Shaianne Perkins
22-year-old Shaianne Perkins has quickly become one of TikTok’s most popular creators. She only started on the platform a year ago and has since gained a loyal and growing fanbase. With over 2.8 million followers on social media, she says that this huge platform has opened “so many opportunities that I didn’t know were even possible for me.” She calls the experience a roller coaster of sorts, as she has travelled all over the country meeting fellow TikTokers and “making amazing memories.” It should surprise no one to find out that @bbygshaii has over 136 million TikTok likes. Videos or her reacting to comments and doing comedy sketches have brought upon incredible success for the influencer. We recently spoke to her about this journey, her favorite videos, and more!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started making TikToks?
My name is Shaianne Perkins, I’m 22 years old. I started TikTok in august of 2019 out of curiosity and boredom. I enjoyed watching the content other people were making and randomly decided that I wanted to make my own content, which at first was just for the fun of it when then I started getting attention on the app which was completely unexpected.
In just over a year, you've amassed a huge following of over 2.8 million social media followers. What has this experience been like for you?
The experience of gaining over 2.8 million followers is honestly insane. It’s an exciting feeling because it opens up so many opportunities that I didn’t know were possible for me to even come by and gave me so many opportunities to bring new people/fans/creators into my life. It’s a roller coaster and I love the ride. After getting this following, I have traveled to other states like Florida, Georgia, New York, just meeting other creators and making amazing memories. It has become a lifestyle for me, allowing me to quit my job and pursue being an influencer further than I thought.
What has been the biggest perk of your TikTok success?
One of the biggest perks is being able to travel and not worrying about a job because being an influencer is my job now, which is crazy to even say. Another big perk is being able to be a part of a valid crib with make some amazing friends and memories through them, also being able to meet Keith Dorsey, my manager. He’s helped so much on my path and I know there’s bigger things planned.
Which is the one video that you credit for really boosting your TikTok fame?
One video that I think boosted me was a point of view I did acting as if I was a doll.
Give us three of your favorite trends out right now.
As of right now, I love the “10 seconds vs 2 hour” makeup look trends -- both the beautiful look and the Halloween inspired looks. I also love the “My stupid birthday” trend. As well as all the Among Us videos.
Who are you choosing to work with for a dream TikTok collaboration?
Before I dreamed of working with Fashion Nova because I love their clothes and because of TikTok, now I’m a brand ambassador for the company.
Do you ever feel pressured to make content?
Yes I feel pressured to make content all the time and sometimes I’m not in the mood. But I still push out content because it’s part of what I do now. Just like when someone doesn’t want to go to work yet they still have to, it’s the same for influencers. It's a hard job because people forget that influencers have feelings too and have lives too.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your videos?
My inspiration comes from my fans. I love making them happy, laugh, etc. I love reading my comments and seeing that my content actually means something and does something for someone out there.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would most definitely choose the power of teleportation. It’s the best one in my opinion.
Describe your content in just three words.
Sad. Funny. Interesting
What can we catch you doing on your day off?
Either relaxing with my friends, vibing, or in my bed watching youtube or Netflix.
What's next for Shai?
I plan to move to ATL with the Valid Crib House and build up my name more, and Valid Crib’s name more as well. The plan is to have close to 4 million followers by the end of this year.
