We were lucky to catch up with Kendall Blasingame recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kendall, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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.

My biggest risk I would say is diving head first into content creation, and the influencer scene, at such a young age with absolutely no experience or guidance. I started my social media journey at sixteen, but didn’t start taking it seriously until I was eighteen.
At eighteen I had just graduated high school, and on the way to my first music festival. Since then I’ve been consistently creating content while juggling the transition into adulthood, school and a full time job, but I wouldn’t do it any different, even though it’s been strange having the internet watch me grow into a person.
In the last two years, going on three, the risk I took paid off. I’ve worked with multiple management teams, brands and festivals, as well as traveled all over the country. None of this would be possible at age twenty if I didn’t start so young.

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 back background and context?

Hi! I’m Kenny. I’m twenty years old and I’m a festival lifestyle and fashion creator.
I’ve known ever since I was little that I wanted to attend music festivals and work in social media, (well, as soon as I knew what those things were lol).
I started creating content online at age sixteen, but I didn’t start taking it super seriously until I went to my first music festival, Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge, at eighteen. Since then I’ve been consistently posting and interacting online. I gained most of my following on TikTok, amassing 18,500 followers in the last couple years. My Instagram (@kandiikenn) is slowly, but consistently growing.
In the last two years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity of getting to work with rave brands such as Lunautics, Sojourner, Planet Disco, Kritter Klips, Trippy Wearz and Sunshine Attire, as well as festival teams such as The Festival Babes and Collective Festival Management. I’ve also traveled all over the country, visiting and falling in love with beautiful states such as Arizona, Alaska and Michigan.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

There are a few things I tell people when I get this question. Apply for everything! Anytime you see a brand or company you like advertising an opportunity to be an affiliate, ambassador or influencer, apply!!! It doesn’t matter if you don’t get accepted, you put your name out there and in their inbox. They will recognize that name. Also try and interact with said companies social media accounts. Resharing posts and replying to stories is key!
Another is to stay consistent. Being consistent with my posting and content has been pivotal for me. I try and post at least two TikToks a day (honestly I have no idea how much longer the app will be around) and a post on Instagram every other day. Post on your stories and tag companies when relevant too! Brands love consistency and honestly it’s the key thing most are looking for.
Be yourself!!!! Being the true and authentic you online is the best way to find your community:)

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me what I find most rewarding is all the friendships and relationships I’ve developed from social media. I can say I have developed life long friendships with multiple people across the country. I always have someone I can count on wherever I go. Being able to support and say so many people are my friends puts the biggest smile on my face.
I also wouldn’t be where I am without these incredible relationships I’ve built. Every brand and creator I’ve worked with have been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t be happier.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linkfly.to/60817auk01R
• Instagram: @kandiikenn
• Other: TikTok: kandiikenn
  Lemon8: Kandiken

Image Credits

Photo 1: @mattietrue on instagram
Photo 2: @santiam.photography on instagram