16 year old Dai Time was selected out of over 500 applicants to have her own Show on snapchat where she will be bringing pop culture news and updates to an audience of over 50k Gen Z weekly watchers, hungry for content delivered by a voice of their own generation that’s speaking the same language and has a similar outlook on things.

An early High-school graduate, this young girl is already a multidisciplinary entertainer in the age of social media. She isn’t just the host of her own show, she’s a singer, a seasoned influencer and even an author of her own children’s book (My TuTu).

The high-energy media correspondent comes as a bold new approach to the talk show genre, perhaps one that she can be proud to be innovating in, setting herself up to -quite literally- grow up alongside her audience through the much more interactive and fast-paced world of social media; a completely brave new world compared to the closed-off realm of television.

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask this bright young girl about her role as an entertainer, check it out:

Congratulations on your Snapchat show! It's a huge milestone for someone your age to be doing this kind of work! Why do you feel like you were best suited for the role? What do you feel like you bring to the table as a media correspondent?

Thanks so much, I’m truly excited about my new opportunity with my new Snapchat show. I feel like I was definitely suited for this job because I write film, edit, and pretty much produce my own episodes. I’ve done this type of work for years now and feel completely comfortable with this new mission. Being a media correspondent I bring a total view from my generation's perspective. Generation Z has been waiting for a talk show like this, and I know that I am the person to host. I am excited for people in my generation to finally be able to watch everything I have worked so hard for.

How would you describe what you do to people who perhaps don't "get" it? I have to imagine that maybe your parent(s) or someone of an older generation may not fully realize what your work is as "Dai Time."

I describe what I do as an informative source for my generation in a fun energetic way. I cover entertainment stories that are currently trending from my perspective. Generation Z is full of many different values and voices, and I am proud to be one one of the spearheading voices. I realize it may seem like an unconventional career path for someone from an older generation, but it brings me a lot of happiness and fulfillment. I have a passion for covering news and putting my own twist on telling a story. Younger generations appreciate learning about current events and keeping up with the news despite what older generations might expect.

Your main audience is in what has been described as the "Gen Z" demographic block. While that may describe an age group of people, it also means a whole reality of things that you're experiencing collectively in a way that's different from everyone else's. How would you describe those differences and realities of Gen Z?

One major difference about Gen Z and the generations that came before us is we were the first to grow up with smartphones, computers and social media at our fingertips. We have experienced sharing almost every single thought that pops into our heads at any given moment on endless platforms. Not only do we spend countless hours on social media, but at school we spend a lot of time using technology as well. The reality of Gen Z consists of hours a day of screen time, and trying to juggle the many different ways that we use those platforms to express ourselves. We struggle with how we want others to perceive us online, and how we want to define ourselves.

You're not just a social media influencer, but also a singer. Who influences your sound? Is music something you want to pursue a lot more in the future?

Music was my first love and how I started in this industry. I remember all my studio and performance memories from when I first started out. One of the major influences of my music is Generation Z, and thinking about what my audience would want to hear from me. My generation wants a new genre of music that they can relate to, so I love trying out new and unique songs in my songs. I try to incorporate my love for pop and R&B music, and newer sounds that I know Gen Z will love. I am excited for the fans to go on this journey with me of discovering what my sound is.

What got you started down this path of being a social media figure and being involved with all these different projects? is this something you've been pursuing for a while

Before becoming an influencer I was an avid social media user already, and loved participating in all of the trends. When I realized I could make a living off of creating content on social media, I knew this was my calling. I work hard every day to research what is trending, and what the upcoming trends may be. I am always working on my craft and learning new ways to improve. One of the positive aspects of COVID-19 was everybody was at home on social media, which allowed my content to be pushed out at a rate like never before. My current path requires a lot of hard work, but it has been a blessing nonetheless.

Let's get to know you a little bit: What's "Dai Time" like when she's not up to her online obligations and activities? What do you enjoy that has little or nothing to do with the work you do on social media?

Dai Time off line is definitely a chill soul, doing school work, cooking or playing with my dog. I truly enjoy chilling at home with my family and friends during my off time. Playing with my dog is one of my favorite pastimes when I’m not working or doing schoolwork. He’s so energetic and likes to play all the time, and he even travels with me. Going out in the backyard and running around with my dog releases a lot of anxiety for me. Staying at home with my friends, family, and dog keeps me grounded and is necessary for maintaining balance with my work, school, and personal life.

Who are your Icons? the people whose lives or achievements speak to you on a deeper level?

I don’t have a specific icon because my list often changes. I’m inspired by so many and continue to add names to my list. Some qualities I look for in an icon include having the courage to stand up for things you believe in. Especially in these past few years, I have gained more respect for people in this industry that are willing to stand up for things they may get slack for from their peers. It says a lot about someone who is willing to speak their truth despite fears from the opposing side. People in the entertainment industry face a lot of pressures to act and look a certain way. But I look up to those people who break the mold and go their own way, standing up for what they believe in.

Obviously, you're always at the center of a lot of attention with what you do, and some of that attention is bound to be negative. As a young person, how do you feel yourself dealing with that?

Negative interactions are unavoidable, but I practice patience and forgiveness all the time. I try to remember that I don’t know what this person has gone through, or if they might be having a bad day. But when I’m online and I witness bullying on my page I definitely block the comment right away. My personal space is priority, and I should not have to deal with comments like that on my own device. It is not selfish to prioritize your mental health, and I do not want to get burnt out of this industry at such a young age. I plan on having a long, fulfilling career, so I am not going to let the haters get to me.

What's coming up for Dai Time? what's out there in the near future that we should be looking out for?

Dai Time has a few projects in the works. Make sure you follow me on all platforms for updates. Definitely check out my Snapchat show “it’s Dai Time” a teen talk show.

PHOTOS BY Rachel Davis Photography

Dai Time runs the Gen Z limelight - Interview