Today we’d like to introduce you to John Michael.
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’m an 18-year-old social media influencer who creates fashion and lifestyle-focused content. I was inspired at a young age by other creators I had watched and often utilized whatever tools I had in front of me to edit and create my own videos. Clothing has always been something that was important to me. It has allowed me to express myself creatively, and I love that I’m able to help others do that as well.
I started focusing more on fashion and lifestyle content during the pandemic as sort of a creative outlet. Since then, I have been able to grow and collaborate with other creators and work with businesses whose products I had been using since middle school. It has definitely been a dream come true.
In combination with revenue from content creation, modeling, and my day job, I was able to move out at 18 and make a down payment on a Tiny House after falling in love with them from the TV shows I had binged for several years prior. I sort of justified the big purchase with hopes to make content off of it and also the concept of investing in something I would own rather than rent. I’m definitely looking forward to recording the decorating and moving process every step of the way!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up, it was difficult to find people much less creators that I related to. I have always had my own sense of personal style that often bordered traditional norms of masculinity and femininity. It has been a constant struggle to choose between expressing myself authentically or watering myself down to appeal to others or even for my personal safety.
Today, I’m surrounded by a lot of loving individuals and blessed to know so many people who understand or even relate to my experiences, but growing up, it wasn’t always easy. In recent years, I’ve seen a lot more diverse representation online which has in turn, allowed this younger generation of mine to express themselves more authentically.
All-in-all, I would say it has been a bumpy road, but nonetheless, I owe all of my experiences to who I am today.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I strive to create unique and original content while also pertaining to a larger target audience. Staying consistently motivated has always been my biggest strong suit in terms of content creation. In addition to fashion and lifestyle-focused social media content, I have pursued modeling, clothing design, and construction, as well as interior design.
I love having the ability to channel an artistic vision into something productive through my work.
I graduated a year early from high school and decided to immediately pursue higher education. I am currently enrolled with a Major in Business Marketing and Minor in Commercial Photography.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the accessibility and having the opportunity to be involved with the community yet also the ability to step back and enjoy the area without the noise and disruption you would find somewhere else.
If I were to change anything, I would hope that more local opportunity arises pertaining to modeling and film.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmichael.xo/
Image Credits
The Gadbury Co.
Madolyn Rose Lollar
Recreational Resort Cottages
