How MCR Sparked A Micro Influencer’s Path
Interview ★ Kenzie Gay ★ @kenzwrites ★ 5 Minutes
It isn’t often you come across an influencer who exudes authenticity. We’ve had our moments on the internet with figures that actually represent working class, common people with relatable interests such as Brittany Broski, Carter Kolpitcke, and several others but at times it feels like the art of authenticity is fading with time given the rise of turmoil and unjustness in The Unites States. Now, it often seems like it’s us vs. the out of touch, millionaire nepo babies that keep trying to sell us wellness supplements or dubai chocolate. It gets to a point where dressing alternatively, being nerdy, or showing any form of uniqueness is rebellious.
In an attempt to uplift some more genuine voices worthy of a platform, I stumbled across tiktok user @letherm0uth (and @gerardphobic on Youtube). Or rather, they stumbled across me (well, the magazine, but that’s neither here nor there). Karizma, the face behind the page, is a 23 year old micro influencer from Birmingham, Alabama. An avid poster of content revolving around My Chemical Romance, SMOSH, Kpop, fashion, and more, she recently took some time with me to discuss social media, niche interests, and more.
Karizma via Instagram
A lot of your content is in relation to My Chemical Romance. Can you speak more about the band and how they’ve influenced you both as a creator and a regular fan?
I discovered My Chemical Romance at the ripe, impressionable age of 10 years old, and they've been a special interest of mine ever since I heard the first 5 seconds of "Helena". My Chemical Romance really made me more aware of music in general as well! I got tired of strictly listening to Disney and boy bands, and started to develop an interest in lyricism, imagery, and exciting instrumentals.
Their punk rock sound and edgy lyrics inspire me a lot when it comes to writing poetry and making art. Although, what inspires me to make the content I do is the fandom! All of the inside jokes and references that we can all come together and talk about gives me a strong sense of community within the fandom. Making people smile and laugh is something that brings me motivation, so it's great that I can do that with people all over the world that I have so much in common with!
It’s apparent from your videos that you love a good trip to the thrift store. What is something about thrifting culture that you love? What is something about it that you think could use some change?
I am so glad I'm being asked about this, I love talking about clothes as much as I love buying them! My biggest thing about thrifting that I love, aside from saving money, is the unique clothing articles that you can only find at a thrift store! From niche vintage brands to beautiful handmade items! Not only that, but as the conversation of fast fashion continues, it's better for the environment and workers that we keep the habit of thrifting!
Ugh, sorry for the hot take, but I disagree harshly with resellers! Don't worry, I don't mean people who simply want to share their finds... I mean, Resellers (cue the scary music). Meaning, that one person picking out all of the cutest items just to sell it based on how rare it is rather than what it was worth. Or, that guy racing you to the bins and fighting you over a pair of miss me jeans just to sell them for 150 dabloons when the tag said ten! Thrifting is for everyone, literally, it's supposed to be accessible to those that can't randomly drop 80 bucks on vintage heels or spend 300 bucks for a dress! Again, don't worry, you're not "stealing" by going to the thrift store as someone that can afford it. But c'mon, we've all groaned at the prices on Depop before.
Now on the other side of the coin, people aren't just giving their clothes away! It's 2026, and we all gotta hustle and make money. Our generation feeling the need to capitalize off of every hobby is a different conversation for another time, but the instinct to sell your clothes based on how rare it is instead of just giving it away once it’s run its course is definitely related. Clothes are being taken but not enough is being put back in.
Why do I feel so strongly about this? Because I feel like thrifting is becoming less accessible. Fashion is becoming less accessible! The prices are...rising? Even a tshirt isn't going to be a dollar. It's becoming to feel like a holy grail to come across something that's 100% leather or 100% cotton! We hop online and bash people for buying fast fashion at prices they can afford, but at the same time isn't it unfair that we cycle the good clothes between us and leave the Shein for people that have to thrift?
What music do you currently have on repeat?
I'm currently revisting my 2nd grade crush on Michael Jackson with "Get on the Floor" and "Thriller" on repeat! I'm getting more into rap as well, I love "North North" by Project Pat!
What about movies or tv shows? Any recent watches that you’d like to ramble about?
I watch New Girl and Saiki K way more than I should and I'm already yearning for more Fionna and Cake! I've recently finished The Good Place and..oh my gosh. That show is an absolute masterpiece! The story, the characters, the relationships, the metaphors! The ending was heartwarming and tearjerking, and I was laughing every episode. Chef's kiss.
Your outfits are undeniably amazing. Who are some of your style inspirations?
When it comes to fashion I take inspiration from tv shows and music that I love, especially when I want to switch it up! Although, the women in Friends, Fran Fine from The Nanny, and the movie BAPS are consistent inspirations for me!
Apart from MCR, a lot of your content is positioned around pop culture that may be nostalgic to many older Gen Z crowds (ex: Smosh, Dan and Phil, etc.). Can you go into detail about this media that you grew up with and how it has shaped you and others?
I'd like to say that the shows, books, and movies I've consumed over the years definitely played a part in my sense of humor. That, and growing up during the 2000's and early 2010's it seemed like everyone was saying, "be yourself!", "it's good to be different!", "Random dancing!", etc. Everything was about friendship, creativity, personality, and outfits that seemed questionable...at the time. We may not be the wokest generation, but there's so many artists and content creators amongst us! I find that beautiful.
What are some of your career goals? Where do you hope to see yourself in a decade?
I don't have a specific goal right now, and honestly, maybe that's my problem! Creating in general is something I've always wanted to do, and I feel like I'm just starting to get the confidence to take it seriously. Maybe my 'goal' at the moment is to see how far being Karizma can take me. That, and making people laugh, is that a silly goal to have? Maybe.
Well, if I survive until 2028, hopefully I have that Hannah Montana style wardrobe I've always dreamed of. I also dream of modeling, learning to animate, and designing clothes myself!
Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers/your audience or anything you’d like to plug/promote?
We are living in scary, dark times. While hate, purity culture, and conservatism is on the rise it's detrimental that we keep our souls intact. You can make anything, be yourself, be kind.
Use your voice, and make it loud when you do.
Let's keep personality and empathy alive. We shall dance, laugh, and create our own light.
With that being said, I'm so grateful that my content is actually reaching people. If you're into niche fandom content, skits, and fashion then you'd definitely enjoy me on tiktok and youtube!
I go by Gerardphobic on both platforms!
Thank you so much! ♡
