers of depression and suicide in young people.
The social values most important to me are compassion and education, or “cultural elevation.” We must always seek the best for others, which begins by considering both their needs and their perspectives.
We must strive to elevate and improve ourselves, first in our thinking and then accordingly in our actions.
These values drive me in everything I do, and they affect any influence I have, especially in my verbal communications and my personal interactions on a daily basis.
What is key when creating your social media post?
A quality image first and foremost, and then describing or suggesting something simple and significant that the image communicates.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
I honestly believe my mother has the most significant influence on my character and human development to this point, and her love and sacrifice has shaped me into the person I am today.
For that, I am truly grateful. I am so blessed to have a strong loving family, and I always try to "influence" others with the love, respect, and support that my family has always provided for me.
Seth Andrew Silver
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
This Cali-based husband, father, artist and teacher can be found on Instagram rocking his truly iconic type of cool.
Describe your followers.
The range of people who have chosen to be visually assaulted, haha, by my social media presence is pretty diverse. It consists of a stew of ages, races, nationalities, genders, social status. That being said, I believe the typical person who follows appreciates a decent beard with a genuine silver fox appeal, vibrant traditional tattoos, the look of a cool style, motorcycle culture, creativity and the musings of a hard working, middle-aged, American dude.
What is the key to maintaining an influencer status?
The biggest thing is staying true to myself and having a genuine presence.
I don’t represent brands that I don't believe in or stand behind or would never actually use in my daily life. I'm consistent with what gets posted on social media.
People follow accounts and feeds for specific reasons. I believe they want to see content that's relevant to the idea of what they signed up for and I try to stick to that: give them what they are after. You have to know yourself, know your brand. You have to be consistent and true to it.
What shapes personal style?
My style is simple, clean, classic and functional for who I am and what I do. I wear a lot of black — I guess that's the temperamental artist in me! I like a bit of a care-free, ripped, torn and worn look. A vintage American, hard-working, hands dirty, masculine feel.
How would you describe the current U.S. style?
That's a hard one! I don't know if I could pin down a single American style. In today's society, there truly is something for everyone, and as social mores and norms become more relaxed, people are all over the place expressing themselves with unique styles. If I had to blanket respond, I'd say current trends tend to be casual, quick, comfortable...still, a good pair of worn jeans, a t-shirt and a light jacket are never out of style here in the states.
When have you used your social media influence to impact social issues?
Occasionally, I do take the opportunity to address social issues.
As an artist I have created a number of pieces that confront topics addressing police brutality, all lives matter, gun violence, hunger, disease and gender inequality.
To share my views, I have shamelessly used social media to visually communicate to anyone who will look and read what I put out there in hopes that I can inspire viewers to think, feel supported, be inspired, maybe even be a part of positive shifts in society.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
Without a doubt my biggest influence is my wife. I trust her, I believe in her. She's super savvy about style, and what's cool — it helps that she has the same style as me! She's my best friend, she gets me and she doesn't put up with my shit! My ride or die.
Laith Ashley
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
A model and artist, he's also passionate about working with programs serving homeless youth and the trans community.
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
I’m a model, activist, actor, and singer/songwriter. I perform, host, and am a guest speaker at conferences and universities. All of these things help with keeping my followers engaged.
What shapes your personal style?
I like clean and fitted clothes. I have been exploring floral prints more, and I am finding I like them a lot. I enjoy wearing anything olive green, denim, and leather jackets. I love wearing boots as well. If I have to go to a more formal event, I love a European cut suit.
How would you describe the current U.S. lifestyle?
On the grind!
When have you used your social influence to impact social issues?
Who I am and how my career started, is based on that.
What is key when creating your social media post?
It has to look good and there should be a positive message.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
I can’t choose one person. My family pushed and inspires me. God keeps me grounded and reminds me that I am loved always and no matter what, and I am motivated and in awe of all artists. I love art in all its forms and the people who create it.
Find Laith on Instagram: @laith_ashley
Uriel Saenz
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
Describe your fans?
My global fan base has been built over decades and are a mix of adventurous executives and young gen Zers. They are a collective of people that represent the various threads that exist on earth. but through all those differences they share their love for quality with authenticity.
When have you used your social media influence to impact social issues?
This is part of the formation of each project I take part in. for me global social issues are part of my execution from the concept phase. Each of my collections brings awareness to a particular one.At my core Im a humanitarian and a warrior for those who might not have a voice or have been silenced.
What shapes your personal style?
I mostly dress for the role i’m plating that day. I take my style as an opportunity to have fun and be playful. If I am going to a big corporate meeting, I would most likely wear a tailored power suit. if im heading to a gala ill be 007. but also if im simply going to a kids piñata party ill wear a conversational T. I think dressing for the event is just proper etiquette. Don’t get me wrong id wear a tuxedo every day if I could.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
My biggest influence is my mother. She taught me to be authentic at all cost. She was seamlessly vulnerable yet confident. in her behavior she showed me that we don’t loose value by being authentic and the power authenticity has combined with confidence and vulnerability. It was important to her to be stylish while maintaining an inviting demeanor.
Vanessa Simmons
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
Describe your followers.
My followers have been with me since my MTV days on Runs House, and my and my sister's spinoff, Daddy's Girls. My loyal and most supporting fans — who I really love and appreciate — have followed my entrepreneurial journey since I was 22 years old. Even when we created Pastry footwear. They have followed me throughout my entire journey and have been supportive every step of the way.
Since the rise of social media my followers have increased, watching me become a mother and now witnessing the birth of my many new fashion and beauty endeavors. I just want to take the time out to tell my fans how much I appreciate them every single day: Thank you so much you all! You guys really rock!
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
I honestly never really think about “keeping” my influencer status, but more so, I'm always looking for a way to use the influence I may have for a good cause. For me that cause is women empowerment.
I would always like to be a source of inspiration to empower women to be everything they set out to be.
What shapes your personal style?
I’m absolutely obsessed with old Hollywood glamour and how ladies upheld themselves as such. So my personal style can be described as classic chic with a modern touch.
How would you describe the current US lifestyle?
I feel like the current U.S. lifestyle is all about living your absolute best life, mind, body and soul.
When have you used your social influence to impact social issues?
Anytime I can utilize my platform for something that brings light to a cause that is much larger than me is the best feeling.
I've touched on everything on my actual social media platforms from domestic violence to helping our cities and states in times of need due to devastating storms.
Currently, I’m very in involve with “Rush Arts” a foundation geared towards keeping and bringing The Arts to children in underserved communities.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
I would say the biggest thing that has the most influence on me right now is motherhood and raising a young girl who I am inspired by daily, watching her grow and learn. Motherhood makes me want to be a better version of myself every day so I can be the best example for my daughter Ava Marie and others.
Curly Velasquez
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
Curly's unique perspective on culture and entertainment can be found at BuzzFeed and social channels, including YouTube and Instagram.
Describe your followers.
I actually don’t like the word follower. It feels super weird to feel like this isn't a conversation. I call them my Curl Friends.
I think they are young, they love textures, color, design. I think they understand the gay life. They understand love. I think they love nature and they love magic.
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
I also don't really like the word influencer. I'm not trying to influence anyone to do anything except be themselves.
But I think staying true to yourself — through your triumphs, your defeats, your strength and your vulnerability — is what keeps people around to hang with you.
What shapes your personal style?
I wear whatever makes me feel like royalty.
I like feeling like the magical human — we all are.
My personal style is shaped by the weather.
How would you describe the current US lifestyle?
There's a lot of shit happening.
When have you used your social influence to impact social issues?
I like to shine light on issues having to do with the Latinx community. My entire family came over from El Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War in the 80s.
No one had papers — they just needed to flee. So I feel very connected to all immigrants — both documented or undocumented — who come here for a better life.
I post for DACA, I push for Trans children, Black Lives Matter — it's when we speak up for one another that we can’t be ignored.
What is key when creating your social media post?
Is it pretty? Yes. Then post.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
The women in my life and my dad.
Women continue to push for me to be the best person I can be, always. Women really are the key to the future.
My dad teaches me to be the best man I can be. He taught me it was okay to cry and show emotions early on, but also, that it was okay to throw down and be tough when I needed to.
Ashley Nell Tipton
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
This triple threat designer — fashion, eyewear, jewelry — and Project Runway alumnus stays connected with fans via all her social media channels, including YouTube and Instagram.
Describe your followers?
I have a wide range of followers — from my Project Runway supporters, to people who love sewing, customers of my apparel, jewelry and eye-frame lines, and individuals into fashion, self-acceptance and body positivity.
I have become a voice for those who have been bullied or are looking for inspiration to further their own self-confidence.
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
Being truthful, engaging with my followers and having a distinct voice and viewpoint. Creating good content, having a firm grasp on the story I'm attempting to tell, and surrounding myself with a good team helps tremendously.
What shapes your personal style?
I've been really inspired by Japanese fashion lately as well as pop culture and images that come across my Instagram feed. My culture and personal experiences have also molded my personal aesthetic.
How would you describe the current US lifestyle?
It is totally driven by media, digital technologies and communications, especially for those of us who fall into the Millennial and Generation Z demographic. It's definitely an exciting time because things are constantly changing and norms are being challenged.
When have you used your social influence to impact social issues?
Always!
I like to speak out on the topics of self-acceptance, body positivity and one’s ability to love themselves.
What is key when creating your social media post?
The key when creating all my social media posts is being thoughtful, creating content that visual stimulating and relevant to my followers and being consistent.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?My followers! They give me hope and feedback that keeps me humble yet driven.
The Gay Beards
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
This pair of best friends from Portland can be found on Instagram with all the fantastic beard looks you didn't know you needed to be witnessing: @thegaybeards.
Describe your followers.
Whether they live in Kentucky or Cairo, graduated high school in the 1940's or 2000's, our followers tend to have one thing in common: a love for happiness. We tend to put these ridiculous versions of ourselves and our beards out into this world mostly to spawn a smile in someone who may need some cheering up.
Not everyone in this world strives for riches or power, but we feel like our followers all strive for happiness, both in themselves and others.
What inspires your style?
Comfort and color. We can’t blame anyone for rocking their personal style at the cost of being comfortable, but for us, it’s important to feel good while you look good. One thing that always makes us feel good is color, whether it’s a mustard yellow vintage fleece from the 60s, or perhaps an outdated Hawaiian button up that most of our dads would’ve rocked in the mid-90s, if it fits and has a bit of flare, we are game. Perhaps we like pushing the boundaries of what’s “in-fashion,” but as long as the statement gets someone to consider wearing something they normally would be afraid to, we consider it a success.
How would you describe today’s U.S. lifestyle?
Individualized, perhaps? More and more, we feel like people are becoming less afraid to take a unique approach to how they live their lives. The rigid standards of yesterday seem to be slipping more quickly with each year, and we can’t help but feel like that is leading to a more diverse setting for everyone and the direction they each take to fulfill their own happiness. From careers to fashion, to finances and dating, individuality is coming through more often and we kind of feel like that’s a beautiful thing.
When have you used your social media influence to impact social issues?
For us, one of the biggest social issues we take a stance on is sexual orientation and the desperate need for this world to rid itself of the stigmas attached to it. Though here in Portland, Oregon, the vibe is extremely progressive, we know all too well that this isn’t always the case across the rest of the world. Today’s youth still have to deal with the impact of hiding who they truly are, and who they truly love, to preserve some sense of fitting in and maintaining their current relationships.
Both of us know from our own personal experiences that having to hide your sexuality is an awful burden, but one that may seem crucial depending on your circumstances. All we want is for anyone out there that may be in a similar situation is to feel proud of the person they are.
Being gay doesn’t make you strange or unworthy, it simply is just another aspect of all the things that make someone beautiful.
What is key when creating your social media post?
More often than not, humor.
Laughter is something that we hold close to our hearts, because realistically, it can be some of the best medicine out there for a broken heart.
It brings us immense joy to create content that at times is outrageous, but if nothing else, gets people to laugh. Does it matter if it’s at our own expense? Not at all. If anything, we know our content is silly, but that is exactly how we like it.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
Perhaps cliché, but young people. Everyone at one point or another has been young, and one day we’d all like to believe that we will be old.
We recognize how important it is to give today’s youth the support and resources they need to become the best versions of themselves, so that one day, they can give back to the world in the same way.
As we get older, it becomes more apparent that we gain resilience from outside pressures and stereotypes, however when we were young, the magnitude of someone’s negativity or anger could be crippling. All of us on this Earth deserve to have the best life we can, but in order to achieve that, we have to work together to make our dreams come true.
Chiquis Rivera
Credit: Universo.
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture
She is a singer, reality star, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and executive producer of “The Riveras,” which premiered its third season March 11th.
Describe your followers.
My followers are the best! They are passionate, loyal and interactive. I love them. They are passionate about anything and everything that I do. They are very engaged. I have direct contact with them…a very special bond. Of course, you have one or two or ten haters here and there…it's just normal and even then, they are watching every single thing I do. It's crazy to me if you don’t like someone why follow them. But haters follow me.
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
I think the most important thing is transparency, being honest, being OK with not being perfect, embracing your flaws. I think that is what I’ve done. Just being honest and open with people. Showing the good, the bad and the ugly. Having a nice balance between my lifestyle, career and personal life.
What shapes your personal lifestyle?
I am a trendsetter. I like to do things other people won’t dare to do. I am not afraid of trying new things and love to take risks.
As a fashionista, I have a particular body shape and I embrace my curves.
I am OK with being different and thinking outside the box.
How do you describe the current U.S. lifestyle?
Everything is social media and digital. People have a shorter attention span and you must work with that. You must adapt and adjust. People are interested in everything. I think it's super cool that people can make a career out of their social media platforms. That is what we are coming to. Everything is digital. Everyone is on their phone or mobile devices watching a series or reading.
When have you used your social media influence to impact your social issues?
Since the beginning of my career, controversy has followed me and my family and I am used to it. With my social media platforms, I can make things clear. My reality show “The Riveras” on Universo is also a platform that helps my siblings and I set things straight and speak our truth — as we influence audiences with our life experiences. I also do that through Twitter and Instagram.
I am OK with being honest even if it is not pretty and I’ve done that through my entire career. I use my social media influence and speak straight to the camera on my phone and post it and let them know what is on my mind or write it on Twitter.
What is key when creating your social media post?
I think the key is having a plan on how I want things to look and having structure on your posts. Everything has changed on my social media platforms. The look is more aesthetic. I want my posts to look uniform and amazing. I really think about what I want to say on each post. Also having a nice balance between my personal life and my career. Giving followers the opportunity to learn what I am all about and what I want people to know about me.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
My mother, [Jenni Rivera] influenced me immensely, seeing everything she went through and how she got back on her feet is something that really inspires me to keep going.
Oprah Winfrey as TV personality and motivational speaker is someone that I really look up to. As an artist, I also admire Jennifer Lopez who is a singer, producer and author. At her age she looks amazing and she is so successful. Former first lady, Michelle Obama is someone I look up to. The way she carries herself, the way she speaks, she dresses. She is so intelligent. I like to learn. I have mentors now. Knowledge is power!
Tamika Mallory
This is part of a special series, presented by US Lifestyle Group, that focuses on a diversity of American social media voices impacting our culture.
She is a truly inspirational voice and figure not just online but, importantly, in real life.
Describe your followers.
My followers are diverse, a majority are African-American of all age ranges, and a lot of socially-conscious people from many backgrounds. I also have followers who totally disagree with my beliefs and they make it known.
What is the key to maintaining your influencer status?
Being authentic and being able to show the work that I do is not just on social media, but on the ground with grassroots efforts. That's the only way.
What shapes your personal style?
I'm a person who believes that being an activist doing social justice work does not mean there is a particular uniform you need to wear, and people should be able to express themselves in a variety of ways without being boxed in. I call myself "the daisy-duke wearing freedom fighter"!
How would you describe the current U.S. lifestyle?
Everything moves fast in the current U.S. lifestyle, which doesn't provide time for deeper understanding and deep relationships.
Even though we expect things quickly, people are very aware of what is happening in our society and they're looking for ways to take action and be a part of responding.
When have you used your social influence to impact social issues?
I use my social media everyday to inform, inspire, educate and sometimes debate and challenge people on issues.
What is key when creating your social media post?
There are so many elements that go into how I choose to post on social media, but I would say my biggest consideration is my ability to educate people more on who I am personally, and educate them about the issues that I care about.
Who has the biggest influence on you and why?
My mom has the biggest influence on me, because of the challenges I know she has been through in her life and the fact she always encourages me to see the bigger picture and understand my role in history. When I feel like when I'm facing an impossible mountain to climb, my mom will help me see how I actually don't have to climb up because I can walk around, because she has already navigated the mountain and she knows the way.