Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Huey.
Hi Dylan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Certainly! I grew up in Silicon Valley, surrounded by technology and innovation, which sparked my early interest in digital media. At 16, I began social media on a platform called Musical.ly. There, I would live stream for 2+ hours a day, and I gained 30K followers alone in my first week of social media. I additionally started managing fellow social media creators. These experiences laid the foundation for my career in the influencer space.
In 2020, I joined a student org at the University of Southern California called USC Reach. I took over as President of the student organization in the second semester of my sophomore year. From then on, we launched it into a national organization – REACH. Under my leadership, REACH has expanded to over 75 universities and supports more than 2,500 creators. Our mission is to help college creators balance their education with their passion for digital content creation.
In addition to REACH, I co-founded Daisy, a tech platform aimed at amplifying creator networks and generating new revenue streams. Throughout my journey, I have remained dedicated to mental health advocacy, highlighted by my TEDx talk, “Social Media Saved My Life.” Today, I continue to support and inspire the next generation of creators and innovators.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any entrepreneurial journey, there have been numerous challenges and struggles along the way. One of the major hurdles was balancing my academic commitments with the demands of growing REACH. Juggling a full course load at USC while scaling the organization required meticulous time management and unwavering dedication.
Another significant challenge was building credibility and trust within the industry. Convincing established brands and creators to partner with a relatively new organization took a lot of effort and persistence. There were also financial challenges, particularly in the early stages, where securing funding and resources to support our growth was a constant concern.
Additionally, managing rapid expansion presented its own set of difficulties. Scaling REACH from a single chapter to over 75 universities meant developing robust systems and processes to ensure consistency and quality across all our chapters. There were moments of intense pressure, especially when dealing with tight deadlines, negotiating partnerships, and resolving unexpected issues.
Despite these struggles, each challenge provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Overcoming these obstacles has not only strengthened REACH but also reinforced my commitment to supporting and empowering creators. The journey has been demanding, but the impact we’ve made and the community we’ve built make it all worthwhile.
We’ve been impressed with REACH, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolutely! Here’s an overview of REACH: REACH is the premier national creator and influencer organization, founded in 2017.
Our mission is to support college creators by helping them balance their academic pursuits with their passion for digital content creation. We started as a student-led chapter at USC and have now expanded to over 75 universities nationwide, including prestigious institutions like UCLA, Penn State, and Duke University.
We provide a comprehensive range of services to our members, including creator workshops, influencer content days, university-specific socials, and events featuring guest speakers from top companies such as Google, Disney, Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok, and Meta. Our aim is to bridge the gap between students and industry professionals, offering invaluable insights, resources, and networking opportunities.
Specialization and Recognition: REACH specializes in fostering a vibrant community of influencers and digital marketers. We are known for our deep understanding of the creator economy and our ability to form strategic partnerships with major brands and platforms. Our unique approach ensures that creators can thrive academically and professionally without having to choose between the two.
What sets REACH apart is our commitment to authenticity, education, and community. Our focus on genuine engagement and long-term partnerships has built a supportive network of over 2,500 creators with a combined follower count exceeding 350 million. We emphasize the importance of mental health and positive social media use, further distinguishing our organization.
Proud Achievements: Brand-wise, I am most proud of the impact REACH has had on young creators’ lives. Seeing our members grow, succeed, and achieve their goals while maintaining their educational pursuits is incredibly rewarding. Our strategic partnerships and the trust we’ve built within the industry are testaments to our dedication and effectiveness.
For readers, it’s essential to know that REACH is more than just an influencer organization; we are a community dedicated to empowering the next generation of creators. Our offerings include access to exclusive events, mentorship from industry leaders, and resources to help our members excel both online and offline. Whether you’re a brand looking for authentic influencer partnerships or a creator seeking support and growth opportunities, REACH is here to help you succeed.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my favorite childhood memories is from a time when I first started off in social media when I was 16 years old. A mother approached my mom and shared a heartfelt story about how my content had saved her child’s life.
Hearing that was incredibly profound and showed me the true impact social media can have. It was a powerful reminder of the positive influence and reach we can achieve through our online presence, and it reinforced my commitment to creating meaningful and impactful content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dylanhuey.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodinflash/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanhuey40
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rodinflash
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodinflash
