Nessa Varez is originally from Spain but grew up in Switzerland. She left everything behind and moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream of becoming an actress. She didn't know anyone and had to establish her brand herself. She started her social media career on Vine where she was able to create content with social media celebrities such as KingBach, Destorm Power and many more. Within her first year on Vine she achieved over 50 million loops (views). She has also collaborated with many brands as a brand ambassador.
Nessa Varez is now known for her funny comedy skits on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Her videos often go viral and reach millions of views and thousands of comments. Her quirky and humorous personality is very likable, accompanied by her international accent which makes her a unique personality in the industry. She speaks five different languages fluently which in turn attracts a very international audience from all over the world. Follow Nessa @nessa_varez on Instagram.
@nessa_varez
Kofi: As a fan of your social media, I would label you a comedic or lifetstyle influencer. How do you like to be labeled if at all?
Nessa: Honestly, I don't like to put labels on anything. Imagine a world without labels on anyone? How peaceful would that be? But lets not go too deep already in the first question haha. I am mostly known for my comedy skits on Instagram and Facebook. I write, produce, act and edit most of my videos myself which is why I like to call myself a content creator. Furthermore I represent a healthy and fashionable lifestyle. Fitness and fashion are next to comedy as my main content.
Kofi: When did you first realize the power of social media and realize the benefits of growing your following?
Nessa: I realized that about one year after I moved to LA. That was around the end of 2014. Back home social media wasn't big at all. I didn't even know Vine existed and it was already huge here in the United States. Personally I could care less about social media but once I realized that the digital world is the future I jumped on it quickly. As an artist with a business mindset it was important to start taking the social media game seriously. It has really changed my life and I am very grateful for it.
Kofi: Has growing up overseas given you any unique perspective on what people in the United States deem as comedy? Were there any advantages to growing up in Switzerland that helped you attract the audience you currently have?
Nessa: To me comedy is an international language. Back home we always watched American comedians such as Dave Chapelle, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy and many more. So I guess no matter where you're from you can be influenced by the same types of comedians. Even though I always loved comedy I still don't see myself as a comedian. I have too much respect for the craft to call myself that. I see myself more as a comedic actress with some silly skit ideas. Most of my audience is actually in the United States and I think being foreign might be interesting to many Americans. My accent helps because it’s different from anyone else that does comedy skits on social media. I actually wish I could have more supporters from overseas but I’m sure they will come soon.
Kofi: How have you been able to close deals with big brands and represent them to your fans?
Nessa: Once you grow your following to a decent amount brands start automatically reaching out to you. They see my content and see that my videos reach millions of viewers which makes me attractive to brands. I also reach out to brands I would love to work with myself. There are also different agencies that help connect influencers with brands. There are many ways to get brand deals but you can’t just sit and wait. You have to make sure you put out high quality content consistently and treat your social media like a business. You have to brand and market yourself to a specific audience. Being an Influencer is a full time job and it might look like an easy one to the audience but behind the scenes we are on it 24/7.
Kofi: What types of topics do you like to address in your comedic content?
Nessa: Most of it comes from either personal experiences or just random thoughts. I like to address relatable stuff that people can understand. Relationships. People. Life.
Kofi: What social media platform do you use the most and why?
Nessa: I mostly use Instagram and Facebook because that's where I get the most engagement from. In the future I would like to focus more on YouTube.
Kofi: What other hobbies do you have?
Nessa: I love to cook and I am also a fitness junkie. Living a healthy lifestyle is very important to me and is a big part of who I am. Furthermore I like to read and have conversations with my friends. I also love to travel and experience different cultures.
Kofi: How has social media helped you in pursuing your career as an actress?
Nessa: I think social media helps in terms of putting yourself out there to the masses. Instagram is almost like a resume whether you’re an actress, artist or a business. You still have to work on your craft constantly and not just rely on your following when it comes to booking acting gigs. Social media might help you get in the right door but once you’re there you’re judged on the same playing field as everyone else. It’s about talent.
Kofi: What was the most viral content you were a part of and why do you think it went viral?
Nessa: I did a few videos that went viral on Instagram and Facebook. For the most part I believe they went viral because the topics were so relatable that people started tagging each other in the comments. The more relatable the content the easier it is to go viral.
Kofi: What career and life goals do you have for the next 5 years?
Nessa: I want to keep creating content but not just for social media. I want work in TV/film not only as an actress but also as a creator, producer and writer. I’m really inspired by the entire process of creating a television show or film.
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