An Interview with Amanda Golka: The Voice of Authenticity
In the ever-evolving world of digital content, Amanda Golka stands out as the “big sister of the internet,” offering her followers honest and relatable commentary on everything from trending products to the latest films. With over half a million followers and engagement soaring to 84 million, Amanda’s platform, Swell Entertainment, has become a beacon of authenticity and positivity. Despite facing significant challenges, including a two-year health-related break from Bell's palsy and skepticism from those close to her, Amanda has forged a path toward success and is now exploring her passion for writing screenplays and novels. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine, she shares insights on the role of social media, her love for fashion, and the exciting projects on the horizon.
Miami Living (ML): Amanda, your journey has been quite inspiring, especially with the challenges you've faced. How did your experience with Bell’s palsy shape your perspective on success and resilience?
Amanda: I definitely started taking better care of myself after that. My case was caused by severe stress, and I think at the time I hadn’t really let myself feel the stress and anxiety I was under. Now I have much more systems in place to help with my workload as well as reminding myself to take time to recharge so I don’t hurt my health. I would love to say I persevered in spite of my face being half frozen for two months but I didnt. I was eighteen and miserable and refused to take any photos or make any videos at the time. Success is amazing obviously but it’s not enjoyable if you get sick while trying to work towards your finish line.
ML: You’ve been dubbed the “big sister of the internet.” What does that title mean to you, and how do you think it influences the way you connect with your audience?
Amanda: I am a big sister so I think it mostly stems from that. If anything, I’m the big sister who tells their siblings “mom and dad won’t tell you about this so I will”. Whether it’s a cat convention or why everyone in their office is using the word “demure”. If there is anything I want my audience to take away from my content I want them to walk away looking at topics differently, whether that is an event or a product or a TikTok trend. I want them to ask their own questions and find their own answers versus what is the trending view.
ML: Swell Entertainment has become a trusted source for honest commentary and insights and has grown significantly under your guidance. What inspired you to create this platform, and can you share a moment or experience that stands out to you as a turning point in your career?
Amanda: I made my channel at 16 because I wanted to be a famous actor. Over the next few years I fell in love with the filming and editing side of Youtube, but all that came to a halt when I developed Bell's Palsy. I ended up taking a two year hiatus then came back to making content in 2018 when I saw influencers selling laxative teas to their young audiences and I wanted to make an accurate review of the product. A few months in is when I went to Tanacon. Tanacon was a social media based convention that was a complete mess that was shut down and canceled after one day. I filmed my whole experience as a vlog then did a second video as a sit down review. My vlog got more views, but my sit down video got me more subscribers by a substantial margin. That's when I realized people didn’t just like what I could show them but how I told a story, my personality. That was definitely the turning point.
ML: With so many voices online, how do you strive to create a positive space in your content, and what advice would you give to others looking to do the same?
Amanda: I don’t think I necessarily strive to make a positive space, I strive to make a constructive space. If I make a review and I criticize something like say “there was nothing to do at this convention,” then I spend time giving some recommendations that they could add in the future to make the event better. Same goes with products and movie reviews. What I say to other creators though definitely boils down to “do not say anything online that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face.” It’s my main philosophy with my content and it has served me well. In an era of rage bait online, it can be tempting to be inflammatory to just get views and likes but that is never sustainable and it is not at all healthy or rewarding.
ML: As you venture into screenwriting and novel writing, what themes or messages do you hope to explore in your upcoming projects?
Amanda: Honestly I want to explore the complicated feelings of grief and families. I am a child of divorce and I do not speak to one of my parents, and I lost my stepmom after a lengthy cancer battle at the end of 2022, and I think there are so many complicated feelings and dynamics that come up with death that is still a touchy subject to simply discuss in the modern day. Probably a more macabre answer than you were expecting, sorry about that.
ML: You’ve spoken about the importance of finding balance in a digital world. What are some of your favorite activities to unplug and recharge?
Amanda: I have my dog, Hermes, who is a goblin. Taking him for walks is a full focus, hands-on activity because if he isn’t trying to break off the leash to chase a squirrel or growl at other dogs, he is trying to sneak a random abandoned chicken bone back to the apartment. That’s a good way to stay offline. I also recently learned I live not too far from an ice rink and they do daily free skating which I did recently. Great work out and I’m too focused on not face planting to be on my phone. I think variety in offline activity is important, especially when your whole life is online.
ML: Fashion is a big part of your life! What are some of your must-have items for the upcoming autumn season, and how do you choose brands that resonate with you?
Amanda: I am a certified sweater hoarder. I fell in love with Zadig and Voltaire sweaters a few years ago and they are still the best quality items in my collection. The one problem is they make more dark colored clothing and I love vibrant colored sweaters. I have one from Lisa Says Gah! that is a vibrant green with a field scape on it with sheeps. I love it. I also love a tall boot with a long sweater dress. Meshki has some beautiful ones but my favorite one from them, this beautiful chocolate brown v-neck number, was eaten by the dry cleaners.
ML: Lastly, you’ve hinted at some exciting adventures on the horizon. Can you give us a sneak peek of where you might be jetting off to next and what you’re looking forward to?
Amanda: I am planning a multi-country two month trip next year. May and June historically for me has involved a lot of social media based events that I go to out of necessity but they have let me down lately, so I am planning to go to numerous international events. Among the list are the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Cannes Lions.
Photo Credits
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair/Makeup: Blondie
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