Friday, June 26, 2015

Get to Know Heather Briggs



Hello Again,

So today I have yet another installment of my Influential People of the Internet series. I've actually had this interview lined up for over a month now, but I just needed to take a break for a while. I had the opportunity to work with Heather Briggs, the mastermind behind DietBlond, a fashion channel that goes much deeper than just pretty clothes. I very highly recommend checking her out if you're at all interested.



Tell us a bit about yourself! 



I'm a 21 year old fashion student who hates fashion. I make videos on the internet about that & other topics. 


How would you describe your style to someone who couldn’t see you?


Comfy punk gallery girl. Lots of distressing, tshirts, tote bags, and dark lipstick. 

What is your overall aim with your YouTube channel?

I want to offer a different point of view in a community that is already very strongly aligned in a certain way. It's easier for me to connect through video vs. writing a blog, and when I started my channel I felt like there was a lack of industry-focused fashion content on the YouTube platform. I want to be honest and genuine with my viewers about my opinions and experiences, especially when they stray from the norm. And of course I do like to share my style when I'm into what I'm wearing.

You’ve mentioned in the past that you want to be an “internet big sister” for anyone who needs it. Do you find you have a good relationship with your subscribers?

I really have such a good subscriber base, I feel like people who subscribe to me and stick with me (read: put up with me) are genuinely interested in learning more about the cultural impacts of fashion and discussing real issues. I have been overwhelmed by all the support I have gotten lately on my more "serious topic" videos, it's incredible to me when those get more likes and feedback than the fashion and styling videos that my channel was originally meant to be centered around. We have great discussions in the comments section and I truly welcome those offering constructive criticism as well as seeking advice.

As this is a series on influences, who are yours? (both personally and creatively)

Personally, like my best friends, but also the gorgeous girl with baby blue braids I saw applying mascara on the train this morning? People on the train and on the street influence and inspire me so much, I take so many notes on them. I think it's why I'm drawn to the voyeuristic imagery of filmmakers like Sofia Coppola, I love seeing people just -exist- when they don't realize how incredible they look or what they're doing is. Creatively, anyone who's doing their own thing and not giving a fuck about the response (but who succeed because of this attitude). Lots of rappers and musicians. A$AP Rocky is my #1. Sky Ferreira. Dev Hynes. Rick Owens. Shayne Oliver. The stylist Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, even though we aren't really aesthetically aligned, she's brilliant. Petra Collins. VFiles' OG thot goth Danielle Greco. Luka Sabbat and Barbara Ferreira and all those cool internet kids. 

What advice to you have for people who want to run a fashion blog or channel?

Do you. It's literally what everyone says but it's so much easier said than done. I've thought a lot about the ways I could have been more popular and turned YouTube into a career etc., but I know I wouldn't have been able to stick with it if I had gone that route. Even now, as I'm working on putting out content I enjoy creating and sharing, I go through lulls. Go with the flow, do work when you're inspired, and don't put out anything you aren't happy with/wouldn't want to watch or read yourself. It can be so tempting when you start to get offers from companies and sponsors to sort of abandon your aesthetic or beliefs. And even when you start getting feedback from other people. But it's so much more rewarding when you keep it real and just be yourself *cheesy smile*. The right things will come.

What are you truly passionate about?

Music. That's really all I've got right now. I haven't said I have a passion for fashion since I was in 10th grade. It's a real love-hate thing there. But I realized how important music is to me the other day when I couldn't find my headphones and I literally had to go to Walgreens and buy some new ones because I would rather be late to class than make my morning commute without a soundtrack. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with that, but there it is. 
I think I'm also passionate about people. Not in the "I'm a people person!" sense but like I really root for mankind. I come off as a cynic but I really give humans a lot of credit for existing.

Any final notes?

Buy Earl Sweatshirt's new album. Don't waste time on people who ignore your texts. Never deny yourself an opportunity to eat fro-yo. Wear what you want and all that. Don't be afraid to take up space. 


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