Don Benjamin sat down with ES$O and Hynaken for a candid conversation on BagFuel, where he reflected on his journey from Instagram influencer to model, actor, and entrepreneur. The America’s Next Top Model alum detailed his rise in the entertainment industry, the realities of independent film production, and the strategic moves that helped him secure $50,000 per Instagram post.
Before becoming a household name, Benjamin got his start on Instagram in its early days, receiving free clothes in exchange for posts when he had just 1,000 followers. As his audience grew, so did his rates—eventually reaching between $50,000 and $100,000 per post. His breakout moment came on ANTM, where Tyra Banks saw star potential in his tattooed look and rapper persona. From there, he leveraged his platform to expand into acting, landing roles in Jordan Peele projects and voiceover gigs.
The Harsh Realities of Independent Filmmaking
Determined to break into the film industry, Benjamin co-wrote and co-produced his own movie with a $3 million budget. He personally invested $50,000 to create a pilot, originally pitching the project as a TV series. Despite initial rejection from networks, he raised $1.5 million to shoot in Chicago, later securing additional funding from Dubai. However, the Writers Strike disrupted production, forcing him to navigate the challenges of a union-backed project.
Business & Music Industry Lessons
While film remains a passion, Benjamin revealed that social media is still his most lucrative revenue stream. He’s approached music differently over the years, opting to tie it to projects rather than pursue it independently. At one point, he turned down a Sony record deal after they pressured him to shift toward a harder sound, rather than catering to his female fanbase. Now, he collaborates with his partner—who has content creation expertise—to craft viral content while focusing on acting and filmmaking.
Faith, Love & Learning to Slow Down
Benjamin credits his strong relationship with his influencer partner to keeping faith at the center. Together, they blend their creative strengths, balancing content creation with career aspirations. He admitted that he’s learning to slow down and appreciate his success rather than constantly chasing the next milestone.
Minnesota Sports & Black QB Legacy
As a Minnesota native, Benjamin also weighed in on the state of the Vikings and Timberwolves, praising young stars like Anthony Edwards and Justin Jefferson. The conversation took a deeper turn as they discussed the historical impact of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, highlighting the league’s evolving landscape.
