Quenlin “Quen” Blackwell is the internet’s favorite dose of real. From performing with CharlieXCX at The Grammy’s to hugging Billie Eilish and the stunning photo shoots that America’s Next Top Model’s could never achieve, she’s built a platform on unapologetic authenticity. With a keen eye for style and a knack for connecting with her audience, she’s redefining what it means to be an influencer.
Blackwell’s connection with social media runs deep. “Social media is like a family member to me,” she tells GU, reminiscing about how she’s been online for as long as she can remember. “I’ve been using social media my entire life. I don’t know a world without it.” Having been a prominent figure in the social media space for almost a decade, the platform has been a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. From making her way into comedy to being noticed by some of the biggest stars, her rise to social media fame came with its own memorable moments – none more iconic than her first viral video.
Blackwell’s first taste of viral fame came from an unexpected source: a cheerleading stunt gone wrong. Attempting a move on a chair, she fell, breaking the chair and letting out a scream. “My foot slipped, and I fell backwards, and I fell off the chair, and I broke the leg of the chair, and it sounded like a bone snapped. I was just silent, and I screamed really loud, and I posted it on the internet,” she recounts. The raw, unscripted moment resonated with audiences, and after reposts from celebrities like Shawn Mendes and Tyler Oakley, the video garnered 5 million views in a single day. Blackwell’s accidental fall into viral content highlights society’s fascination with clumsiness and the relatable human experience of imperfection. From there, she’s been seen on all social media platforms being funny, loud, and unapologetically herself, feeling accepted and at home online.
“Social media has given me the dream life,” Blackwell says. “I am so grateful for all of the blessings it’s brought and I love how it’s taking away gatekeepers from the fields that I’m interested in pursuing.”
Just like Blackwell, social media is evolving into something bigger, particularly with Instagram helping content creators in more ways than one. For Blackwell, she sees the evolution of the app as largely positive, citing improvements in user-friendliness, algorithms, and audience reach. “Instagram has made great improvements,” she said. “It’s become more user-friendly, and the algorithm helps you reach a wider audience now. It’s made social media a lot more accessible.”
While acknowledging the platform’s increased sophistication, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity over curated perfection. She believes that the more genuinely you present yourself online, the more it benefits your work and career. Social media isn’t just about polished, curated content – it’s about authenticity. “The more you just have fun and show who you are authentically, the better it works. It feeds into the work and how people perceive you,” she explained. Quen believes that taking social media less seriously and embracing its playful, fun side helps build genuine connections with audiences and potential collaborators.
Blackwell champions the idea of using social media to connect with the world on a personal level, rather than just showcasing a polished portfolio. “I feel like a lot of that has been missed in this current age of social media, just the performance of it all and not realizing that social media was meant to, you know, connect your personality with the world instead of just your pure work,” she asserts. She argues that showing your true personality is crucial for attracting opportunities and building genuine connections. While some may feel pressure to present different versions of themselves on different platforms, Blackwell advocates for embracing authenticity across the board. She suggests LinkedIn as a more appropriate space for strictly professional networking, while Instagram should be a place for fun, self-expression, and genuine connection. “If you want to be serious and find work, go on LinkedIn. Make a LinkedIn account. Have fun on Instagram,” she advises.
When it comes to romance in the digital age, Blackwell shares her thoughts on “soft launches” and the art of the DM slide. “I love a soft launch that leads into never a hard launch,” she jokes. She prefers subtle hints of being taken over elaborate announcements and advises against making relationships a primary source of content. For those looking to shoot their shot in her DMs, she recommends genuine compliments over cheesy pick-up lines and emphasizes the importance of sincerity. “Give me a compliment that’s not like the press,” she suggests. She recounts a particularly bizarre DM experience involving a marriage proposal from a stranger, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and appropriate online behavior. “I just don’t understand why men just don’t have any type of self-awareness,” she remarks.
Blackwell has a lot to look forward to in 2025. She’s relaunching her clothing brand after a two-year search for the perfect manufacturer, emphasizing her commitment to quality. “I’m doing a relaunch of my clothing brand. I’ve been trying to find the perfect manufacturer for the past two years because I just have this deep-seated fear of mediocrity and not providing the best, the best material for my supporters,” she explains. She’s also excited about her role in an upcoming HBO show by actress Rachel Sennott. Beyond acting, she promises more photoshoots, brand campaigns, YouTube videos, and Instagram Reels, assuring that there’s plenty more entertainment to come.
“So many more reels, so much more Instagram, so many more photo shoots, so much more entertaining everyone is what I love,” she concludes.