Kamri Noel McKnight has been a YouTube star for nearly a decade.

The 15-year-old social media icon has appeared on her family channel Cute Girls Hairstyles, on her sisters’ channel Brooklyn & Bailey, and now on her own channel – Kamri Noel, all while growing up to become an everyday teen who loves drawing, photography, fashion, Shawn Mendes, and more.

Everly Mag talked to Kamri all about YouTube, social media, what it’s like having a big family – she’s one of 6 siblings –  and more!

Everly Mag: What’s the first YouTube video you ever remember filming?

Kamri: The first video I remember filming was The Waterfall Braid on my mom’s channel.  I was six or seven [years old] at the time.  A fun fact about this video is that I was actually the person who named the waterfall braid!  Our video was the first to show how to do this type of braid and I got to name it!

Everly Mag: What inspired you to start your own YouTube channel?

Kamri: YouTube has always been a family business, so when I turned 13 I was ready to create my own channel.  The viewers of our other two channels wanted to see more of my personality, so I decided to post lifestyle content.

Everly Mag: What are your favorite types of videos to post?

Kamri: My favorite videos to post are challenges, vlogs, and sketches because they are so fun to film and I often have my friends in them!

Everly Mag: Describe your family in 5 words.

Kamri: Hardworking, multitaskers, diverse, welcoming, and fun.

Everly Mag: What’s the best part about having a big family?  What’s the hardest part?

Kamri: The best part of having a big family is the ability to never be bored.  We always have things to do and places to be so there is never a dull moment in our house!  This busy [life] can sometimes be tiring, so it’s nice to take a weekend every once in awhile to relax.

Everly Mag: Describe your personality in 5 words.

Kamri: Observant.  I like to describe myself as observant because the first thing I do when I get to a situation is look at all the possible outcomes.  I blame all the spy books I used to read as a kid!

Indecisive.  The word part about being observant is that it takes me a great deal of time to make a decision.  I often overthink dilemmas and hate making major decisions because I feel like I’m going to pick the wrong option.

Creative.  As a kid I loved drawing and would enter art contests all the time.  Now, I have less time to draw, but I still love to sit down with my pencil and paper.  I also played piano and violin and now I play guitar and ukelele.

Independent.  I love the feeling of completing something that I have worked on by myself.  And, I’m a major supporter [of] female empowerment!

Ice cream.  Just, ice cream.

Everly Mag: What do you like to do with your free time and with your friends?  What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Kamri: I like to play my guitar, draw, or take pictures on my camera.  I’m not a major partier, so you would probably find me sitting on the floor strumming my guitar instead of out with my friends on the weekend.  When I do go out with my friends, I like to watch movies and go exploring near where we live.

One of the craziest things I have ever done is dyeing Bailey’s hair!  I had no idea what I was doing, but her hair looked pretty good!

Everly Mag: What advice do you have for teens who want to get started on YouTube?

Kamri: My best advice for teens who want to create YouTube videos is to be yourself!  People are looking to find real people [who] go through the same things they do.  Post lots of videos giving advice on things that normal teens struggle with and go through on a daily basis.

Related: 5 (Real) Ways to Get More Instagram Followers

Everly Mag: What have been the top 3 moments of your life so far?

Kamri: One of the top 3 moments of my life would be [going] on tour.  The whole experience was amazing, and I met some amazing people!  Another top moment would be hitting 1 million [followers] on Instagram.  I had worked really hard on growing my Instagram so it really meant a lot to be reaching that big milestone!

The last top moment of my life is traveling.  I love having the opportunity to see so many different cultures.  Traveling has given me an open mind and allows me to see the world in a different perspective.

Everly Mag: What’s your favorite thing about posting YouTube videos?  What’s the biggest challenge?

Kamri: My favorite thing about posting YouTube videos is the positive environment that is created!  My fans love spreading kindness and always leave uplifting comments.  However, there are a few occasional comments that are negative.  Because I’ve been a public figure since I was 7, I’ve learned how to deal with hate and I know that my fans are always there to back me up!

Everly Mag: What can fans expect to see from you this year?  Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Kamri: This year, my fans will continue to go through everything I experience [along] with me.  One event that they are particularly excited about is prom!

In five years, I hope to be going to college and continuing this social life that I am living.  I also wouldn’t mind the idea of trying out some acting jobs in movies or TV shows.

Everly Mag: Lastly, let’s learn about some of your favorites!  First up, favorite movie?

Kamri: My favorite movie is Mulan!  I love the message it sends and the music is amazing.

Favorite fashion item?

I really like retro styles and 80s clothes!  Some of my favorites are high top Converse, mom jeans, bombers, and neckerchiefs.  I also love new running sneakers.

Favorite school subject?

I enjoy reading and writing so naturally English is one of my favorite classes, but I also love math!

Favorite food?

My favorite foods are mashed potatoes, chicken, and ice cream!  I also love fresh fruits like apples and strawberries.

Celebrity crush?

Shawn Mendes!

Favorite social media app?

Each social media [app] brings out another side of my personality.  YouTube is my professional side – as professional as I can get while smashing cupcakes in my face, eating weird bugs, or sticking my hand into a box with unknown contents!  Instagram brings out my artistic side.  I love drawing and photography so Instagram really highlights those aspects of my life.  Although both of these are fun, my favorite app would have to be Twitter!  Twitter shines a light on a fun side of me that most people don’t normally see.

Catch up with Kamri Noel McKnight on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Feature Image Credit: Terrah Jade Photo