Instagram and Hollywood socialite, EJ Johnson talks about his fast rise to stardom
By BANU IBRAHIM
They say that fame can bring out the worst in people -- but clearly, whoever said that, has never met EJ Johnson.
When the son of Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, came into our New York City offices, there was no doubt he was intimidating. Towering over me at a height well above six feet (and he was wearing heels, may I add), EJ was dressed completely #flawlessly in black leather designer garb. Not only that, but EJ had a personality that instantly commanded the room; whether he wants it or not, all eyes automatically zoomed in on him. But the second that EJ spoke, all my nerves subsided: he was easily the nicest and most down to Earth celebrity out there. Fame clearly has not gotten to his head.
Instead, EJ has used his newfound media attention to bolster up his career, receiving a starring role on E!'s "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and becoming an Instagram and fashion socialite in his own right. His clean, chic aesthetic and avant-garde fashion risks make him two steps ahead of the styling curve. It is this sartorial flair that has led him to the top of best dressed lists and earned him a rightful position front row and center at some of the most coveted Fashion Week shows. Factor that in with his over a half of a million devoted followers, and you can see how EJ is proving to be an unstoppable force in the industry.
So if you don't have EJ Johnson on your radar now -- we think its time for a change. To help you get to know the social star better, we interviewed Johnson on how is Instagram career took off, where he sees himself in ten years, and more!
And if you want even more EJ Johnson news, head over to AOL.com at 12 pm and 6 pm EST today for more exclusive videos, photos, and interviews. Or check out the AOL Instagram, where he will be posting his insider Fashion Week photos all day.
What was it like developing your Instagram account as a brand instead of personal outlet?
It was really important for me to make sure that I had a niche -- not a confining one -- but it had to tell a story about myself. It was really important to me that photos didn't seem all over the place, and that they focused on me and the things that are important to me. The goal was really to take everyone visually through what happens on a day-to-day basis in my life.
What would you describe your Instagram aesthetic?
Very fashion and very fun. It's over the top at some points, but I kind of like that fantastical level about it. That being said, I try not to do too much. Overall, my Instagram is very much a reflection of me and the things I hold dear.
Did you ever have an 'aha moment" where you realized your account was bigger than you thought it would be?
When I took a picture by the water of just me and my bathing suit outfit, it literally skyrocketed and went viral. Everyone was talking about it. It was crazy; I was just doing it for fashion but people were really excited about my transformation.
What is your dynamic like between you and your fans?
I think it's great, but I'll admit I'm not really one to read comments. I just try and keep my fans happy and I know they love a good fashion moment for me, seeing me with my family, and documenting my trips. I know what they like and I try to cater my Instagram more to them than for me.
So I know you are branching out into other facets of the industry. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Oh my god, I don't know! There is so much I want to get involved with, so hopefully in ten years I will have done a movie or two. I also definitely want to get involved with some scripted television, have a fashion line by then, and have couple of campaigns. There are no boundaries for me; I want to go all over the place.
%shareLinks-quote="There are no boundaries for me." type="quote" author="EJ Johnson" authordesc="" isquoteoftheday="false"%
Big ten years for you!
Yes, big ten years.
YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, click here. And come back at 12 pm EST for more exclusive EJ Johnson features, including his take on NYFW.
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