Cool’s Influencer Lindsey Pelas – From Nothing to Millions.
written by Janet Igah
Lindsey Pelas, creator of the popular podcast “Eyes Up Here” climbed the ladder by leveraging her looks and charm until she could get to a point of success. She is now respected for her mind, success and talent. Her brand is setting the bar for what it means to see and conqueror, by venturing into a plant-based restaurant business while running her podcast and social appearances — delivering to a global audience of millions. This Alpha Woman is a self-made, and I got the opportunity to discuss her success.
Jane: Give me a brief description of your career trajectory; professionally trained in your skill set or not? What are some opportunities that led to breakthroughs?
Lindsey: After I graduated with a degree in history, I decided to move to Los Angeles. I was bartending
and at the same time gaining a ton of followers on Instagram. I started picking up modeling jobs and posting selfies often until I had around 250k followers. Four years ago, that was really quite
a lot. Two weeks after moving to Hollywood, I met Dan Bilzerian at the Playboy mansion. We began dating and he made it his mission to make me “internet famous.” He helped set up a viral video shoot that ended up getting 9 million views and blowing up my page. I had a million followers in
6 weeks.
Jane: What makes you tick as an individual in your work and how does being a woman in your
industry sort of contribute to that?
Lindsey: I can’t stand being patronized, underestimated, or undervalued because I am a woman. For example; I recently had a manager of a major venue steal my personal cell phone number and text me about a potential appearance. [As women] we face so many ill-mannered people like this who think that because you are a woman, you don’t know what respect and proper business etiquette looks like, but I do and I don’t tolerate that anymore.
Jane: What makes a woman strong?
Lindsey: I think a strong woman isn’t afraid to make a stand. She sometimes has the unpopular opinion, lives a controversial lifestyle or a controversial career path. A strong woman doesn’t focus on demeaning others, especially other women. She isn’t afraid to stand up to a bully or bear the brunt of change. She’s also very capable, equipped with knowledge, hardworking and persevering. She doesn’t quit!
Jane: What is the best way to describe the working relationship between you as a woman on a production or in your work place and your male counterparts on any given project?
Lindsey: The relationship between my male counterparts and I on a production or in my work place is one of teamwork, communication and politeness. I have been known to leave a shoot – having abandoned great money and have completely turned down offers from people who treated me like an
object.
Jane: What do you feel ties you in personally to your work?
Lindsey: My work is entirely based on who I am as a personality. My internet presence is me. My life, my dog, my meals, my workouts, my fashion, and sometimes even my relationships. My podcast comes directly from my inner thoughts and passions. No one writes my content, chooses the guests and topics other than me. Even my swimsuit calendars are made from the things that I love. I creative, I direct, I style, and I produce, and then I have to sell the whole thing from top to bottom. I am basically the Kris Jenner to my own Kim Kardashian. It’s a unique Hollywood experience, as I am living where running a business and having talent needs tomerge.
Jane: Does being so “sexy” as a public figure have any effects on you as an induvial and your ability to channel energy through your work or even at home?
Lindsey: Being “sexy” as a public figure really mirrors who I am in real life. I have been this person for so long that it’s who I am. There are times when I’m not necessarily “on,” though. I probably have
more no-makeup and turtleneck days than people would guess, but sexy is me, and is always going to be me, that’s just my personality.
Jane: Tell us about your latest venture with the plant-based restaurant?
Lindsey: I recently invested in a women-owned plant-based Mexican restaurant on Melrose. Theconcept and the other partners wow’ed me. This is one of my first major investments and I’m so excited. You’ll be able to catch me at Sugar Taco all the time!
Jane: How big of a role does health play in your life?
Lindsey: Health and wellness are a major staple in my life. I’ve always loved working out, eating well, trying new diets and wellness products.
Jane: Your style is extremely sexy, which other women have influenced your style over the years?
Lindsey: I’ve always loved Pamela Anderson’s simplistic and sexy style. Erika Jayne is one of my favorite
inspirations now. Kate Upton is definitely an influence as well. I love the blonde bombshells.
Jane: What is cool about not only being from America in this time, but what impact does beingfrom your hometown have on you?
Lindsey: My hometown will always be valuable to me because it gave me a very American experience. I think sometimes Hollywood is out of touch with rural and middle America, and rural and middle America are out of touch with Hollywood. I would love to be a liaison between the two.
Jane: How long did it take you to build such a thriving empire and where are you going with your work from here?
Lindsey: I’ve been building this kind of empire my whole life. Everything I’ve done has led to this. I plan on taking more television opportunities; a reality show or something like that. I also plan to expand my business ventures and modeling career.
