LUL Models

Models: Tamera Jarneee (@TameraJarneee), Meagthebeauty (@meagthebeauty) Nate Hughes @monstamovez), Ramal Black (@theramalblack) / Photographer: @iamcarlosjones Designer: @Soomar / Stylist: @is.hhaa / Creative Directors: @is.hhaa, @soomar, @iamcrlosjones

CAN’T FORGET MY WINK!

Nate Hughes

by: Cyn The Great

During a 1-on-1 interview with Senior writer and editor Cyn The Great from Let Us Live Magazine & Nathan (Nate) Hughes aka Monstamovez, he shared his success’ on becoming a huge social media influence; reaching 1 million followers on TikTok during Covid. . The Spartan, South Carolina native gave insight on how growing up he started dancing in church at the age of 12 years old. During the ages 17-18 Nate’s talent put him in position to travel the U.S. dancing, landed a spot on season 15 of So You Think You Can Dance, Stella awards and several tours. This past year Nate took tenure with FY Modeling agency and had his first published shoot at the age of 22.

Q: How did you get started creating content for social media?

A: Traveling and experiencing new things help me to get familiar with creating content. Asia Nyree (artist/ dancer/friend) put me on to TikTok and my first 2 videos hit over 900k views.

Q: How do you feel when you see your views go up?

A: I can’t really believe it. It hasn’t hit me yet. Seeing it is like wow, I can’t believe it. I appreciate it and try to show it in each post. I post once daily and I try to make that one video count. I do this for a purpose and for others. Putting a smile on someone’s face. Seeing the numbers go up and spreading positivity.

Q: How much time to you spend on content in a week?

A: Currently I work a full- time job at Walmart. I’m working on becoming fully independent with my own thing. On average I spend 2-3 hours a day, after work, creating and editing content. Which is why I post once a day so my followers can see something. I try to be consistent to keep my views up.

Q: Where are most of your videos made?

A: In my bathroom is where they are mostly done. The lighting is an eye catcher. Up close and personal but giving enough space for my audience to see. When I have more free time I go downtown, outside for a better background.

The thing i noticed was that when i did switch up locations my viewers would ask why I switched it up. They love freedom, energy and passion that I allude in all my videos.

Q: How much time do you put into editing?

A: I’m my biggest critic. Takes me 2-3 hours to find the best video to post. I try not to have over two videos because I am so indecisive. Once I master that I could possibly have more numbers. I keep it Pretty simple right now using my laptop and bluetooth.

Q: Two years ago did you see yourself being where you are today? Being such a big influence?

A: Honestly no. I didn’t see myself here but I’ve always set a goal for each year. Last year it was to be one of those TikTokers that everyone knew. Through that year I created three different challenges. Bob challenge, (I think) I put it to a T-Pain song called booty, slowed it down and added a wink. My sink became my trademark in every video and the few times I forgot the wink my fans definitely had no problem letting me know. I accomplished several goals for myself and set new ones. This year I wanted to hit 1M next year I want to get verified.

Q: How do you integrate your modeling into your social media platform?

A: It just so happened my that my agent got some behind the scene shots. Never had that done but it gives me more content. I’m able to post more, showing people that I wear a number of different hats in the industry.

Q: What do you think about black culture and social media?

A: As a black creative it’s different. You have to stay on social media to know what’s going on at all times. We don’t get the limelight like white creators. We come up with and set trends and people constantly steal our stuff. We face that a lot and don’t get credit where it’s due. As black creatives we have to keep going and not give up. It’s hard but if you understand that your time is coming you just have keep working.

Q: What’s next for you? Next big thing.

A: Really branding myself. Getting my merchandise out to my fans. Hoodies, shirts and hats. I want to be able to constantly keep my hands in something progressive. I also want to start transitioning into an artist. Like, singer/ rapper. And also prep for different shoots and walks. i see NY Fashion Week and things like that.

Q: What is your ultimate goal.

A: Just to progress. I want to be well known in dancing, have a studio. Like a Rex center of entertainment, studio, model classes. The whole 9. This is just the beginning for Nate. His positive energy can be found on all social media platforms @monstamovez. Creating content was just the first step through the door. We look forward to watching this young King become a household name.