In a perfect world, Vivian Cole would be raining red roses for her followers and banknotes for animal welfare. The content creator from Baden Württemberg would like to see more authenticity on social media and for everyone to do their bit to make our world a better place.
Photos: © Vivian Cole / Fab4Media
FACES: How did you become an influencer?
Vivian Cole: My journey on social media began after I took part in GNTM 2020.
F: What does your normal working day look like?
VC : I don’t work 24/7 as a classic influencer, as my further education in the field of holistic health takes up most of my time and I’m building up something on the side. So every day looks different.
F: How long do you tweak a photo before you post it on Instagram?
VC: I’m more interested in the overall picture, i.e. the vibe, and a personal and authentic caption than the picture or a “perfect” edit itself. That’s what I need the most time for.
F: What will you be doing in ten years?
VC: In ten years I have written a book, spoken in front of and to people on stage and built up a large network to use my knowledge and experience to make big and positive changes.
F: A prejudice about influencers that isn’t true at all? And one that is true?
VC: A prejudice that is unfortunately true in my opinion is that your relevance among influencers is still heavily dependent on your number of followers and reach. So that you are only relevant or important enough to be seen when you have 200k+ followers. One preconception that is not true is that every influencer is superficial and only lives or wants to live in luxury and perfection.
“I wish I could be more anonymous when I’m asked for a picture in a club at five in the morning and look like I’ve just done five Pamela Reif workouts.”
F: What is your definition of an influencer?
VC: An influencer is a personality who has built up a community on social media and uses the trust of this community to promote important personal (and individual) topics and interests. Someone who inspires others in their own way and uses their voice.
F: Who do you stalk yourself on Instagram?
VC: I usually just stalk the latest tea on social media or check in on old friends to see what has changed over time.
F: The best compliment you’ve ever received for your work?
VC: The best compliment I have ever received was that my work and my approaches have helped to positively change individual lives and give hope.
F: At what moments do you wish you were more anonymous?
VC: When I’m asked for a picture in a club at five o’clock in the morning and I look like I’ve just done five Pamela Reif workouts.
F: What’s on your mind the most right now?
VC: I am currently and have been concerned for a long time about how people treat each other on social media.
F: What are you particularly proud of?
VC: I’m particularly proud of all my work in mental health: my jewelry collection, being part of great podcasts and interviews, working with mental health organizations and generally being a voice for such an important topic.
F: What would you change if you had the power?
VC: I would change the education system so that education is equally accessible and possible for everyone. I would work in schools with subjects and values that offer young people a real basis for a good future, regardless of their status.
F: Who is your role model?
VC : I don’t have any real role models myself, rather people whose work inspires me a lot. These include Dr. Joe Dispenza, Wim Hoff and Lisa Nichols.
F: What do you collect?
VC: I like to collect screenshots of the lovely messages from people I’ve been able to help and often look at them when I’m feeling down or need a reminder of why my work is important.
F: What experience will you never forget?
VC: The feedback from my community when I spoke about my experiences with mental illness on TV for the first time. That’s how it all started, and I will never forget the gratitude of those affected and also outsiders.
F: What do you wish for?
VC: 1 million euros, which I can then use for animals in need.
F: What do you like to spend money on? What not for?
VC: I like to spend money on art, good food and books, rather less on hype or trends in order to be “cool” or “in”.
F: What do you want people to say about you?
VC: What people say about me is filtered through their personal perception of the world. Rather, I simply want to stand for my authenticity and as my own reference for what I am talking about.
