INTERVIEW: Lele Pons on Social Media, ‘Surviving High School,’ Upcoming Projects, and More

Lele Pons is one of the most recognizable names on social media, but did you know that before her Vine page in 2013, she was like you and me?

She boasts fans in the billions and was featured in Time Magazine as one of 30 most recognizable Teens in 2015. Lele recently sat down with Glitter to talk about her start, her love for singing opera, her book, Surviving High School, and what’s next on the horizon for this amazing and funny social media starlet turned actress.

GLITTER: What is it like to be one of the most recognizable names on social media?
LELE: It definitely puts a smile on my face, although I don’t think of myself in that way.

GLITTER: How did your page on Vine start?
LELE: I started my page in 2013 by my friends who pushed me to start as social media page.

GLITTER: Did you think it would grow to have the following it does now?
LELE: I never thought something I did for fun would grew as fast as it did. The power of social media really is amazing.

GLITTER: Is it true that you’re also a classically trained opera singer?
LELE: Yes! I love to sing and also dance.

GLITTER: What was it like to be nominated for Choice WebStar Female, Best Female Viner of 2015 for the Teen Choice Awards, among other awards?
LELE: It was an honor, I was so excited and again couldn’t believe it. I’m very thankful to all my friends and fans who continue to support me.

GLITTER: What does a typical day look like for you?
LELE: Typically, I wake up check my social media pages, and then start thinking of ideas for my videos. I’ll call my friends and go over the ideas and then once I have a plan and direction I’ll start shooting and then go into the editing process. There’s a lot of work and retakes that happens behind-the-scenes.

GLITTER: What can you tell us about the release of your upcoming book, Surviving High School?
LELE: The book is out now and available at Barnes & Noble and online. I hope that the book can help and inspire my fans to stay focused and strong because high school can be tough. There are many changes that happen from your Freshman year to your Senior year and the book is a guide of how to navigate those experiences.

GLITTER: Were you ever bullied in high school and if so, how did you rise above it?
LELE: Yes, I was bullied when I was in school. It was hard for me, but that’s one of the reasons I wanted to write a book. I overcame bullying by reminding myself that what other people think about me isn’t true and I kept a close circle of friends that supported one another.

GLITTER: What can you tell us about the jewelry line, Uno Magnetic, and what is your part in it?
LELE: Uno Magnetic Jewelry was founded by my dad, Luis Pons. It’s a magnetic jewelry line for men and women made in Miami, FL. You can design and create your own looks. I always get lots of compliments when I wear pieces from the line!

GLITTER: What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
LELE: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

GLITTER: What is your definition of self-love?
LELE: Self-love for me means that you are able to accept yourself with all of the good and the bad and that I’m in control of my own happiness.

GLITTER: Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
LELE: I have a romantic comedy debuting later this year called, We Love You, from YouTube and Awesomeness Films, and several other projects that I’m currently working on.

GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
LELE: YouTube.com/LelePons
Instagram @LelePons
Twitter @LelePons