We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordan Rumsey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordan below.

Jordan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

When I started social media, I never knew that it would take off in the way that it did. I started social media as sort of an escape because I really loved everything to do with the 1980s. It was the summer before I started my freshman year of college and I had followed a few 80s content creators who are now some of my closest friends. @k80karmaa @glitterwave80s and @gracemarian (throughout the years I’ve made a ton of other amazing friends as well) and I really took inspiration to start social media because I saw other people who liked the same stuff as me post. I had been posting a little bit on Instagram, but nothing serious and then I decided to make my TikTok and I found a whole community of people who liked the same thing that I did. I used to think I was crazy for liking a decade I wasn’t even born in, but to create such an amazing community of people has really brought me so much joy over the years.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi readers, My name is Jordan Rumsey and you might know me as @cantbuyme80s on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. I create all content surrounding all things 80s whether that’s preppy style or the glam metal style. I am 22 years old and I was so fascinated with the 80s that I wanted to make it my whole personality haha. But in all seriousness, the decade brings me so much joy, especially when it comes down to the music and movies from that time. There’s just something about popping in a VHS or cassette and watching or listening to media on a tape. I also love taking photos how they took photos in the 80s. For that reason, I’m always carrying around my Polaroid camera, and I always have a box of extra film with me! And don’t worry it’s not just social media where I’m dressing with a big hair and pastel clothes with denim jackets… I actually dress like that every single day even when I’m not recording. Yes I do have some modern day technology but other than that I try to live authentically 80s.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is definitely something that I never planned to happen, but I’m very grateful that it did. When I started social media, I mainly started it to try to find like-minded individuals who could possibly be my friends. Then one day, a video of mine on TikTok sort of blew up, and I had a ton of new eyes on my page. After this happened, I then had a few more videos go viral shortly after and I gained an audience! I try to stay authentically myself, so people know who I am. I think that really helped with trust as well as my audience staying and supporting me throughout the future.

Some advice that I would have for somebody who wants to get into content creation is to always be yourself! Don’t ever change yourself to please somebody else. Do not listen to the negativity, those people are just jealous. They are going to be some ups just like there’s going to be some downs. Some are going to be extremely rewarding and others are going to tear you down. Just keep your head up and know that you have my support no matter what! I know that just because an opportunity is coming your way if it does not fit your morals or values, you do not have to take it. I’ve personally have declined some brand offers because of my morals and values, for instance I personally would not work with a fast fashion brand because my content is very 80s and I try to stick to vintage. That’s also what my audience is use to as well. At the end of the day, if you want to be a content creator, you can do whatever you want it’s your page!! You get to make the rules and that is one of my favorite parts! Post what you love, and just have fun.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

There are a lot of people who see me out in public and see the way that I dress and are a little bit confused or taken-aback. Since I don’t just dress 80s for content creation, I also dress authentically 80s when I’m in public. Some people will question and ask if I’m going to a 80s party or event. I then explained to them how I fell in love with the 80s and the clothing style as well as the big hair and I explained to them how that’s how I like to live my everyday life. A lot of people admire that because it’s very unique, especially in today’s society.

It goes the same way for when I get messages. People will message me on social media and ask why I create vintage content. They say that I’m only 22 and want to know why I don’t dress like other Gen Z’ers and then I will explain to them how I’m not the biggest fan of modern day clothing, especially when it comes down to fast fashion. I like to say that I don’t want to fit into modern day trends, even though I do dress in multiple different 80s trends. I like being different and I know some people will perceive that as crazy and maybe I am a little bit crazy, but I’m living my best life and I’ve met so many amazing people because of it and because of social media and the way that I dress and the way that I’m being my authentic self. I would never trade that for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Cantbuyme80s
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantbuyme80s
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17HiTBfEU4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: TikTok:
  https://www.tiktok.com/@cantbuyme80s?_r=1&_t=ZP-94lqmmSjgjv

Image Credits

Brandon McKitrick