(Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Peter)
Bio:
1. In what ways has Tik Tok changed your life?
I used to be very introverted before I started posting on Tik Tok. I didn’t have the self-confidence to even post a selfie or post a lot on Instagram. I feel like Tik Tok played a huge role in my self-confidence. When you realize you have the ability to reach over millions of people every time you post, the last thing you really think about is whether you look good or not.
2. Would you consider yourself to be “Tik Tok Famous” and if so, what does that mean to you?
I feel like the term Tik Tok famous is loosely thrown around. Some people will have a viral video but would not technically be considered Tik Tok famous. I personally think someone is only Tik Tok famous if they are considered a household name. I would not consider myself Tik Tok famous just yet.
3. What was it like to surpass 1 million likes on Tik Tok?
Surpassing 1 million likes on Tik Tok felt so surreal. It’s something I never thought I’d accomplish on Tik Tok. The first time you get a million views feels great and all but there’s no better feeling than hitting 1 million likes because you feel like you have been acknowledged for your work.
4. Who inspires you?
Throughout my entire career, my biggest inspiration has been Aubrey Joseph. One of my biggest dreams has always been to act in a Marvel film as a main character. Ever since I found out Aubrey was the main star in Cloak & Dagger, I knew that there was nothing stopping me from accomplishing the same thing someday.
5. If you could change one thing about Tik Tok what would it be?
I feel like the app is great and all but a lot of the people who use the app are so toxic towards creators. I’ve seen so many hate comments towards people who do not deserve it.
6. Where did the idea for “Simp Nation” come from and what do you love most about your fans and followers?
Simp Nation actually comes from a viral video I made when I was trying to reach out to Dixie D’amelio who is one of the biggest Tik Tok stars on the platform.
I noticed a lot of people commenting the word, “simp” which is a term used when a guy tries getting a girl’s attention that will never give them the time of day. Dixie saw the video and we actually became friends so I decided to just embrace the “simp” comments and turn it into a positive connotation.
7. You relocated from Johannesburg, South Africa to Los Angeles, California. What have you noticed are the biggest cultural differences and how have you adjusted?
The cultures are very different but it was not that hard to adjust. LA is a place with people from all around the world just like me, so I feel like I have been able to learn about so many different places, try out food from different cultures and most importantly make friends with people who are in similar situations as I am.
One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed was how open American’s are to meeting strangers. You could walk up to someone you don’t know here and have a full conversation with them but you would very rarely see people do this in South Africa, even if they go to the same school or work together.
8. Why are personal brands so important?
Building a personal brand is something that can really set you up for the future. It’s a chance to present who you really are instead of the picture other people paint you. So many people only really know what you show on the internet so building your personal brand gives them a chance to really get to know you.
9. What books have you read during quarantine?
I had the chance to read 'The Hunger Games' during quarantine and I’m very glad I did. The Hunger Games was actually my favorite movie of all time and it was actually the movie that convinced me to become an actor but I never really got that time to read the first book. I’ve never been so entertained reading anything in my life. I think I spent around 5 hours a day with my eyes glued onto the page. Suzanne Collins is such a talented woman.
10. If you were writing a book about your life what would the title be and why?
I would name the book "Resilience". Throughout my entire childhood, I’ve had to go through so many rejections to achieve my “unrealistic” dreams. Consistency and resilience brought me to where I am.
11. What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know that I’ve been an athlete since I was a little kid. A lot of people know me as an artsy guy but no one really knows what I can do on a Soccer field or a tennis court.
12. What can your fans look forward to from you in the near future?
High-quality content. I have big plans and collaborations coming up in the future that none of them will be expecting.
Places To Find More From Jonathan: