We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Armani Walton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Armani below.
Armani, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
All my entire life I’ve always been the risk taker with different situations relating to battles , adventures , goals , relationships , work related activities , and my social life. The biggest risk I’ve ever took was allowing myself to live in my authenticity navigating through the gay life . Allowing myself to be who I truly am despite what society feels I should be or others who are against the lifestyle around me . The old me was very observant and not so bold how I am today . I didn’t just decide to be who I am today all this came with courage , perseverance , patience , and risk. The risk of losing people , failing , and also losing myself mentally in the process . Being a young black gay man of influence in social media isn’t a walk in the park like many think it is . There’s the good , the luxury , the bad , and the ugly that isn’t always shown through pictures , videos , etc . The game can really eat you up and spit you out if you allow it . My risk allows others coming behind me to truly do what it is that makes them happy no matter what that might be . I’ve had many experiences that have elevated me but also changed me in the process . Being a risk taker in my life has truly beat the odds of the outcomes I’ve faced with dating men , sex , clubs , and even facing some demons many couldn’t bounce back from or get caught up in . This lifestyle is not for the weak but it has molded me from the young un-experience kid I once was to the 26 year old influencer I am today . To be in my presence you have a risk taker yourself . Get to know anyone of my friends and they all have been risk takers in they’re own unique way and that’s why we all strive the way we are . I wouldn’t trade my personal risk-taking chances for nothing because “ I AM ME “ and I’m all I got when everything is set and done .
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Honestly alot of the great things I’ve gained or achieved kind of found it’s way to me after I found my worth and what I felt like deserved throughout my life . None of the brand ambassador work , partnerships were ever planned or wanted . That was never my initial goal at first . All I ever wanted most of the time was to have stability in whatever god had planned for me what ever that was legally or illegally lol . My true calling is to inspire other gay man to just be happy and live life . The others things just came with that . I found my purposes through different avenues and promoting brands was something I was awesome at doing . When it comes to others I’m more of a problem solver for them because I analyze what the right thing is to do .
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
The power of persuasion . Being able to persuade an audience or even men to get what it is I want or desire at the time without doing anything I don’t want to . Making a guy fall for me without even knowing anything or much about me . Having the power to make someone change there whole mind and decision based on what I present to them or say . Walking into a room of people and having eyes locked to me while I walk pass with nothing but my original physically assets . Being a man’s addiction that he just can’t leave alone no matter how many times I decline .
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Simply being honest and relatable to people who see me on and off social media . Expressing my day to day thoughts and feelings without caring what the outcome will be when I post anything . Never settling for what I don’t deserve when it comes to social media pay rates for post. Whatever I don’t want to do I simply don’t . The advice I would give someone would have to be is to find your audience , find your purpose , and stick with it . You just never know who’s watching and what you can become off what you put out for others to like or see . Anything is possible .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/armaniwalton