OLIVIA PONTON IS ONE TO WATCH
New York-based model and influencer, Olivia Ponton , graces the Cover of our 2023 Influencers Issue. Olivia has taken social media over by storm by simply being herself. The 21-year-old Florida-born native has mastered the art of TikTok ranking in over 900 Million likes. The Social Media Queen chats with us about her expanding modeling career, fashion, and more!
Featured Interview:
WHAT MAKES YOU THE HAPPIEST IN THIS MOMENT?
Being able to do what I love and be surrounded by people who support me and lift me up is something I am so grateful for. I am so fortunate to be able to work with amazing brands, travel to once-in-a-lifetime places, and constantly be around people who inspire me. I feel so lucky that I have been able to grow my career into what it is today and I have learned over the past year to find happiness within which has changed my life in the best ways!
YOU HAVE DONE SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIM TWICE – TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE.
Through being a part of Sports Illustrated I have been able to shoot with amazing photographers, travel to really cool places, and be a part of a really special community of women. I first started working with them when I was 18 years old through TikTok so I feel extremely honored that I was the first woman who they tapped into from that world. At that young of age, it gave me the confidence boost to chase what I wanted and that is really what catapulted the start of my career. Shooting with their team has given me the confidence to chase my dreams. I am so thankful to be a part of the Sports Illustrated family!
YOU HAVE GAINED A HUGE SOCIAL FOLLOWING ON TIKTOK – HOW ARE YOU USING IT FOR GOOD?
My main goal on my platforms is to make people happy first and foremost. With so much negativity constantly circulating on social media, I want my various profiles to always be a space of joy and authenticity. Through being honest about my life and everyday things that I experience I hope to make others smile and feel comforted in knowing that they either have a “Big sister”, friend, or even just someone to listen to them in me.
Growing up, I followed girls who I wanted to be like, cooking channels, and people who were themselves online and that is what I hope to emulate.
YOU ARE SUCH A FASHION DARLING – WHAT BRANDS AT THE MOMENT ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH?
Currently, I am absolutely obsessed with The Frankie Shop, Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, and Fendi. I have been trying to build my capsule wardrobe (just like everyone else!) and I have been loving these brand’s staple pieces and their fall collections are to die for as well!
BEING SIGNED WITH POWERHOUSE IMG WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST ICONIC AWW MOMENT IN FASHION SO FAR?
If you know me, you know that my lifelong dream has been to work with Victoria’s Secret. When I signed with IMG the first casting they brought me was a Victoria’s Secret PINK Campaign and it was definitely a pinch-me moment and a memory I will have forever!
WHO ARE YOUR SUPERMODEL HEROES?
Growing up, Josephine Skriver was the person I looked up to the most and idolized. She was always everything that I wanted to be when I was older and was my main motivation for getting into the industry.
In my current position, I admire Emily Ratajowski. She is a powerhouse model, business owner, author, and an amazing mom. She is very authentic online and I love how she uses her platforms to show that it is not all perfection and broadcasts her sense of humor. She handles everything with such grace and is someone I look up to.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 15-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Looking back, there are so many little things that my 15-year-old self worried about that do not weigh my life today. We so often get wrapped up in trivial things no matter what our age is. It is important to take a step back and realize that not everything is as big of a deal as you believe it is at the moment. I wish I could tell the 15-year-old me to relax and enjoy the part of life that she is in now!
WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?
Less is ALWAYS more.
WHAT IS ONE BEAUTY ITEM YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I do a lot of traveling and being on planes severely dries out my skin. Because of this, I am always carrying a super hydrating moisturizer as well as a hydrating lip product with me everywhere.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR READERS IN REGARDING GOING VIRAL ON TIKTOK?
Be your authentic self and do not try to be someone else online. Sharing your authentic self and what you are passionate about is how you build trust and a community. Plus, content that is authentic to you is easier to make as well 🙂
WHAT TIKTOK TREND DO YOU CURRENTLY LOVE / DISLIKE?
I love seeing the trends where they show photos from childhood and then photos from now. I love to see people’s growth, it makes me happy!
AS WE CLOSE OUT 2023 WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MAGICAL MOMENT FOR YOU?
In 2023, booking the Calvin Klein Pride Campaign was one of the most magical moments for me. It was such an honor to represent the community in that shoot and it was an amazing day on set with all of the amazing individuals who were there.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
2024 is already turning into such an exciting year and we aren’t even there yet! I can’t share too many details but I hope to continue to work with brands who inspire me and make an impact through my content and contribution online, and I may or may not have a really fun partnership coming soon!
Team Credits:
Photographed by Jasper Soloff @jasperegan
Talent Olivia Ponton @Olivia.Ponton
Editor-in-chief Prince Chenoa @princechenoastudio
Galore Features Editor Perrin Johnson @Editsbyperry
Talent PR: IMG Models NYC
Wardrobe Stylist @styledbyjuless
Assist @greatestgee
Clothing credits: @desertstarsvintage @dazeofjane @allisons_archive
Footwear @R13
Jewelry @marlandbackus
