Interview with Brandi Cyrus
@brandicyrus
Photographed by RYAN CHUA
Videography by NIKO VELASQUEZ
Location ACRE BAJA, MEXICO
I live in Nashville, TN, which happens to be my hometown. I’ve landed there for now after a six year stint in Los Angeles and a short year living in Denver, CO. I live on a mini-farm and take care of 21 animals, mostly rescues and retirees. My day-job is tending to the animals and working with my competition horse Starpower. I’ve ridden and competed horses my whole life, it’s my other passion outside of music. By night, I’m a DJ and a podcast host. It was quite the winding road to get here! It’s no secret that I’m one of the five Cyrus kids, and I’ve spent a lifetime both in the background and the foreground of the entertainment industry. From working on the set of Hannah Montana, to signing a record deal of my own at 21, and now performing as a DJ at clubs and festivals all around the U.S… it’s been a wild ride of an adult life so far, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
How can people stay up to date with you through social media?
I am definitely most active on Instagram –
@BrandiCyrus
What can people expect to see from your social media platforms?
Any time I post something on social media, I want it to bring something positive. Maybe that’s a smile from a dog photo, a laugh through a podcast episode, inspiration to wear something new, or travel somewhere you’ve never been. My goal is always to spread light to people around me. It’s also really important to me to be authentic when I post, so you’ll see a lot of real-life stuff on my Instagram, and LOTS of animal content!
Can you share insight into the process of creating the platform you have today? What challenges did you overcome and which part seemed seamless?
To be honest I just sort of fell into this whole influencer world. I was living in L.A. and my band Frank & Derol had just called it quits, due to both issues with our record label and creative differences within the band. I was only 26 and I was so burned out on music that I wanted to try something else. I signed a contract with Next Models and they encouraged me to start a fashion blog. I’ve always loved clothes and styling and I had taken photography classes in college so I had an interest in that too. So I started my blog, Style Native, shooting street style with friends in LA and simultaneously growing my Instagram account. Over the next few years, between my blog & socials, attending brand events, and working as an on-air host for Fuse TV, I noticed that I had started to become labeled as an “influencer” – and here we are! I still have Style Native, and have grown to include beauty, travel, and lifestyle. I also co-host two podcasts, which has become a huge part of my brand as well. The first is Your Favorite Thing with my friend Wells Adams, and the second is Sorry We’re Stoned with my Mom, Tish.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people probably expect me to be a really big personality, super social and maybe a bit of a partier because of my job. But really I’m super low key, prefer to be quiet and hang out in smaller numbers, and I love a 10pm bedtime! I’m all about prioritizing my sleep, haha.
What’s a goal in your career you hope to accomplish?
My goal is to always be evolving and never be stagnant. I’ve always been passionate about living in the moment as much as possible and finding purpose in what’s happening right now. As long as I am moving in forward motion towards something, I’m happy! Obviously, it would be great to play bigger shows, make more money, grow my career… but at the end of the day, my happiness and staying centered is my first priority.
What and who inspires you most? Why?
I am surrounded by so many incredible people and I find inspiration from all of them. Starting with my family. Each one of them oozes such an insane amount of talent and in such a unique way, it’s impossible not to be inspired by it on a daily basis. I also have countless friends that are so hardworking and such go-getters, and many of them are also creatives doing incredible things. Strangers are inspiring too! Especially those who have become friends, like the others girls in this magazine — Nicole, Luana, and Cenit – we had such a wonderful time in Antigua, and I was very inspired by each one of them for their hard work and dedication to their craft, and also for being such cool, nice girls who are fun to be around. I can’t say that about everyone that I meet, so when I do meet awesome people in this industry, it makes an impression!
As an influencer, how do you hope to influence people through your platform?
Any time I post something on social media, I want it to bring something positive. Maybe that’s a smile from a dog photo, a laugh through a podcast episode, inspiration to wear something new, or travel somewhere you’ve never been … My goal is always to spread light to people around me.
Who are your favorite content creators?
Truthfully, my favorite “follows” on Instagram are dog accounts! A cute or funny dog reel just puts a smile on my face and makes my day.
Are you working on any exciting projects you can share?
I’m still co-hosting my two podcasts – Your Favorite Thing Podcast with Wells Adams, and Sorry We’re Stoned with my Mom, Tish. There’s a few new things in the works for both of those!
What are three items in your closet you cannot live without?
My white Air Force 1s (they go with everything!), a Tribe Kelly sweat set (they’re so comfy!!), and a pair of light wash denim!
Essential product in your beauty routine?
Good skincare. It’s hard to pick just one, but good skincare means less makeup and I’m all for that!!
What was your favorite part of staying at ACRE? What activities would you recommend for someone looking to visit?
My favorite part, hands down, was all of the animals! I think it’s amazing how they take in so many rescues, and even adopt out their dog rescues! I had a few people DM me and say they rescued a dog from ACRE, so it was cool to see that in person.
What does the remainder of 2021 look like for you?
I’ve got DJ gigs every weekend in October which is super exciting. I love the hustle this time of year, because after November things get slow and I spend the holiday time relaxing, recharging, and hanging out with my family. I’ll play my last show of the year on New Years Eve, and then it’s on to 2022!!
What advice do you have for someone who aspires to have a career like your own?
Don’t ever be afraid to try something new. It can seem daunting, but my motto is “fake it till you make it” and it hasn’t failed me yet! Sometimes the best way to learn is to just get out there and do it. I would also say to anyone wanting to be in the entertainment industry that the most important thing is to protect your inner peace and happiness. It’s something money and fame can’t buy, and it’s the most valuable thing in your life.
What would you like to say to your fans?
I love you guys!! Thank you for all of the love and support, and a special shoutout to anyone that’s a YFTer or a Stoner – our podcast communities are so wonderful and I am so thankful for you all!
