With over three million subscribers on YouTube, 1.8 million followers on Instagram and 1.4 million on Twitter, Grace Helbig is nothing less of an online superstar. Her fans know her as the fun and bubbly female comedian who isn’t afraid of using her platform to speak up about today’s important and relevant issues.
Empowerment is Grace’s game, and she’s good at it. Just recently, she joined a group of inspirational women to walk the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Fashion Show, presented by Macy’s in New York City. We caught up with Grace backstage, as she was getting runway ready. Between last-minute fittings and the rush of New York Fashion Week, Grace sat down with Her Campus to highlight the importance of using one’s voice. She even shared some awesome advice for creators. Read our interview with Grace Helbig below!
HC: So many beautiful and inspiring women have come together to bring awareness to issues of women and heart disease. As one of YouTube’s leading women, does it come easy for you to use your voice for the greater good or is it more of a conscious effort one has to make?
GH: It remains a conscious effort because I try to have a sense of humor with everything I do. So sometimes, talking about things with more serious undertones, people expect there to be a joke and wait for the punchline, when the fact is, there is no joke. It’s just something they should be aware of. This is especially true for political climate topics. I started making a conscious effort to use my platform for these discussions.
Growing up, I didn’t have older sisters or many strong female role models to look up to. Being an adult now and looking back, I realize how much I wanted someone like that. This gives me a sense of responsibility to use my platform to provide information and resources about things.
Spread the curiosity! It’s good to be curious.
HC: Looking back from King of Web and DailyGrace to where you are now, you’ve come a long way. Yet we always hear how hard it is to find one’s voice and maintain a following. What advice do you have for creators who aspire to develop such a platform and find their voice in the public space?
GH: I think you have to be passionate about what you’re doing. It’s easier said than done, but you just have to start.
Failure is an option, but it shouldn’t keep you from creating something. The content of your character will come from how you respond to your failures. Everything has become more and more saturated, which could be a little discouraging to some people. But just start somewhere and you will find your voice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will learn as you go.
Also, surround yourself with people who will build you up. Being friends with Hannah Hart has been a huge asset in helping me create better content and just becoming a person that I like. So make an effort to find people who inspire you, intimidate you in a positive way, and support you as much as you support them.
HC: From the Emmy’s to the Met Gala to the AMAs, you have ‘Fashion Review-ed’ them all. Now, you’re walking the ultimate Red Dress Fashion Show! Can we expect a Fashion Review?
GH: The review is that everyone here is beautiful inside and out! The dresses are stunning and I will probably fall down at some point! (Spoiler, she didn’t fall. Grace’s walk was one of my favorites!)
It feels so ironically weird to be part of such a wonderful event. It’s such a diverse group of people who are all so positive and excited. It’s a great environment! I never thought I would be a part of something like this, but I think putting yourself out there and being a little intimidated and fearful is a good feeling to chase.
Speed Round!
Favorite Food: Guacamole
Favorite Movie: I, Tonya
Favorite Song: “Don’t Blame Me” and “I Did Something Bad” by Taylor Swift
[Feature Image Courtesy of Grace Helbig, Twitter]