We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Armani Walton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Armani below.
Armani, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room has taught me how to turn visibility into power. As a gay Black influencer, I’ve learned that my difference isn’t a disadvantage—it’s my edge. Here’s how I’ve learned to be effective and successful even when I’m the only one who looks like me:
1. I lead with confidence before comfort.
I stopped waiting to feel fully accepted and started showing up fully prepared. Excellence travels faster than bias. When your work is undeniable, people listen—even if they don’t understand you yet.
2. I own my narrative so no one else can define it.
I don’t shrink or code-switch to fit the room. I speak clearly about who I am and what I stand for. When you define yourself first, you leave less room for stereotypes to take over.
3. I study the room without losing myself.
I pay attention to dynamics, power, and expectations—but I don’t erase my identity to navigate them. Strategy doesn’t require self-erasure; it requires awareness.
4. I turn isolation into perspective.
Being the “only one” sharpens your lens. I see what others miss. That perspective fuels my creativity, my storytelling, and my influence—especially in spaces that lack representation.
5. I build community even when I’m alone.
Even if I’m the only one physically present, I know I’m backed by a larger community online and beyond. I carry that with me. I’m never really alone—I’m representing.
6. I remember that presence alone can be disruptive.
Sometimes success isn’t about convincing the room—it’s about shifting it. Simply existing boldly as a gay Black man challenges norms and opens doors for those who come after me.
7. I measure success on my own terms.
Not every room is meant to affirm you—but every room can benefit from you. I focus on impact, integrity, and growth, not validation.
Being the only one in the room taught me resilience, clarity, and self-trust. I didn’t learn to blend in—I learned to stand out with purpose. And that’s where my success comes from.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Armani Walton—a digital creator, influencer, and storyteller who uses visibility as a form of empowerment. At the core of what I do is creating content that celebrates confidence, individuality, and self-expression, especially through the lens of being a gay Black man.
I work at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and culture, using my platforms to show what it looks like to live boldly and authentically. Whether it’s through visual storytelling, style, or personal reflection, my goal is to inspire people to embrace who they are without apology.
Beyond aesthetics, my work is rooted in representation. I understand the power of being seen, and I’m intentional about creating space for conversations around identity, self-worth, and visibility. I use my influence to challenge norms, uplift marginalized voices, and remind people that their presence matters—especially in spaces where they’ve been historically overlooked.
What I do isn’t just about content—it’s about impact. I aim to leave people feeling more confident, more affirmed, and more empowered than they were before they encountered my work.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Authenticity The most impactful quality in my journey has been showing up as my full, unapologetic self. As a gay Black influencer, authenticity built trust with my audience and gave my content meaning beyond aesthetics. When people feel your truth, they connect—and connection is influence.
2. Consistency & Discipline
Success didn’t come from one viral moment, but from showing up even when growth felt slow. Posting consistently, refining my voice, and staying disciplined helped me build momentum and credibility over time. Consistency turned my passion into a platform.
3. Self-Confidence & Resilience
Navigating visibility comes with criticism, stereotypes, and pressure. Learning to believe in myself—especially when affirmation wasn’t immediate—was crucial. Resilience allowed me to keep going, evolve, and use obstacles as fuel rather than setbacks.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I knew I only had a decade left, I would live that decade with intention, truth, and impact—especially as a gay Black influencer. First, I would tell the full story. Not just the polished moments, but the honest ones—the fear, the growth, the healing. I’d create content that documents what it really means to become yourself in a world that often asks you to shrink. I’d want people to feel less alone because I was brave enough to be seen fully.
Second, I would pour into community, not just followers. I’d mentor queer creatives, collaborate with voices that don’t always get the spotlight, and help others build confidence, platforms, and opportunities. Legacy wouldn’t be about numbers—it would be about people who moved differently because I existed.
Third, I would create work that lasts beyond algorithms. Writing, speaking, long-form storytelling, maybe even a book or visual archive—something that holds truth and can be revisited long after trends fade. I’d focus on meaning over metrics.
Fourth, I would live loudly and lovingly. Travel, love deeply, celebrate my body and my joy, and model a life where being gay isn’t just accepted—it’s honored. I’d show that queer joy is not a side note; it’s a form of resistance and survival.
Finally, I would use my voice with urgency. I wouldn’t wait to be more established or more comfortable to speak on representation, self-worth, or visibility. I’d say what matters now, because time would be sacred.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/armanijavonwalton
