We were lucky to catch up with Mari Bryant recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mari, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

There was a time when I had to take a risk. I was working at the hospital and not getting any modeling opportunities at the time. I was feeling a bit discouraged and unmotivated because of the lack of work. Many people think that modeling is non-stop, but in my case, it was slow. I was working at a job that paid well, but it was tiring. One day, I received a call from a designer asking me to walk in a show. Excited, I agreed without realizing that I had to work that same day. When I asked my manager about it, they said no. This opportunity was significant for me because it opened many doors. Although I did quit my job to be in that show, it was still a leap for me. It helped me get back in my groove and realize the importance of taking risks. I believe that if I hadn’t taken that opportunity, I would have still been struggling to find more work and feeling unmotivated in the profession I’m trying to establish as my career. So, the lesson here is that sometimes you have to take risks, especially if you have a gut feeling about it. I’m not saying you should quit your job if you can’t make up your mind. BUT the moral of the story is that sometimes, to reach the end of the maze, you have to get pricked by a few thorns.

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?

For those who do not know who I am my name BOY BLUE aka Shomari Bryant I am 21 years old and I am a professional model runway editorial, print model, brand ambassador, and part-time creative meaning I make my clothes sometimes, I create art I love drawing, part time singer but full-time model though. How I entered my profession is 3 years ago I figured out that I didn’t want to be in the spotlight for acting I saw myself being another version of myself that included being a designer. So with that, I was Like I love wearing clothes And showing them off why not model them. from that moment on I was tuned into the modeling world i was obsessed with runway walking in your truth being who you are and looking good doing it just stood out to me. So I started being a brand ambassador for local brands posting myself in their wear. From there I trained myself for the runway so that when I decided I wanna step into the light I won’t be new to it. So after rehearsing and gaining the confidence I needed, which comes with an unlimited supply I took a jump and landed 3 years later as a professional runway, editorial, and model. What sets me apart from others is im authentic I’m young black and original I can’t be anyone else I haven’t looked up to anyone because I want to be myself in every way, my work speaks for itself honestly. I am most proud of how far I’ve come so fast, there was a time in my life when I would never have thought that I would be reaching the goal that I set down. but with hard work and PATIENCE, I succeed and I still am not finished. Something I want my supporters to know is I’m making my story into a movie and I wanna watch it play out because what I have in store is far too much for me to fathom. And if boy blue is gonna do it he’s gonna outdo himself every time bugger better sexier, and more fantastic than before.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In the beginning, my social media presence was like a tiny pebble tossed into a vast ocean—small, barely noticeable, and struggling to make a splash. My goal was to build a community around my passions and ideas, but I knew that simply existing online wouldn’t cut it. I needed a strategy, creativity, and a lot of perseverance.The first step was understanding what I had to offer. I spent time reflecting on my passions, skills, and the unique perspective I could bring to the table. I decided to focus on diversity This clarity helped me craft a cohesive message and attract the right audience.Content was where I knew I had to excel. I started by posting high-quality, engaging content regularly. Whether it was reels bts content or even a story to post, I focused on delivering value and resonating with my audience. I paid attention to trends and incorporated them thoughtfully into my content to stay relevant. Building an audience isn’t just about broadcasting—it’s also about interacting. I made a point to respond to comments, messages, and engage in conversations with my followers. This personal touch helped build a sense of community and made my audience feel valued and heard.To expand my reach, I sought opportunities for collaboration. I partnered with other creators, participated in joint projects, and engaged with influencers in my niche. These collaborations introduced me to new audiences and provided fresh perspectives to keep my content dynamic.Throughout the process, I remained true to myself. Authenticity resonated with my audience and fostered a genuine connection. I also stayed adaptable, willing to experiment with new formats and ideas based on feedback and changing trends.Even as my audience grew, I continued to evolve. I kept learning, adapting to new trends, and innovating my content. This evolution kept my audience engaged and excited about what was next.

In the end, building an audience on social media was a rewarding journey of growth, learning, and connection. By staying focused on my niche, engaging authentically, and continuously improving, I transformed that tiny pebble into a thriving community. And while the journey is ongoing, each step forward is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity in the digital age.

the advice i would give to newbies is be diverse this generation is looking for wow not no regular plain stufff they wanna be amazed so i suggest just be different

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely, having access to the right resources earlier on could have made a big difference in my creative journey. Here are a few that stand out:

1 .Digital Analytics Tools: Understanding how to use tools like Google Analytics or social media insights earlier could have helped me better track engagement and adjust strategies in real time.

2. Content Creation Software: Learning about advanced tools for content creation, such as Adobe Creative Suite or even simpler tools like Canva, would have been beneficial for producing high-quality visuals and designs from the start.

3. SEO and Content Strategy: A deeper knowledge of SEO principles and content strategy could have significantly improved my visibility and reach, helping me attract a more targeted audience.

4. Community Building Techniques: Insights into effective community management and engagement strategies would have helped me foster a more active and loyal following.

5. Networking and Collaboration Platforms: Knowing about platforms and opportunities for networking and collaboration within my niche could have accelerated my growth and introduced me to valuable connections earlier.

6. Time Management Tools: Learning about project management and time management tools, like Trello or Asana, could have streamlined my workflow and made it easier to stay organized.

7. Educational Resources: Access to online courses or workshops on topics like digital marketing, branding, or social media management could have provided valuable skills and knowledge.

8. Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing systems for gathering and analyzing feedback from my audience could have improved my content and strategy based on real insights from my followers.

Having these resources earlier would have likely made my journey smoother and more efficient, allowing me to focus more on creativity and less on trial and error.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boy_bluuee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DjShodownShomari

Image Credits

in order by instagrams pottymouthstudios, sxsudrai, swanky_bolt_studios, tnicolevisuals, vibeimp.photography, semaj_pendergrass_, rozay_films, edgar.allan poeetic and last photo took by elsephoto