BY: KRIS ANDERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: VICTOR SELLARS & ALEXANDER WILLIAMS
What is influence? Well the definition states that influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. In saying that how many of you actually have a positive influence amongst people in your life? Hopefully you all could answer saying that you do have a positive influence amongst your peers, family and colleagues. If that's not the case for you then it's okay because nobody is perfect. Win or lose I want you all to remember a key role about being a positive influencer. You can be an outstanding influencer with or without the title. If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough. Influence isn't control at all--influence is strength, and giving that strength to others. An influencer isn't someone who forces others to make him/her stronger; an influencer is someone willing to give his/her strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own. Don’t give up on a dream just because it hasn’t happened yet. Keep seeking God and let the desires of your heart be made known to Him! Our God is a good God and wants to give you what you ask of Him.
I've been blessed with the opportunity to meet so many influencers throughout my journey as an entrepreneur. I just didn't know that one of the top influencers on Youtube would be my college classmate and close friend. Without any further delay I introduce to you Ayanna Alexiss:The Influencer.
The UpNext: Who is Ayanna Alexiss?
Ayanna: "Ayanna Alexis is an ambitious, relentless, career driven young woman with an optimistic mind! She is a graduate of Hampton University having received her bachelors degree in strategic communications! She is now a Lead Influencer Marketing Specialist at BoxyCharm and Social Sensation on YouTube, Instagram and Tik-Tok! Ayanna strives to motivate and inspire others to reach for the stars and accomplish their dreams while remaining authentic to who they truly are!"
The UpNext: What made you want to become a Vlogger?
Ayanna: "I've always been a huge fan of YouTube (all the way since middle school), one day I thought to myself 'why can't I do it?" I started my own Youtube channel which started as a college series. I quit a year after because I wasn't getting many views and felt like it wasn't worth it. A year later I started back up and I am now currently at 52,000! My channel focuses on lifestyle and my everyday life mainly featuring vlogs! I aim to encourage young women and men who want to start their own channel to step out of their comfort zone and take the leap of faith! I have had some amazing opportunities from this including BET Takeover, ABC 13 news segment, Article on CNBC News, feature in Teen Vouge Magazine and feature in a McDonald's commercial!"
The UpNext: What was your breakout moment?
Ayanna: "My breakout moment was when I was featured in a segment on ABC 13 news and then immediately after I was featured in the Hampton Digest!"
The UpNext: What is your favorite thing about doing this?
Ayanna: "I get to pursue my passion while inspiring others and turning my passion into a career!"
The UpNext: How has your vlogging changed since you started?
Ayanna: "A lot! I’ve become more skilled in my editing techniques. I don't do a college vlog series anymore since I have graduated, but rather turned my platform into a post college “Life of Ayanna Alexis” vlog content!"
The UpNext: How do you keep up with dropping content on social media? List 10 reasons why you should keep your look up to date.
Ayanna: "I like to create a schedule to ensure I plan accordingly and can find a balance between my 9-5 job and my YouTube channel!
1. Remain relevant
2. Remain trendy
3. Keep your audience engaged
4. Avoid being outdated
5. Gain new followers
6. Gain the interest of others
7. Keep things spicy (lol)
8. Stay Poppin
9. Increase content performance
10. Grow following"
The UpNext: How did you gain your subscribers?
Ayanna: "Consistency is key! When you put yourself on a consistent schedule, your followers will expect and anticipate content on certain days keeping you consistent and relevant week over week. Create quality clear content, quality content is always an audience grabber! People are more likely to follow you if you have clear content/ vs blurry. Thumbnails are key! If the title and thumbnail of your video is exciting it will get more views which will result in an increase in following!"
The UpNext: What advice would you give to a YouTuber just getting started?
Ayanna: "Hmm.. I got three tips.
1. Don't be afraid of failure... we miss 100% of the shots we don't take.
2. Listen to your heart, follow your dreams and start now! There is never a right time to begin.
3. Be comfortable being uncomfortable for this is the key to growth!"
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