At the beginning of the pandemic, social media users heard tell of an app called TikTok. Whether their friends were producing content or simply enjoying the videos made by other creators, the encouragement amongst peers to download the app became significant. So much so, in fact, that TikTok has now accumulated a user base of over 1 billion individuals.
TikTok has provided a platform for users to showcase their skills, humor, and talents, allowing them the freedom to express themselves to an audience they may otherwise never see. For TikTok star, Jaeden Gomez, the social media site has allowed her growing recognition of her dance skills. So, why did Jaeden, like billions of others, decide to download the app?
Jaeden On Her Rise To 1.6 Million Followers
As the pandemic reaked havoc on the world, Jaeden found herself bored of Cosmetology School. She told us that her friends were insistent upon her downloading TikTok:
"Everyone was mad I didn't have it!"
Though TikTok is one of the more modern social media platforms to date, it was the more antiquated tactic of word-of-mouth marketing that enticed so many to download the app, just like Jaeden.
However, Jaeden's success differentiates her from the bunch as her followers have accumulated to over 1.6 Million. We asked Jaeden what it felt like to see that number hit 1 Million at just 22-years-old:
"It didn't feel real ands till doesn't honestly. It's insane to me that there are a million people out there that have interacted with my content...I'm so grateful to every single person who has shown me love, and even hate on this platform. It has helped me grow in so many ways!"
As Jaeden points out, the good comes with the bad. A public platform like TikTok allows the everyday kermudgeon the ability to tear creators down with their comments. However, it's more than evident that Jaeden's love for dance and her supporters outweighs the negativity that might snake its way into her videos.
How Did Jaeden Become A Dancer?
Every content creator has a backstory that led them to social media fame, be it family, passion, or shtick. Jaeden's story resonantes with the familial backstory, with her mom having also been a dancer. She also noted that her dad's love for music inspired her to be inventive with her body.
"I guess love for music and movement runs in the family!"
Taking a beat from her parents, Jaeden began to form her own career path for dance. Dance takes on many forms, from ballet to freestyling to breakdancing, the art offers complete freedom of expression. With that in mind, we wanted to know what Jaeden's favorite dance styles are:
"My favorite dance style is mostly jazz funk and hip hot. It's so much fun to express your creativity!"
Jaeden's Goals For The Future
Despite her continued successes as a dancer, Jaeden talked to us about her aspirations for herself moving forward:
"My goal is to hopefully work with more amazing people and brands to keep creating the life I have worked for! It's so refreshing to see so many other talented dancers and creators getting the recognition they deserve on these platforms!"
Having collaborated with the likes of Lizzo, Jaeden's achievements through TikTok and other media will no doubt enhance her online presence as her followers reach toward that 2 Million mark. With growth in mind, we asked Jaeden one last question: what advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
"Never think that you're not good enough, and do what makes you happy. At the endo f the day, nothing matters more than taking care of yourself, and staying true to your passions."
We truly couldn't have said it better ourselves. In a day and age where social media presence has been made available to individuals with varying talents, Jaeden is living proof that honing in on what you love has its benefits. And if we might say so, it's "About Damn Time" to start exploring those passions.