POPSUGAR: What do you feel it means to be an influencer in 2020?
Salem Mitchell: Sometimes I think they just slap the title of "influencer" on you as soon as you have a bit of a following, but I guess an influencer is someone who creates content with the intention of inspiring others to follow suit or buy products they are promoting. I don't consider myself an influencer. I'm just a model and content creator. I post fun pictures because I like to take pictures. I don't post with the goal to influence or inspire because then comes the great responsibility to be a perfect role model. While I value my platform and do my best to always represent myself in the most positive way, living with a constant goal to influence those watching you is a lot of pressure for a 22-year-old who's figuring life out just as my followers are.
PS: How do you think social distancing has affected personal style and the eagerness to get dressed?
SM: Social distancing has pushed my style in a variety of directions. Without set events or hangouts to base outfits around, it's given me way more room for freedom to experiment without fear of judgement. Lately, I've been trying to create playful looks with fun colours, statement shoes, or unique patterns. I think right now people are more likely to follow trends because we're all spending much more time online, so we're being constantly influenced by what others are doing/wearing.