Empowering others comes naturally to social media influencer Amber Vanpelt. Inspired by her difficult upbringing, the Indiana native--who has amassed a combined social media following of over 214,000--uploads family-friendly content to inspire her young audience to “always be themselves, love who they are, and follow every dream they have.” This positive outlook is what earned Vanpelt a spot on the Boys of Summer Tour 2019, where she toured across the United States doing meet and greets alongside fellow teen celebrities Zoe Laverne, Danielle Cohn, Blake Gray, and more. Get to know Vanpelt as she discusses the motivation behind her social channels and takes readers backstage at the tour.

When and why did you decide to be a social media influencer?

I started social media when my school friends took part in it, probably back in 2014. I grew up in a very rough environment: I lived in an abusive household and mass bullying took place in my school. I grew to realize that there was no possible way I was the only one going through these types of things in and out of the home atmosphere. As my following grew, I saw that as not only an escape from reality but a way that I could spread positivity and hopefully shed light on others who were looking for their escape as well.

What message are you trying to spread through your Instagram?

I only want to spread positivity through my platforms. Social media is often used negatively to attack, degrade, and make others feel less than their [true worth]. Through my platform, I try to encourage people to support and love each other. I teach them to kill people with nothing but kindness. Not only do I teach them to be kind to others, but I also teach them to love themselves. I find that as the most important thing to start showing the younger generations, as most influencers don’t capitalize on it. Aside from that, I strongly promote education and the importance of finishing school to those who follow my platforms. I offer help and advice on any schooling my followers may be struggling with because I find that important.

Who are other influencers you admire and why?

In terms of the social platforms, I don’t have an influencer that I admire because I aspire to be nothing but myself. The only person that I’ve admired and have tried following the footsteps of is my grandfather. He has made the biggest impact on my life.

How did you first become associated with the Boys of Summer Tour?

Through my best friend, Zoe [Laverne]. The CEO of Klik Events, Mike, had been in contact, and he invited me to join the tour two days before the second phase began.

Van Pelt (far left) with Mars and Zoe Laverne

Vanpelt and Zoe Laverne

What was your favorite part about being on tour? Was there a particular city that stood out?

My favorite part about the tour was definitely the bonds that were created. Being with the same people, on the same bus, in the same hotel for two weeks made us closer. I made memories with some of the greatest people I’ll ever meet, and I’m very blessed to call them my friends. Out of all of the cities, Boston is the one place that really stood out to me. I fell in love with the city. During the periods when we didn’t have to be in the venue, we walked around exploring our surrounding areas, and I just fell in love, not just with the city but with the people I was with.

Any memorable moments from the tour you can share?

Growing closely with the talent as well as the staff of BOS. All of the memories from the tour will forever be labeled as the greatest memories in my mind.

Vanpelt and Marc Gomez

Vapelt, Chris Bauer, and Dylan Hartman

Vanpelt, Mars, and Zoe Laverne

Vanpelt with fans

What is your favorite tour bus memory?

Although it broke my heart, my favorite bus memory was the final bus ride we all took together. When the tour manager, Dillan, said his final “We’re a bus,” it sent shivers down my spine. It felt like we were a family.

Now that you’ve recently moved to L.A., what do you hope to accomplish?

I plan on continuing to pursue my social media platforms. However, I plan on reaching further into the media world in terms of finding management and shooting to grow on and off of social media. I’m excited about all of the new adventures, friends, and opportunities L.A. will bring.

What is your endgame?

Ultimately, I hope to make my grandfather proud of whatever it is I do. That is and always will be my endgame.