Influencer Spotlight: Fazon Gray

Actor, model & influencer Fazon Gray is burning up the social game. The entertainer has accrued over 70K followers on Instagram. Aided by appearances on The Today Show and Why Am I Still Single? on VH1, Gray has secured endorsement deals with brands ranging from Express Men to 50 Cent’s Revolution Wear to C4 Energy Drinks. He was also featured as a model in an article on Hollywood trainer Corey Calliet in Athleisure Magazine. Though you wouldn’t know it from his confidence and natural charm, his route to Internet stardom has been a circuitous one.

Gray grew up in Harlem when the neighborhood was still plagued by gang violence and initially had no desire to pursue a career in entertainment. First discovered over a decade ago at his then-girl. friend’s uncle’s fashion show, the entertainment world was foreign territory. Encouraged by friends and family, he posted some subpar professional pictures online and waited to see what rolled in. The photos sat there for several years while Gray made his living working construction and other odd jobs. Then, one day, he checked the hits on his online model profile and began landing gigs. “I actually ended up getting booked for three or four in a week. I got paid more for those jobs than for three months working construction,” he exclaims.

This kicked off a new chapter in Gray’s life. His strikingly unusual good looks and friendly demeanor struck a chord with casting directors in the States. As it turned out, his charm translated internationally as well. A vacation to Turkey turned into ten modeling jobs when his talents came to the attention of the fashion industry there. Still, this was before the social media explosion and required hustle on the ground, feet to the pavement.

Gray is savvy to the benefits of Instagram and other platforms but strikes a cautionary note. “It really takes so much work to get to that point,” he warns. This is what sets him apart. He emphasizes that bringing substance to a social media presence is essential to the success of the project. While he continues to land brand endorsements, Gray explains that his ultimate goals run deeper.

Having grown up around people in trouble, he is intent on using his reach to draw attention to their problems. Among the charities he supports is Good Shepherd, which is dedicated to helping the homeless. His public service work dates back to high school when he accompanied a mentor to Africa. The continuation of that work is the foundation of his public presence. Through a combination of fitness, awareness, and connection-making, he hopes to make the sometimes-shallow social world a force for good.

“That’s my goal,” Gray confides. “To be the big name that’s able to give back to the community. To show people what really matters.” -Fazon Gray

We Empower Magazine got an exclusive interview with Fazon Gray.

Fazon Gray (Actor, Model, Influencer)

Tammy Reese: What inspired you to enter the entertainment industry?

Fazon Gray: I would say the people God placed around me inspired me to enter the entertainment industry. Telling me that I should model and get into acting. Everything happened pretty organically, which led to the hard work and manifestation of things into the universe.

Tammy Reese: What have been some of the most memorable moments in your career so far?

Fazon Gray: Some of the most memorable moments in my career for me aren’t so much the sponsorships or big brands. ( which of course are helpful)Rather than the trips/travel; which are when I have the most fun. Being paid to travel & do what I love to do will always be memorable to me. I feel we should all explore the world & continuously learn.

Tammy Reese: What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?

As I’ve said prior I enjoy travel. As far as what I enjoy the most for the actual “job.” For me, it’s the creativity that goes into modeling & now acting. I love the fact that you can place yourself into your poses and overall demeanor depending on what you’re shooting and/or filming.

Tammy Reese: What are some challenges you overcame that made you the man that you are today?

Fazon Gray: Some challenges I’ve overcome that have made me the man I am today are navigating through the hood. I feel so many times you have to understand that there is more to life than just the block. I have a certain amount of respect and love for my community, and I will always want to give back.

It’s a part of my motivation. I also have realized in order to help a community you have to work from the outside in. The true challenge is continuing to elevate while remaining humble and true to yourself and your loved ones.

Tammy Reese: What was your childhood like?

Fazon Gray: My childhood was decent. I’m grateful for growing up around love and seeing people who were less fortunate in that regard. My birth father left when I was one year old, and my step-dad has been there ever since. His last name is the reason why I use the name Gray. As a child, I enjoyed sports and physical activities. I also enjoyed doing art, poetry, and exploring the world through travel. (My mom made sure of that)

Tammy Reese: What is a quote that you live by?

Fazon Gray: One of my favorite quotes growing up was “Live strong or die weak.” As of the past year, my favorite quote is “The man on top of the mountain did not fall there.”

Tammy Reese: What are you currently working on?

Fazon Gray: I am currently working as a model and influencer for Cellucor’s C4 Energy. Also a model and influencer for Ray J’s Raycon headphones. Plus, I have been getting more into acting and commercial work.

Also, awaiting some new content for my actor’s reel; including background work for HBO, a short film, and an up-and-coming web series. Aside from that, I work out daily to keep my physique ready for future shoots. So I’m constantly busy.

Tammy Reese: What is a super fun fact about yourself that many may not be aware of?

Fazon Gray: Although I may appear very serious. I love to joke around and have fun. Anyone who knows me knows that the jokes and sarcasm are always there. Life is too short to not enjoy yourself and celebrate your accomplishments with the dope-ass people around you.

Tammy Reese: What do you want your legacy to look like?

Fazon Gray: I want to inspire kids who are like how I was. I want to show people that there is a way out of any situation. Even when you grow up in a place where you may think that it’s impossible to do so. You can prevail. With hard work, dedication, and support almost ANYTHING is possible.

Fazon Gray (Actor, Model, Influencer)

Keep up to date by connecting on all social media platforms: @Fazongray