Renata Valliulina on TikTok Success, Moving to the U.S. and Becoming a Martial Artist
Actress, model, stunt performer and martial artist Renata Valliulina truly does it all, and her journey to the U.S. is one of our all-time favorite success stories on TikTok.
Renata is originally from Moscow, Russia, but from a young age, she dreamed of becoming an entertainer in the United States. She started modeling when she was just 12 years old, and after making a TikTok and blowing up on the platform, she was able to relocate and transform those dreams into a reality. Today, she has more than 13.7 million doting fans on TikTok thanks to her buzzy, relatable and eye-catching TikTok content, including vlogs on everything from travel and style to beauty, as well as showcasing her incredible talents as a martial artist and stunt performer. We simply had to learn more about her unique story, and she dished out all of it in the interview below.
Sweety High: How did you get your start in social media? When you began, did you ever see yourself getting to where you are today?
Renata Valliulina: I've been involved in social media from a young age, since it has essentially been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I decided to take it more seriously, I had a strong feeling that I would excel in it. I believe that success often follows when one has a deep-seated belief in one's potential. And from the moment I posted my first video on TikTok, I was confident that it would go viral.
(Photo credit: Tuan Pham)
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SH: How have your goals as a creator changed since you first started putting yourself out there?
RV: When I first started out as a content creator, it was just a fun hobby for me. I didn't have any specific aims or targets. My main goal was to get better at making content, share it with people and get noticed. As time went on, my goals changed a bit. It's not just about getting better and getting noticed anymore. Now, I try to connect with my audience and make content that they find valuable and enjoyable.
SH: What's the biggest thing you've learned in becoming a viral creator?
RV: In my experience, I've learned a few big things about becoming a viral creator. First, it's important to go with the flow and keep up with what's new and trending. Second, just relax and trust that your video will go viral. And lastly, keep things simple! People like content that they can relate to, so in order to become viral, you need to be familiar with what's current, be relaxed and just make relatable content.
@riwwwnever late to start♬ original sound – DB
SH: What have been the biggest adjustments in coming to the U.S. to further your career?
RV: The first one was getting used to a new culture. The way people think and do things here can be very different. The second adjustment was building a professional network from scratch. I had to literally start from beginning, and this was initially challenging. But it's been rewarding and an important part of my career growth.
(Photo credit: Tuan Pham)
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SH: What inspired you to start training in martial arts and stunt performance? Where do you hope those new skills take you?
RV: What first got me interested in martial arts and stunt performance was my love for learning new things. I think that trying new things can make your life more interesting and make it last longer.
I have always had a deep admiration for the physical form. Surprisingly, I never truly devoted myself to developing my own physique until I moved to the U.S. Securing a permanent home base allowed me to settle. This also made the timing ideal to begin my martial arts training.
Looking forward, I'm excited to see how these newfound abilities will enhance my future acting roles while also bringing a unique dynamic to my performances.
SH: What kind of content do you have the most fun creating?
RV: For now, I'm really enjoying creating content about sports or videos focused on my training routine. It's something that I'm really into at the moment, and I want to share that excitement with others. But sometimes, I feel a bit unsure about whether I should be posting this type of content. I worry that maybe it's not good enough or that my followers aren't used to seeing this side of me.
And, to be honest, I also like creating and editing YouTube videos. It feels different; it's more personal and contains more of my own flavor. However, balancing this with my work and training can be tough. But, I'll try my best to keep up with it.
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SH: Anything exciting coming up?
RV: Nothing in particular at the moment. I'm just focusing on work, trying to learn new skills while also creating content. That's my primary focus right now.
For more on our favorite TikTok superstars, click HERE to read our interview with Jordi on her latest single, "Just a Friend."