Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Russell-lynch
Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Currently I am a digital content creator and live streamer! My journey started with a love for performing. I’ve always loved to play pretend so gravitating towards acting was very natural for me. I had no intention of studying musical theatre having solely focused on acting when I was younger, but having experience singing in choirs and a love for dancing (though no training) aided me in receiving a musical theatre scholarship to Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. After graduating with a B.A. in MT from Oakland I moved to NYC. After years of working professionally (and waiting tables) in national tours, regional theaters, a cruise ship, and on camera I came to the decision to get my masters so that I could potentially become a teacher. Well the universe had other plan because my callback for grad school was cancelled due to the global pandemic and my husband and I moved across the country for his job. While trying to figure out a career path for myself and bartending I started making silly TikToks that embraced my silly sassy bald self. I was able to amass over two million followers! But even with a large following that does not a career make. It wasn’t until I started live streaming on TikTok that I was able to become a full time content creator/digital performer. With the gift and streaming tools on TikTok I started the interactive lives/roleplaying lives. My thought process was that if someone sent me a gift and in return I made them laugh or smile by saying something silly/sassy then that gift would have more value. Value not only to the sender but to everyone watching! And then everyone watching and playing along can react to it as well with their own imagination. We can create storylines together and really engage with one another in a fun unique way online. I have inspired a whole movement on TikTok among live streamers!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It most definitely has NOT been a smooth road. There have been highs and lows galore. I am so lucky to have so much support and love from my followers! But of course with being a content creator comes negative comments and I would be lying if I said that they don’t affect me. Sadly a little negativity can overshadow so much positivity if you are not in the right head space. Seeing the whole picture and remembering that being a “bright little bald spot” in just one persons day is why I do what I do helps to keep me motivated and not bogged down by the negativity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a live streaming digital content creator! I was one of the first creators on TikTok to do a roleplaying livestream. You might catch me live streaming as a teacher, mermaid, zoo keeper, flight attendant, mall cop, etc… the possibilities are endless! I have taken the tools and gifts on TikTok and, with the help of my followers, used them in a completely different way than what they were intended for. I act, sing, and dance my way through different storylines that we create together! I am so proud of the amazing community that we have built together. A community that is silly, sassy, and supportive! I am also proud of how safe a space it is! What sets me apart from others is simply ME. Being 100% percent myself is what truly sets me apart!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I feel like everything is a resource for my inspiration! Music, television, movies, books, online content, etc… I obviously use TikTok a lot because it is my main platform but there is no ONE thing that I go to. Honestly my husband, family and close friends really help me to do my best in life. They give me the confidence to embrace my silly sassy self and live authentically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@b.e.n_rl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.e.n_rl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@b.e.n_rl3107
