Influencer and model Peja, known for her work on the Rock Squad channel and her own YouTube channel with over 1.9 million subscribers, has stood out as a multifaceted personality on social media. With videos surpassing 90 million views, she has become a reference for her followers, sharing everything from vlogs to challenges. Recently, Peja released her song “Somebody,” which has already garnered over 38,000 views, solidifying her presence in the music scene and expanding her artistic career.
How was the process of creating and recording your cover of Lizzo’s “Pink”? Did you face any specific challenges while performing it?
Pink was really my first time recording a song. My producer, Andrew Lane, really helped me, by walking me through the process. I love the movie Barbie so doing a cover from the movie was so cool. Since it was my first time recording a song, everything was new so that made it a little challenging but I am always up for a challenge.
You mentioned that you released your first original song, “Outside.” What would you like your fans to feel when they listen to this track?
My first original song was Outside. I have released two songs since then and another song coming out soon! When people listen to Outside I want them to know that being honest with your feelings and showing them to people is never bad but if someone takes advantage of that situation…you gotta do what’s best for you, even if it means walking away.
Your modeling career started at a very young age. How did that experience influence your transition into content creation and music on social media?
So I love being in front of the camera, on stage, or really just having an audience. From a very young age, I was always making up shows, cheer routines ect. I love wearing different outfits and getting to bring my personality to them. I think that modeling influenced me with content creating because it allowed me to grow in my confidence and know that my message of “Be You Always” applies to every aspect of your life but especially in being a creator. So many people are out there using filters, AI to edit their content etc and I want my fans/friends to see the real me,(the fails and the successes) no edits, no crazy filters so they have someone to look at and say “see it’s okay to just be you.”
With over 1.9 million subscribers on your channel and a video with 90 million views, how do you maintain a connection with your audience amidst so much success?
I am SO grateful to my fans/followers but I call them friends. Yes, I have grown so quickly but I really try to respond to comments daily and hosts lives ect. I appreciate the time they take to comment so I show that by taking the time to respond. Does that mean I respond to every comment….no, that would be crazy but I do make a big effort and I also ask people what they want to see on my channel. I think it’s so important to listen and see what everyone is saying.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from working with influencers and content creators like Nidal Wonder and Jordan Matter?
Biggest lesson from working with BIG YouTubers?!?! Oh man that’s a hard one. I would say be organized and learn to go with the flow. If you get organized before, you make it easier to stay on time but no matter how organized you are…something will always go wrong. Roll with it and don’t dwell on something you can’t change.
In September 2023, you released “Outside” and recently “Somebody.” How would you describe the evolution of your musical style between these two tracks?
I am so new to music. Just learning what I am capable of. I really like all types of music so I am open to it all. I hope to release different genres of music and really see what I can’t really vibe to. So far my songs have all been about can relationships with others but my soon to be released song, “Be You Always” is about the relationship you have with yourself.
PejaHow has the support from your mother, who is also your filmmaker, impacted your career? Do you have any specific experiences you’d like to share about this partnership?
I am so lucky to have the support of both of my parents. I am the baby in the family so my parents are able to dedicate a little more time to me. My dad has been in my shorts series “Would You Eat This?” and a few others. My mom, I mean I couldn’t do most of this without her. She lets me be me, without telling me how to dress, who to be ect. She is my best friend for sure. We laugh a lot, we argue, we have fun but also it is work. She definitely keeps me grounded and keeps it real. For example, a lot of people tell me how pretty I am, every single day. After I get ready to film, I will ask her “does this outfit look good or am I pretty?” Her response is always “No” which makes me laugh because she has told me before it’s just to not let my head get too big.
You started your social media journey in November 2020. What have been the major changes and challenges you’ve faced from the beginning until now?
2020….dang that’s four years ago! Times flies when you’re having fun! I think major challenges I have faced would be making a change. The fans/friends are used to one thing and they are so bought in to it and you don’t know if making a change will hurt you or allow you to grow. Sometimes people get upset at you, or spread untruths and that’s hard to add, after untruths over and over again….even a year later. It definitely can take it toll on you. I learned that people are going to think/say whatever they want and that my mental health is more important then someone not liking my choice, my outfit, my hair ect.
Changes! So many. I would say growing up doing social media, everyone has seen my changes. Sometimes it’s hard when your hormones are all over and you are breaking out and you just want to chill and put on a face mask. People have asked me about my menstrual cycle …. (which is kinda weird). I like to say i am going through my “grow up” not “glow up”. I’m just here, being me, hoping that by sharing my fun, crazy, amazing journey … that people watching will realize, it’s okay to “be me always”.