Brooklyn Riley may be just a teen, but she is setting a good example for her peers on how to navigate the often-difficult world of social media. As a model and content creator, Brooklyn is in the public eye more than most teens her age, but she is handling that pressure with grace and professionalism. I recently had the opportunity to interview Brooklyn and got her thoughts on social media and networking along with some great advice for her fans.
You are a model and a content creator. Why do you think social media is important for young actors?
I believe that social media is such a powerful tool to use when you are an actor, content creator, and model. You can use these platforms to build your brand and reach so many people all at once. You can engage with your fans, keep them updated with any new projects, promote brands, and build relationships with your followers. When you build relationships on your platforms you can continue to network, and this opens up doors to new projects! Social Media has come a long way and lets us connect with so many people that we might not have had the opportunity in person.
Do you have any advice for your followers on how to handle negative comments on their social media?
Influencers, models, and actors put themselves in the public eye, not everyone is going to agree on what we say or how we present ourselves. I have had so many negative and hurtful things happen to me since I started gaining a lot of followers on my platforms. At first it really would tear me down, but my mom would help me, and we developed strategies to deal with those issues when they would happen.
1. Don’t ignore negative comments.
2. Respond quickly to a negative comment but in a professional manner. Try and engage with them to understand their reasoning for their comment. (Never be rude). If they can see their faults maybe this can help them in the future with comments to others.
3. If the comment is extremely negative, threatening, or inappropriate delete and block immediately.
4. Always be classy, professional, sincere, and polite you have a reputation to uphold.
5. Privately address the comments to come to an understanding.
6. Never let the comments weigh you down! Talk to a parent about the comments and how it makes you feel. I have developed a thick skin over the years so this has really helped me brush off a lot.
7. At the end of the day it’s just someone behind a computer screen. If they continue to make negative comments and you do not see any changes after communicating with them, then remove the negativity.
How do you come up with ideas for your social media content?
I have brands that I work with, and I constantly need content so that keeps me busy. My mom also helps me and when we need something fast, we will have a quick photoshoot! I also do videos of hauls, get ready with me, makeup tutorials, go live as I travel, work, and with friends! Something that has really helped me is spending a few hours looking on social media for content that relates to me and the brands that I represent.
You have walked the runways for many different designers. What is your favorite moment so far?
My favorite so far has been Krissy King. I had so much fun walking the runway for her, and I absolutely loved the whole vibe. My favorite Krissy King show was Miami Swim Week! I met so many new people and made so many connections during that trip. Everyone was so nice, and we had so much fun during the show and after! We had mixers the day before the show and then an after party which was so fun! She made you feel like part of the family!
You go to a lot of red carpet-events. What has been your favorite event so far?
I have two that I really enjoyed so I can’t really pick a favorite. Jovani and Sherri Hill. Each one had something different that I truly loved and enjoyed.
How important do you think networking is to a budding career?
Networking is crucial in this business. My mom has always told me that networking is key to opening doors to new things. Social Media gives you such an enormous opportunity to reach out and engage with others that you might not have in person. When we go to jobs we always network and show up to any events they have to meet and engage with others. Always ask questions and get to know others in the business. Me and my mom have met so many people in this industry that we have grown to love. It’s all about networking!
Are there any upcoming projects you can share with our readers?
Right now, I am in the middle of All Star cheer season, so I am at the gym a lot during the week and weekends. I have had to put a lot of jobs on hold, and everyone is so understanding! I really will miss being at NYFW in February, but I cannot wait until Miami Swim Week again! Once my cheer season is over, I will have so many new opportunities coming up and a lot of traveling!
