You may be familiar with the creative in The Plug’s spotlight this week. You may have heard his most recent cover or you may be a long time fan since his days on American Idol. Either way, we can’t wait to introduce you to the one and the only Telvin Lewis aka @telvinlewis! We can’t wait to tell you about how he became an amazing menswear blogger all while pursuing his music career. Telvin spoke with us about is inspirations over the years (we’re looking at you @gallucks!) his unique combination of music and style, and how this platform has led him to grow into himself. He gets #real about being an LA transplant and how he’s found success in a city that can be both ruthless and a place to follow your dreams. Read on to learn more about about our new FFF (FAV FASH FRND)
Which platform did you start on? How did you get into the influencer game?
I Started off on IG!
Was there someone that inspired you to start?
There’s a fashion blogger named @gallucks and he does mens fashion blogging, I definitely was initially inspired by him. And at the time I was still doing music so Beyonce, Sam Smith, Mariah Carey were my inspiration and I saw them and thought “I’ll do both!”
I did American Idol and even when I did that I was focused on men’s fashion and I incorporate that in my backstory. Music and fashion go hand and hand you can’t go wrong. It’s all about being a performer, and I was born to perform.
What’s the End Goal?
The end goal [for this blog] is to have my own record label and fashion label. I went to school for music and i’ve learned how the music industry works so I want to be able to do that. For my fashion label, I want to be hands on. I want to be the one to design and pick out the textures and the vibe. I want to be the boss. I want to see this line at LAFW, Milan, NYFW.
How do you want people to talk about your inspiration?
I want to be an inspiration and role model for kids and with today’s society with influencers and celebrities there aren’t that many! I always have to be conscious of who’s watching me and give a representative of who I am and what I want to show to the world.
What has been the hardest piece to get over?
My mom was really sick way back when I was in high school and her health started to decline. It was hard to focus on my career. But she’s always been strong and been my number one supporter. Her health is much better now!
Who or where do you derive inspiration from today?
Gallucks still! I still tag him everywhere. I get inspo from Hypebeast and other bloggers like Drew Scott who have this amazing elevated style. You see them and you know exactly who they are and I am really inspired by that.
Has your blog helped you come into your creative space?
My blog has helped me identify myself so much! In college I was preppy and wore Sperrys and that’s not who I was. Once I graduated and moved to LA I found out who i was as a person and as a brand and I found myself and my identity.
Do you have any advice for artists like yourself who are struggling to break into the industry?
Surround yourself with positive people and people who are like minded and striving and thriving for success. It’s easy to get lost in LA and not know who you are. But if you focus on yourself and on god and keep him first in everything then he will never lead you wrong.
What do you think is the greatest opportunity that having this platform has given you?
Networking for sure. When i moved to LA I networked with so many menswear influencers and artists and that was key for me.
What message do you want people to get from your blog?
To love yourself and know who you are and keep God first.