Check out our interview with actress, influencer and singer Jennifer Kassir who is best known for her TikTok character Ms. Beanie Official where she has amassed more than 3.5 million fans.
Ms. Beanie is a humorous character created by Jennifer Kassir embraced by kids and teens to teach them that it’s okay to be different and to be comfortable in their own identity, also that even “weird” people can make it In life and to embrace being weird and embrace your inner child. A character who is out of the ordinary, doesn’t understand social cues, loves to explore new things, has a food addiction, but most importantly is very caring. Ms. Beanie is on a journey and Jennifer’s purpose is to take people on a journey through Ms. Beanie to make them feel like they are a part of her world and so people can feel they relate, like Ms. Beanie is their friend. Jennifer wants kids and teens to feel heard and loved through Ms. Beanie. She wants to also teach that friendships have ups and downs and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
Follow Jennifer on IG @jenniferkassir & TikTok @msbeanieofficial
Hi Jennifer, please tell us a little about you?
Hello! I am from Los Angeles and I’m American Lebanese so I speak Arabic as well. I’m a content creator mainly on TikTok with 5M+ followers across three accounts @jenniferkassir @msbeanieofficial @arabjenn. I also do YouTube and make content for literally every platform. I do singing and acting on the side as well and have a family business called Samson Pharmaceuticals where we manufacture supplements, OTCs, cosmetics, hair care and more. I’m the co founder of our skin care line called LA Bodies. Aside from my career, my hobbies are reading, writing, dancing, playing basketball with my brother at times, and exercising. My biggest mission in life is to continue spreading positivity and making a great impact on people around the world financially and emotionally!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Empathetic, loving, and ambitious.
Who is your role model?
God and my parents
How did you get started into the business?
Ever since I was a young girl, I would make funny videos and I’ve really been making content and acting my entire life. However I started TikTok in 2019 and committed in 2020. That’s when my career took off. I made videos daily with no hesitation and kept growing. Consistency=growth.
How and when did you start doing videos?
Since I was 10 years old. When I got my first ever laptop in 5th grade. I forced my dad to get me one to start making videos on photo booth and iMovie. My creativity kept growing from there. In 2020, when I decided I’m going to commit to tiktok, I got a ring light and tripod which really helped with the filming process and contributed to my success because it made things more convenient and easier. I quickly realized having good lighting leads to better quality videos which will make the algorithm push you more.
What is fun and rewarding about it? And what is not?
The fans and the love is the best part. When you make a video and thousands of people comment how much they love you and how they think you’re funny. You’re putting your thoughts out on the internet and getting feedback. It’s such an adrenaline rush! Also being able to put a smile on people’s faces, especially children is amazing! I guess what’s not rewarding is comparing yourself to other creators daily and also whenever a video doesn’t perform like your previous ones, it can damage your self esteem a bit. This industry is challenging but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else! It has more pros than cons in my opinion!
Did you had any experience on filming or editing to start with?
Yes
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Don’t rush decisions and think three times before you act.
The most important thing when you are shooting/filming is?
Lighting and background
Now tell us about the huge TikTok & IG success and what are you doing to keep it going and growing even more?
I continuously brainstorm content ideas and I just keep making videos. The more videos you post, the more you’ll grow. It’s a quite simple formula. What’s not so simple is coming up with the video ideas all the time but my best videos came naturally and on the spot. Most of the time I’m improvising. But the main ingredient for online success is putting out as many videos as you can because at least one of them will go viral.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful TikTok/IG account?
Posting 2-4 videos a day or more.
TikTok or Instagram. Pick one and why?
TikTok. Growth is quicker there and it feels more authentic.
When you started your account, did you expected such a success?
Yes I did actually. When I want something in life, I go after it and make it happen. What I didn’t expect was that it was going to happen in just a year. I mean I did write down when I had no followers that I will hit a million by the end of 2020 and I surpassed my goal. So in a way I wrote my goals down daily but subconsciously I think I didn’t actually think it would happen in a year but when it did happen, I also wasn’t really shocked because I manifested it by writing it daily and having belief in myself like I always do. Confidence is the main key ingredient to success! Belief and consistency!!!!
I bet you get millions of it, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you received so far?
Oh boy…I’ve had crazy pick up lines even in different languages. The Arabic ones are always funny. I’d say the one pickup line that really stood out to me was “If I had a star for every time you brightened my day, I’d have a galaxy in my hand.” It was cute and simple. The worst pick up line isn’t appropriate so I won’t say it but I’m sure you can imagine.
What mindsets helped making you so successful?
Everything happens for a reason.
As a popular influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I honestly just act like myself. I don’t try to be anybody else and I don’t feel a pressure of doing the right thing honestly. I feel like even though I’m an influencer, people still don’t know much about me so I still keep a lot of things private and I don’t feel like people are invading my life or anything. If anything I put more pressure on my own self to be perfect it’s never been for others really. My whole life I’ve had high expectations for myself to mainly make myself proud and my family and God!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Don’t trust people immediately, don’t speak too soon or too much, think before making quick decisions.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Never too good to be true. Because I truly believe nothing in life is too good to be true. You deserve everything you want and in my life, I’ve had nothing but blessings because of my faith!
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Enjoy the ride because if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, it’s NOT worth the pain honestly. There are challenges in every industry but you have to somewhat enjoy it. There’s been many times I didn’t want to film and it was so painful to even do it but when I started doing it, the pain went away. That’s when you know something is meant for you. Another advice is don’t be so quick to spend money on people or things that you think will help your business. Learn the craft on your own first for free if possible. Google has many amazing resources.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Millionaire Success Habits by Dean Graziozi
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Discerning what direction I want to take my career. Also cutting out someone in my life who was draining me. It’s never easy cutting people off but when my gut tells me something isn’t good for me, I listen to it and I’m at so much peace right now. I’m aligned with my true purpose and calling!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The recognition and support
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t rush anything. What’s meant for you will happen regardless. Just keep having faith in God!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Hummus and oranges
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza
How would you explain your fashion style?
I’ve loved fashion my whole life but I go through lazy phases at times. I’d say I don’t usually follow trends purposely. I wear whatever I feel looks cute. I like casual, boho chic, street wear, preppy, chic. I love creative fits too with cool designs and colorful clothing. Honestly my fashion sense ranges from relaxed, dramatic to elegant to creative. It’s super random!
How would your best friend describe you?
Problem solver, charismatic, giver, over thinker, and funny.
What’s next for Jennifer Kassir and @Ms. Beanie in 2023?
I’m working on short professional films for Ms. Beanie that are going to be hilarious and will go on my YouTube channel! I’m working to take Ms. Beanie to major heights!! There’s also a movie I’m working on for Ms. Beanie with my screen writer and director V. Trent. We also pitched a tv show to Nickelodeon and u have newer and better merch on the way. For Jennifer, I’m making more content on Instagram reels actually and on TikTok. I’m working on making more lifestyle content people in their 20s can also enjoy and being more out there! I’m also expanding my marketing efforts for my skincare line LA Bodies!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Doing what feels right! Sleeping at night in peace knowing you’re doing what’s right in your own life. Satisfying your own beliefs as my father says is the way to happiness! And he’s absolutely right 🙂
How is a normal day in your life?
I wake up, eat, film, work, eat, sleep and repeat basically. Most of my days consist of chilling at home and filming but at times I hang out with friends or do random things. I actually don’t like routine very much but it keeps me grounded. I also do stretch and workout at home at times but I want to be more active outside of the house since it can get boring.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Going to church, having lunch with my family and spending the rest of the day with them laughing and having fun and then filming and doing fun stuff at home.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Steve Harvey. I love him and he’s a huge role model because we have the same beliefs.
Best advice ever given?
Don’t take everything people say to you so literally and you are perfectly imperfect so don’t try to do everything.
Do you support any charity?
Yes I’m partnered with Kids in the Spotlight which is a charity that supports orphans’ films. They help them tell their stories and it’s beautiful!!!
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Family, phone, and food.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
It’s hard to say because things change so fast but I see myself still doing what I’m doing just on an even bigger level and I see myself expanding beyond just social media too!
Favorite song? Why?
All I do is win by DJ Khaled because it makes me want to work hard to win my goals!
What music do you like?
Edm, pop, latin pop, and pretty much every genre.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love it. It’s an amazing escape for people and also a place that can be their emotional outlet. You can make friends from it and it can truly change your life by helping you grow and get insane opportunities. Whether you’re a creator or consumer, it has more pros than cons. The haters don’t affect me at all either honestly. Yes social media can negatively affect mental health because of all the info and not knowing what’s right or wrong. But I feel we should be allowed fo make our own judgements regardless of what’s being put on the internet. We shouldn’t let everything we see affect us in a bad way. Take everything with a grain of salt and follow positive or funny creators. I don’t follow drama so drama never finds me. Social media is the best thing that happened for many people.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @jenniferkassir. I have my linktree in my bio there with all my socials and more!
Quote: Your difference is your destiny – DeVon Franklin
Favorite Singer/Artist: Britney Spears
Movie: She’s The Man
Travel Destination: Greece
Sports Team: Lakers
Tv Show: Ginny & Georgia
Book: Millionaire Success Habits