Christina Najjar Speaks to Rich Moms

Name: Christina Najjar a.k.a @itsmetinx

Age: 30

Location: Los Angeles

Following: 1.1 million on TikTok

Content: Ms. Najjar is a creator on TikTok known for her blunt dating advice, celebrity commentary, and creating “starter packs,” which are like short guides, for rich moms. She references niche topics like SoulCycle instructors and specific high-end restaurants.

Her signature style — a tiny microphone, choppy editing and deadpan voice — has been widely copied on the app and has resulted in partnerships with brands including Chipotle and a namesake smoothie at her favorite Los Angeles grocery store, Erewhon.

Part of Ms. Najjar’s widespread appeal comes from her ability to relate to a diverse audience. Older followers have described her as a gateway drug to TikTok.

Ms. Najjar began by creating TikTok videos under the name “Tinx” last summer during the pandemic. While on lockdown as an unemployed writer, she began watching TikTok for hours. “I kind of came up in it firstly by accident,” she said. “But also it was a time when people were wanting and expecting new things from influencers.” And now? “I have been addicted ever since.”

Before fame: Ms. Najjar was born in Washington, D.C. and moved to London as a baby. “I grew up in London, went to a very strict all girls British school, but then wanted to totally rebel against that and was obsessed with California and moving to California, probably because I watched a lot of ‘The O.C.’ in high school,” she said. “I was like, ‘those people really have it figured out.’ They seem to have a great life. They’re always driving to the mall and getting froyo.”

At 19, she moved to California to attend Stanford University. She studied English literature and creative writing before moving to New York City to attend Parsons School of Design’s fashion journalism program. She now has lived in Los Angeles for two years. Moving around has helped her with her content. “I love knowing about what makes a city tick.”

Advice: Ms. Najjar provides dating and life advice to her followers, hosting Q. and A. sessions on TikTok and Instagram where she discusses how to navigate life when you’re just starting out. “I think your 20s are a really mis-marketed decade,” she said. “I felt a lot of pressure in my 20s. I’ve had literally like 19 jobs in the course of the past ten years. So I would say, first of all, ‘don’t worry.’”

“I think it can be super overwhelming when people say, ‘just follow your passion,’” Ms. Najjar said. “If you follow your curiosity and just continue to pull the thread, that will lead you in the right direction.”

Favorite follower: “Iggy Azalea is my friend on TikTok,” she said. “Paris Hilton follows me. I mean, I really can’t believe it. That’s the thing about TikTok, you never know whose ‘For You’ page you’re going to land on.”

source: nytimes.com