Hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs sat down with Phaith Montoya, a trailblazing plus-size influencer and brand ambassador for NAMI. Together, they explored topics ranging from resilience and mental health to the challenges of social media and the shifting dynamics of the fashion industry. This enlightening conversation offered actionable insights and heartfelt reflections that resonate deeply with creatives and influencers alike.
Introduction to Phaith Montoya: An Influencer with Purpose
From the outset, Phaith Montoya captivated listeners with her authenticity. She described her journey as a plus-size influencer in the fashion and lifestyle space, carving a niche for herself in an industry often resistant to change. As a brand ambassador for NAMI, she bridges her passion for fashion with advocacy for mental health—a cause close to her heart.
Navigating Rejection in the Creative Industry
For many filmmakers, influencers, and artists, rejection is an inevitable part of the journey. Chris and Nick opened the discussion by reflecting on the mental toll this can take. Phaith shared her personal experiences of failure, both as a student and as a professional, and how those moments shaped her resilience. Her advice was clear: “Trying and failing is better than never trying at all.”
These words resonate not only with aspiring creatives but with anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. Phaith’s story of overcoming academic setbacks is a testament to the power of perseverance and the lessons learned through adversity.
Resilience Through Community and Support Systems
Phaith attributed much of her strength to her upbringing and her supportive family, who nurtured her confidence despite societal pressures surrounding body image. This led to a broader discussion about the importance of community in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Chris shared a touching story about the unwavering support he received from his parents during a difficult period. Nick emphasized how leaning on others—whether friends, family, or online communities—can provide a lifeline during tough times. Phaith highlighted the transformative power of social media, where online communities can act as virtual support systems, offering encouragement and resources to those in need.
Challenging Misconceptions About Plus-Size Models
As a plus-size influencer, Phaith has faced her share of misconceptions, including assumptions about her health and work ethic. She opened up about the discrimination she’s encountered in healthcare, employment, and everyday interactions, underscoring the pervasive nature of bias against plus-size individuals.
Representation, she argued, is crucial to changing societal perceptions. Seeing diverse body types in fashion and media not only challenges stereotypes but also inspires others to embrace their own uniqueness. Chris and Nick praised Phaith for her courage in confronting these issues head-on and using her platform to advocate for inclusivity.
The Role of Influencers in Shaping Culture
The conversation shifted to the evolving landscape of social media and the responsibilities of influencers. Phaith’s journey began on TikTok, where her content initially focused on fashion but gradually expanded to include personal stories. This balance between authenticity and privacy is a challenge many influencers grapple with.
Phaith emphasized the importance of being genuine and relatable, noting that audiences crave real connections. Chris and Nick echoed this sentiment, pointing out that today’s audiences are savvy—they can spot inauthenticity a mile away. By staying true to oneself, influencers can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their followers.
Life in a Creator House: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected
Phaith shared her unique experience of living in a creator house, a communal space where influencers collaborate and create content. While the environment offered exciting opportunities, it also revealed stark differences in work ethics and approaches among creators.
Transitioning from a traditional job to a career in social media brought its own set of challenges. Phaith stressed the importance of building genuine connections and leveraging relationships to navigate this competitive industry. Her insights underscored the value of community and collaboration in achieving long-term success.
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
For those looking to break into the influencer space, Phaith offered invaluable advice:
Consistency is Key: Regular posting keeps audiences engaged and helps build a recognizable brand.
Engage Authentically: Responding to comments and interacting with followers fosters loyalty and trust.
Adapt to Trends: While staying true to your voice, incorporating trending topics can boost visibility.
Learn from Others: Observing successful creators and applying their strategies to your content can accelerate growth.
Chris and Nick added that while adapting trends is important, putting a unique spin on content is what sets influencers apart.
Mental Health in the Spotlight
Navigating the world of social media isn’t without its dark moments. Phaith candidly discussed dealing with grief, online negativity, and the impact of toxic comments. Nick provided a crucial culture check, reminding creators not to internalize online hate, which often stems from bots or trolls.
Phaith highlighted the importance of self-esteem and resilience in overcoming these challenges. Positive self-talk, a supportive network, and a focus on personal growth can help creators thrive even in difficult times.
Redefining Success and Happiness
One of the most poignant moments of the episode came when Phaith shared her definition of "making it." For her, success isn’t measured by numerical values or external validation. Instead, it’s about finding happiness in what you do and having the freedom to pursue your passions.
This perspective resonated deeply with Chris and Nick, who admired Phaith’s grounded approach. Her message was clear: peace and joy come from living authentically and embracing life’s journey, rather than fixating on end goals.
Celebrating Joy Amid Life’s Challenges
Toward the end of the conversation, Phaith shared her favorite Bible verse, which serves as a source of comfort during tough times. She also spoke about finding joy in life’s ups and downs, likening life’s challenges to the inevitability of night, followed by the promise of morning.
Chris reflected on his sales experience, noting how perseverance eventually leads to success. This cyclical nature of life, where hardships give way to triumphs, reinforces the importance of hope and resilience.
Engagement and Community: The Heart of Success
The episode concluded with a call to action. Phaith encouraged listeners to follow her on social media, where she continues to inspire and educate her audience. She also recommended Yeti for its exceptional loungewear, particularly for plus-size individuals, a nod to her commitment to promoting brands that prioritize inclusivity.
Chris and Nick reminded listeners of the importance of engagement. Subscribing, liking, and commenting on content not only supports creators but also fosters a sense of community—a recurring theme throughout the episode.
Final Thoughts
Phaith Montoya’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and community. From overcoming rejection to challenging societal norms, her journey inspires creatives to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions unapologetically.
For anyone navigating the challenges of the creative industry or seeking to find their voice in a crowded digital landscape, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. As Phaith eloquently put it, "Making it isn’t about the numbers—it’s about living your dreams and finding joy in the process."
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.