We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Waya. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Waya below.
Waya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I was 16 when I first realized I want to do this the rest of my life. It was the YouTube era of 2006. I started posting singing videos. I love singing and making music and at the time posting to YouTube was how you went viral. It was my moment of AHA!
Waya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Being a trans male model, actor, and the owner of ‘I Am Me Apparel’ clothing brand is a profound journey of empowerment, representation, and breaking down barriers. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of representation in an industry that has often overlooked the diversity of human experiences.
My accomplishments with the ‘Stud Model Project’ and now being signed to ‘JL Management’ represent significant milestones in my career. The ‘Stud Model Project’ allowed me to be part of a movement that celebrates and promotes LGBTQ+ visibility and diversity in the modeling world. It’s been an incredible platform to advocate for authenticity and encourage others to embrace their true selves.
Signing with ‘JL Management’ is a thrilling step into the world of acting, expanding my horizons, and pushing boundaries in storytelling. As a trans male, being represented in both the modeling and acting fields sends a powerful message – that talent knows no gender, and anyone can achieve their dreams when given the opportunity.
‘Owning ‘I Am Me Apparel’ is not just a brand; it’s a statement. It’s a celebration of self-acceptance, diversity, and inclusivity. Through this venture, I hope to inspire others to be unapologetically themselves, just as I have strived to be.
Being representation means I have a voice, and I intend to use it to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized or underrepresented. My journey isn’t just about my own success; it’s about breaking down walls, fostering acceptance, and pushing for a world where everyone feels seen and valued for who they truly are.
Together, we’re making strides towards a more inclusive and diverse future in the world of modeling, acting, and beyond. It’s an honor to be part of this transformative movement.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
In the content creation world and the modeling industry, I’ve encountered valuable lessons that required unlearning old norms and misconceptions. These lessons have been instrumental in my growth and success:
1. **Perfection is Overrated:** One of the first lessons I had to unlearn was the idea of perfection. In the modeling and content creation realm, the emphasis on retouching and flawless appearances can be overwhelming. I learned that imperfections, quirks, and uniqueness are what make me stand out and relatable to my audience. Embracing authenticity has been key.
2. **Conforming to Stereotypes:** In the past, there was often a pressure to fit into traditional stereotypes of beauty and roles. Unlearning this meant realizing that breaking these molds and celebrating my own identity and individuality is not only empowering but also what sets me apart.
3. **Seeking External Validation:** At the start of my journey, I often sought validation from external sources like social media likes and comments or industry professionals. Unlearning this habit meant finding my self-worth within, recognizing that my value is not determined by the opinions of others.
4. **Comparison is a Trap:** The content creation and modeling industries are filled with talented individuals, and it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. Unlearning this lesson involved understanding that my journey is unique, and my path is different from anyone else’s. Comparing myself to others only hindered my growth.
5. **Overworking and Burnout:** I had to unlearn the idea that success means constant work and no breaks. Balancing work with self-care and rest is crucial to sustaining a long and healthy career.
6. **Narrow Definitions of Beauty:** The industry can sometimes have a narrow definition of beauty. Unlearning this meant embracing diverse definitions of beauty and pushing for inclusivity in all aspects of my work.
7. **Fear of Rejection:** Rejection is an inherent part of the industry, whether it’s content not performing as expected or not being selected for a modeling gig. Unlearning the fear of rejection involved understanding that each ‘no’ brings me closer to a ‘yes’ and that it’s not a reflection of my worth.
8. **Cultural Sensitivity:** In a globalized industry, understanding and respecting diverse cultures and backgrounds is crucial. Unlearning any cultural insensitivity was essential to becoming a more inclusive content creator and model.
These lessons, though challenging to unlearn, have been transformative in my career. They have allowed me to truly embrace authenticity, break down barriers, and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting industry. In doing so, I’ve not only grown as a professional but also as an individual.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My journey in the world of social media began with a simple decision: to be my authentic self as a trans male in the midst of a medical transition. I knew that my experiences and my story could offer a unique perspective, something that was often underrepresented. Instagram became the canvas for me to share my transition, experiences, and challenges openly.
I remember the day I posted my first honest, unfiltered photo about my transition journey. It was liberating and terrifying at the same time. What I hadn’t anticipated was the overwhelming support and resonance my post received. Friends, strangers, and fellow trans individuals poured in with messages of encouragement, gratitude, and shared experiences. It was then that I realized the power of social media as a tool for connection, understanding, and empathy.
As my journey continued, I remained dedicated to transparency. Every step of my medical transition was documented and shared. The highs and lows, the triumphs and struggles – all laid bare for the world to see. This radical authenticity struck a chord with my followers. It wasn’t just about being a trans male; it was about being a real, unapologetic human, flaws and all.
My path took an unexpected turn when I ventured onto TikTok. The platform’s short-form, engaging nature allowed me to reach a broader audience. With humor, storytelling, and a commitment to educating, I began creating content that centered around my journey, while also shedding light on the broader issues faced by the trans community.
The response on TikTok was nothing short of meteoric. My videos went viral, reaching people far and wide, from all walks of life. Suddenly, I found myself well-known, not just within the trans community, but also among allies, those curious to learn, and even those who had never encountered a trans person before.
My journey on social media has been a profound one, marked by the transformation of not just my own life, but the lives of countless others. I’ve come to realize that the power of social media doesn’t lie solely in the numbers or the notoriety; it’s in the connections forged, the education imparted, and the empathy nurtured.
As I continue to share my story, advocate for trans rights and visibility, and push for a more inclusive society, I’m humbled by the privilege of having a platform and the responsibility that comes with it. My journey is far from over, and I look forward to the growth, change, and impact still to come.
The best advice I can offer to aspiring content creators on social media is this: be unapologetically yourself. In a world saturated with content, your authenticity is your superpower. Your unique perspective, experiences, and voice are what will draw people in and keep them engaged.
Don’t try to mimic the latest trend or imitate someone else’s style. Instead, tap into what makes you, you. Share your passions, your quirks, and your journey. Be open about your successes and your setbacks, because vulnerability is relatable, and it’s what creates real connections.
Remember that growth takes time. You might not see instant results, and that’s perfectly normal. Stay committed to your vision, engage with your audience, and learn from both your successes and your failures.
In a world of imitation, authenticity is a breath of fresh air. So, keep your content true to who you are, and watch your audience grow alongside your creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pensight.com/x/wayathehealer
- I AM ME Apparel Clothing Brand: https://www.bonfire.com/store/i-am-me-apparel/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=i-am-me-apparel&utm_content=default
Image Credits
ADJ Media I Am Me Prod. LLC