OTS IMVU Presents: Exclusive Interview With 4 Talented Virtual Personalities During The Empower To Aspire Event Via Metaverse Platform -IMVU.
Meet- Sephy, Fri (Digital Models), Xinfo and Briju (Digital Creators)
In this interview below, I will be sharing with you all a few things and topics that were discussed during the Empower To Aspire event that took place on the 12th of March 2022.
I had the pleasure of interviewing four queens in one show, It was such a blissful experience, In the spirit of empowerment, I and My team decided to publish a few of the interview questions via this platform giving everyone who missed out on this show the chance to see an iota of what was discussed.
Hi Queens, please tell us a little bit about yourselves.
Sephy: Hi everyone, I am Sephy, I am half American half Indian, and as it goes for children of mixed ethnicities still trying to figure out which culture I relate more to. Growing up I was quite the rebel always landing myself in trouble. Which is totally not the case now I promise. Time sobered me up. I love to read books, explore new things and try my hands on anything that catches my eyes. I am a caffeine addict and wine lover. Although a rebel I was always good at studies managing to finish my Master's degree and finally landing myself a job as an HR manager in real life. I joined Vu in 2016 and started modeling after a year or so. I have met some amazing people in this virtual world I am glad to call my friends. I remember I was always telling Linda that we are gonna be the last 2 single ladies left on Vu but fate had different plans because I managed to fall for Alfred who I can proudly call my husband now. Linda played matchmaker for us and I totally blame her for it. Lastly, I wanna thank Linda for having me here today even though I am a bit nervous I am totally gonna act and play it off as I am cool.
Zlag: Hi everyone, I am Fri (pronounced Free and not fry grrr) Long story short about me, I am a mother to a fiery little prince who is absolutely sacred to me. I’m a Leo, I guess that explains where he inherited the fiery side from. In real life, I am a pro-published Makeup Artist and certified platform makeup educator. I’ve been hustling since day 1. I run 3 businesses, I’m a ghost investor, humanitarian, love children, and animals, Colombian born, living and based in Miami. I’m a free thinker, verbal asf, hate labels, a lover of the Arts/fashion, no tolerance for fake personalities, non-originals, bitters people, and wannabes, basically, I don't like people that pretend to be someone or something else other than their real self. Lastly, I am a digital model on IMVU and Second Life.
Xinfo: I'm quite terrible with intros. My user name is xinfo but I actually go by info (short for Informa ) The 'X' is silent. I'm a creator on a few virtual platforms such as IMVU and most recently Second Life. I'm a bit of a nerd, I like anime, RnB, rap, and anything hip hop-related. In the real world, I am a mother to 3 beautiful children and the stepmom to one awesome adult. I love watching anything related to home decorating and fashion.
Briju: Hello, I will be brief, I am Britt also go by Briju! I own a furniture shop on imvu! In my real life, I am a full-time student, and I also work in the beauty industry.
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When and how did you discover IMVU? What made you join?
Sephy: A friend recommended IMVU to me when I was going through a rough phase in life and didn’t feel like I wanted to interact with people. She talked me into it and nudged me to give it a try. So here I am almost 6 years later sitting here with these lovely ladies and gents, I have to say it has been quite a ride.
Fri: I joined in Summer 2019 during the lockdown, a hurricane was coming and my sister was visiting, so to pass the time I was like, “Give me a fashion type of game to download.” Since my sis was already on the platform, she made me a page that I left inactive until after the hurricane. 2 months later I came back on the platform and met Zket (my partner) lol he's the reason I’m still on it, In addition, due to the fact we were all home during Covid, this was a good way to pass time.
Bri: I started imvu pretty young, I really enjoyed meeting people from all over so when I came across vu it really caught my attention. Then I started to find friends on here that I connected with, and that made it even a better experience for me.
Xinfo: I am originally from the Big Apple, but one day my family decided we would move to another state that was a lot more rural than what I was used to. I was a 14-year-old kid at the time, working at a part-time job but when we moved all of that came to a halt. A few years later I was bored and obsessed with dress-up dolls and yahoo chatrooms, that was when I saw an IMVU advert as a dress-up 3d chat experience, I instantly joined and this was back in 2006, at the time IMVU was still in the beta testing stage. I guess you can say I am a bit of an IMVU OG. (Lol)
To move things faster I am directing this question at two Queens that are into different digital categories - Fri( Digital Model) and Briju (Digital Creator). What made you go into creating on imvu? B) what would you consider the most important components of your style?
Bri: Creating was always something I thought I couldn't do, it was very intimidating to me. Then a couple of my friends started to create and showed me how it worked and I decided to give it a try. I really liked it and from there I started to create more. When it comes to components and textures I use it would be the various kinds of wooden textures and other earth materials. I’d say my style is a bit minimal with different tones and textures. I loved the minimal vibe, but I wanted it to be different from what I saw in the catalog.
Fri: I don’t create because although I’m good with makeup brushes, I’m not good with editing photos and such. I do have signature touches to my style but I’m open-minded and inclusive - that also extends to my sense of style. I guess you could say I have a proclivity for high street fashion vibes for the most part though.
What factors are crucial within an organization's work environment, and must also be present, for you to work most effectively and creatively?
Fri: For my hair and makeup business I am very hands-on, I have to connect on an energetic level with my client. I have to know I’m working with respectful and chill clients. I want the same for my artists because how they feel is very important to me and it then results in a good overall experience and good relationship with our clients. For the other two businesses, I just hire pros lol.
How would you describe a positive work environment that fosters creators empowerment?
Sephy: A positive work environment is one where everyone is able to express themselves freely and there is no biasedness and judgmental attitude towards people. They can create freely without having to fear for how it would be perceived that is when we will actually be able to see some of the greatest works of all time.
Bri: I think not feeling pressured to always be putting things out has always helped me have a great relationship with creating. From the beginning I create it because I love to do it, I never want anything to feel forced. So just having a different mind on why you create is important.
Fri: Teamwork makes the dream work! I can’t say it enough. I think if we’re all about the team winning as opposed to “me” winning, we guarantee a successful workday. That connects to everything in general as well - both personal and creative aspects.
How will you guide your supporters or aspiring creators on how to improve or develop their individual skills?
Xinfo: Speaking from my own personal experience, when I'm looking for new designs I try not to look at other creators work, it can be a bit discouraging. My biggest struggle is not to worry about how well another creator on IMVU is doing. I've posted successful ads on social media, but my sales say otherwise. With IMVU's community, You just never know what is going to sell and what is not. What I can say is this I have noticed that products that did not sell in the beginning, begin to obtain sales, later on, Some even get up to a thousand sales a year later. You really never know when a product will just go boom so don't lose hope.
Meditation is another practice that can help empower you as it quiets your conscious mind. One thing I know is that our conscious thoughts can get in the way of our unconscious presenting new ideas, which brings me to the question of – Do you meditate and if not, how do you quiet your mind and seek new innovative ideas?
Bri: I used to meditate every day, and it's such a great time to be with yourself and calm your mind. My form of meditation now is journaling and writing and releasing my thoughts on paper. I feel like any time you are able to let go and be with yourself is a form of meditation.
Xinfo: Reading scriptures in the Bible, Cleaning my house with gospel music, and Praying is also a part of my meditation technique. There are times when I would do all 3 at once. This technique has been taught to me for years through my loved ones. First My mother did it with RnB, while my grandmother blasted the classics such as Earth, Wind, and Fire to Motown. A few times it was jazz. My husband preferred gospel music. It keeps me focused and humbled. I also spend me with my family and friends, they continue to keep me centered, Lastly, I noticed I am drawn to candle-lit baths, It has now become my go-to. So relaxing.[Haha!]
What would you say is the number one quality that makes someone a good leader?
Sephy: Communication would be the most obvious answer to this question. But for me the most important quality a leader should possess is Empathy. If you are able to understand where your team members are coming from then you would be golden. If you relate to them and understand their needs and wants plus act in a manner that is aimed at achieving your targets and keeping everyone’s interests in mind then nothing can come in your way. Your team members should be able to feel like they can come to you with their problems and you would understand and do your best to solve the issues.
If something terrible happens to you in life, do you turn to the 'Why me?' question? Resulting in spiraling negative thoughts and internal chaos or would you say you are the “Try Me” type?
Bri: I will say I was like this for a while -The 'why me?' type, and I still slip into this spiral sometimes. I would tend to go over what happened again and again in my head and just beat myself up until I felt like shit loll. After a lot of self-reflection, I came to the realization that many things are out of our control, and the only thing you can do is learn from your mistakes and move on.
What sort of aesthetic do you bend towards? Also, how does color influence you, or how does it affect your designs while creating products on IMVU?
Bri: I would say I usually try and go for a minimal clean look while using different types of designs and patterns in my work. Also, just anything with nature I gravitate towards! I find that like everything inspires me to create. It would be something I see at the store from something I see on Pinterest. I usually stay towards pretty natural colors I love forest green and burnt orange too so you always see hints of that throughout my shop.
Xinfo: It truly depends on the season and the mood it brings me at the time. I often focus on the colors within the seasons. For example, with Spring I focus on the colors that can be seen blooming during this time. Pinks, blues, whites, and yellows, the brighter the colors the better! For the Summer it's greens, blues, whites, and beige/tan colors for beach aesthetics, and park fields. Every so often I'll grab neon since they give me party vibes. For the fall/autumn seasons I grab from the leaves. Oranges, deep purples, browns, and beige, they often keep for warm cozy feels as well. For the winter I stick with red and greens because of the holidays such as Christmas. The rest of the winter season it's usually blue, black, greys, and whites since they represent new beginnings and renewal.
What artistic medium do you use to express yourself?
Fri: I communicate. I know you’re prob like what?? But communicating and verbalizing your thoughts, feelings, and ideas whether they’re good or “bad” is Art itself because not everyone has (1) the balls to do it and (2) the skills. I love poetry, reading, and deep, engaging films that touch me. Love going to see the opera and ballet, Art expos and fashion shows. I used to attend open mic events but tbh I’ve been flaking for 2 yrs since the pandemic hit.
Sephy: I am not a hardcore artistic person by nature. But when I need a break from the routine I dabble in a lot of things. I enjoy creating beautiful scenes and taking pictures on Vu.other than that in reality I enjoy painting, sketching, writing short stories, and whatnot. blame my parents for giving me birth under the Gemini sun sign I just am all over the place. I love to just try my hands on anything and everything and am always up to learning new things.
Even the smallest things can establish a strong connection and appreciation for each other, In what way do you think people via this community can establish stronger connections and appreciation for each other and avoid conflict?
Bri: You know while I’ve been in this community I see a lot of people always comparing themselves to each other constantly. This even goes into real life as well. I think when we learn to love our own work and stop obsessing over our likes, comments, views then we can really appreciate everyone's creations and what they put out.
Fri: We need to remember these are “social” apps and we come and can choose to either be a positive influence or a neggy nancy. How you are here for many is a way to paint a false narrative of who they wish they were - so they meet real ones like us here and try to bring us down because somehow it makes them feel like they can control something since they can’t in real life.
So LADIES, if you come across one of these energy leeches do get acquainted with your block button and go ahead and remove! Surround yourself with people that make you laugh, support your ideas, and can maintain a respectful attitude towards you even when they don’t agree with your choices.
Sephy: A-The beauty is always in the little things..That's what I believe in. There are just small things that you can do to make people feel like they aren’t alone. A lot of people share stuff on their stories where they point towards the fact that they are going through a hard time..It just takes a minute to drop them a nice msg sending hugs or saying something that is positive..and most of all people need to understand there are so many opportunities on Vu so to think other people are trying to steal your chance..that needs to be stopped. The name, fame and everything else fades and is temporary. it’s always the relationships you make that take you forward in life, So, Focus on being good to others and good things will come to you. If we are able to achieve this then I think it will accomplish the connections and bonds we aim for.
Xinfo: I believe many people on IMVU's platform focus on finding ways to step on other people for some sort of quick gain. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I feel as though We're all here trying to do something, some of us just want our money and to be left alone while Others want recognition. Most of the time it's an escape from the real world. Whatever the reason, at least be forward about it. Often times mischievous behavior can start drama.
One of my favorite sayings is – Gossip dies when it reaches a wise ear. In your own words tell me how you feel “Gossiping” especially when done negatively has affected people in this community especially friendships?
Xinfo: I mean it's destroyed friendships, and uses misinformation and misdirection based on people's own personal feelings. My mom always told me there are 3 sides to every story. Yours, Theirs, and the Truth. Which one will you listen to?
Fri: Ha! “Words have no wings but they can fly a thousand miles,” everything said and done eventually is brought to light. So many here walk around with identities as false as their follower count, pretending they are IG royalty and treating others like they are lesser than they are. Sorry but when you put your phone down you have to face your lonely self and reality, how can you look at yourself in the mirror and actually be ok with the things you say and do, then go around self-proclaiming to be for the people? Nah. Trust we see right through your fake front.
Sephy: It's sad to see friendships ruined over gossip. Everything is going well and fine then one fine day there is always that one person who isn’t happy with the peace.Stirs the gossip mill and bam.
It is hard to see years of friendship go down the drain due to a third party causing the misunderstanding. I think what needs to be done is to have a sit-down and honest conversation about things. It can solve mostly everything. Sometimes things have gone down so ugly people have left. Dragging someone through the dirt is never nice. Drama and gossiping never did any good and honestly, every one of us has a lot of stuff on our plates in real so why invest your energy into something like that on a virtual platform which is supposed to be an escape where people can enjoy and take a break from the stress of their real lives?.
Briju: Gossiping gets people nowhere, and it's something that you can't let get to you. I think the only way to resolve drama is to go to the source instead of feeding into the drama.
How do you think young females can change the language in which they use to describe themselves in more positive and empowering ways?
Bri: In order to change anything is through our mind. We have to believe how powerful we are. Because we are. having a positive environment and people who truly want you to be your genuine self will be a reflection of how you see yourself and you will only bounce great energy back to each other.
I believe Self-development can start with even the smallest of incremental changes and challenges every day to become your best self. In your own words, What small changes can people make to have a better tomorrow?
Fri: You have to be self-aware, wake up daily, and decide, “Today I will be humble, loving, respectful, and a baddie! I will help/support someone today and their small business.” Choose that and watch how you attract only positive and real individuals.
Xinfo: Accept the challenges, the negative, and the positive. LEARN, OBSERVE, and grow from it. Once you accept things you find that disappointment is less effective meaning even if things don't go exactly your way relax accept that you can't change what happened and work on a solution. Yes, it sucks and hurts. Have your cry! It's healthy to cry but find a solution.
Describe Women's Empowerment in your own words. B) On IMVU What do you think can be done to bring more togetherness between the Women in the IMVU community, and if there is one thing you could change about the IMVU community, what would it be?
Sephy: Women's empowerment is about being able to be the woman you want to be, Without society telling you what your can or cannot be. Having the chance to make your own path and the ability to earn a place at the table because of your strength, skills, capabilities. Also, I believe it's very important for women to support women to actually be able to bring the required change. It will create a positive environment. Talking about the skills you own and teaching them to others so they can use them and grow as well is what it is for me.
Bri: I think women empowerment means to make sure every woman has a voice and that it is heard! We are more powerful when we empower each other. Also having conversations and platforms like this can really help amplify our voices!
Fri: Women's equality is significant, especially since we are still fighting for our rights and equality in contemporary society today. Women empowerment to me is being a system of fellowship and strong sisterhood. I want to walk around and send, “I’m a safe and supportive zone” vibes. I’m not here to compete! Let’s elevate each other and be examples for future women leaders.
Xinfo: For me, there is no clear answer to women empowerment. What I mean is that Any woman who decides to be strong is empowered in some way, shape, or form. From the single mother who is doing it all on her own to the eccentric businesswoman with no kids -who owns 3 companies to those who have several real estate investments all around the world with her husband, to the stay-at-home mom. Each woman getting up and doing things for themselves, or their family is the exact definition of empowerment.
People often say we are meant to make mistakes and learn from it, but If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
Fri: People are afraid to take risks because we all want to be right. Being wrong is a lesson and most people aren’t courageous.
If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend?
Bri: I’ve had experiences where some of the people I called friends said some pretty hurtful things to me and I know at times I beat myself up, but I realized the truth was that if anyone else talked to me like that, we would definitely have problems. I realized the only one who could change it was me. So I made the decision to just say the opposite of whatever the negative thing was. At times it was uncomfortable, and that's when I knew this was serious. It shouldn't be uncomfortable to say to yourself.
If you had to teach the world something, what would you teach us all?
Fri: To stop being hyper-sensitive, be loving, respectful, and stop being ego-driven and be kind and loyal, say what you mean and mean what you say. Also, leave the children and animals alone! They’re angels. Oh and lastly- please recycle ty.
What has life taught you recently? How do you deal with someone in a position of power who wants you to fail or has in some way affected you negatively?
Xinfo: Be patient. Trust God, Have Faith. I loved my husband so much however he never wanted me to create on the meta-verse at all. It was our biggest issue however I kept pushing and fighting despite having no support from the one I wanted the most support from. Not having that support does affect you mentally, especially when they're actively trying to pursue your downfall by saying you'll never be anything serious or make anything from it. Despite all that went on in the background, the little bits and pieces of success helped me to keep pushing forward and I am where I am today because I persevered. If you truly love what you do, don't stop keep fighting.
Bri: If I have someone in my life who is constantly bringing me down and expects me to fail, then they have no business here. There was a time when I put up with people like that, but now I am very aware of who I allow my access to in my life.
Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?
Sephy: Humans express their emotions in so many ways whether it be shouting, screaming, kissing, hugging, etc so why have reservations about crying?? To be able to express your emotions is the biggest strength someone can possess. Crying needs to be generalized. It's okay to cry and in no way does it mean you are weak it takes guts to cry and open up in front of someone else. I struggle with it myself. I am not so good at expressing my emotions so for me crying is a sign of strength.
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Bri: I tend to keep to myself and stay quiet at times because I'm afraid I might offend somebody, So I think I’d be a bit forward with people and not be scared within myself of what others thought.
Sephy: If nobody would judge me then I would just dress the way I want to dress and express myself more freely without having to worry about how it will be perceived.
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
Bri: That love shouldn't hurt. Love is many things, but it should never be hurtful. Nothing toxic comes from genuine love. Love does take work and its a choice you make every single day, but Love seems to be one of the only things that don't hurt
Fri: You have to be intuitive and trust your gut, it’s ok not to let people in just because they’re “nice”. People should all earn the chance to be in your life and put in the effort to maintain that and vice versa. Relationships should be 50/50, not a one-way street. Swerve that Judas kiss.
What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?
Xinfo: Definitely, Creating. I keep telling myself this over and over again, I wish I continued creating and didn't take an 8 year's hiatus from the meta-verse. I mean I do have my real-life obligations which I enjoy, however, if I kept pursuing what I love to do which is creating virtual content I would be further than I am today. I am sure of it.
Who or What makes you feel good about yourself?
Bri: I’ve always loved the beauty industry and makeup has always been like therapy to me so I’d say makeup. Also like my dog makes me feel good about myself LMAOO they just wanna love you with no judgment.
Fri: My son makes me feel good about myself because being a mother is hard and sometimes I question myself but he always reassures me I’m doing a good job. My work/success also makes me feel really good about myself.
What has fear of failure stopped you from doing?
Xinfo: So much actually. It's stopped me from going on job interviews in the real world many times. In fact, way too many times to count. Even now, I'm actually very insecure about job interviews. I feel my lack of certain experience because I chose to be a stay-at-home mom has to stop recruiters from glancing at my resume due to my lack of work history. I've actually done a few interviews this year, they went great, but no callbacks. So still a struggle.
How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Fri: Daughter of an oligarch, bloodline of geniuses, inherited a flair for the arts, Lyran spark, Leo fire, deep-rooted compassion, prosperous descent but a self-made legacy.
Xinfo: Giggles, the crazy humble Nerd.
How would you describe ‘freedom’ in your own words?
Bri: I would describe it as a choice to be different. If we are talking about creative freedom then it is the freedom to imagine and be able to make something without boundaries for yourself.
Sephy: Being you with no inhibitions. Owning up to who you are without having to worry about the judgments, comments, and expectations of others that to me is freedom. So often in life, we act because we think this is what is expected of us or is the right way but actually, there is no right way or wrong way to do anything. it's how it's perceived by others in their opinions that makes it right or wrong.One thing that might be right for you might be wrong for me. And the day we can be free of these societal norms of right and wrong is the day I would think that this is freedom
Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
Bri: I actually am kind of superstitious, I believe in karma in that what you put out into the world you will receive back.
If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
Bri: My message would be that everyone doesn't need access to you. There are people who can be very draining and they don't even know it. you’re allowed to say no, allowed to not text back, you’re allowed to break plans, and if you need to save yourself then do it, you should always come first always.
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Xinfo: Oh, huge! We now have instant access to finding out the latest fashion by smaller and larger designers. Especially since virtual fashion is now becoming more accessible to the world, creators are now getting the recognition they finally deserve. There have also been times when virtual fashion has been created in real life and worn. It's really cool!
What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
Sephy: I am not somebody who makes big plans. But the few things I wanna achieve this year would be that I have been struggling with a lot of health issues lately so the most important thing is to live healthily and try to overcome them. To get healthier and fix my sleeping and waking up the pattern. Another thing I wanna try to accomplish this year is to go back to volunteering at the pet shelter and the orphanage.
Bri: Well when it comes to IMVU I’d love to be comfortable with meshing items. In my personal life, I am hoping to get my associate's degree this year!
Fri: Start the process again for my medical spa in Colombia.
Xinfo: Meshing. I will do it! Once I customize Blenders UI to something I enjoy. I'm going to mesh. OH and take a family vacation. I made a promise to my husband. So, Vacation here we come!
What impact do you want to leave on the world?
Sephy: I have always been a bit obsessed with trying to save the environment and care for our natural resources. I always am trying to talk people into saving water, planting trees, doing little things like taking showers instead of baths, switching off the lights if not needed, and such so that we leave the planet in somewhat of a better state than it is now and the generations to come won't have to struggle with the lack of resources. So even if 1 person out of 10 listens to what I say then it will somehow make a change and so that’s the impact I wanna have when I leave.
Xinfo: Love. My goal in life right now is to spread love. Even if it's a small gesture to a stranger, or to my friends. I want them to know I love them.
