Tsehay ‘Wiggles’ Hawkins on the pressure to be a role model and the social media app that has a ‘zero tolerance for hate’
"WeAre8 is a new way to share positivity and joy."
There’s no denying it, social media has changed how we communicate with each other, how we receive news and the way we share our lives with others.
Social media has also affected the lives of our children and the way we parent.
In news that comes as a welcome relief for many parents navigating the rules and boundaries of social media with their kids, is the launch of a revoluntionary new social media app with a difference.
WeAre8 is the world’s first sustainable social platform that pays people every time they watch an advert and donates money to charities.
CEO of WeAre8, Lizzie Young says the purpose of the app is to “unite people and provide them with eight minutes a day of inspiration”.
In short, Lizzie believes WeAre8 is a social media game-changer.
“I think we’re all looking at a couple of things that are happening in the world and thinking about how we do better for our kids,” she says.
“One of them is the toxicity that exists on all the global social platforms prior to WeAre8 and what that’s doing to the mental health of our children. The second issue is the around the world environment and WeAre8 delivers the solution that gives back to the planet.”
WeAre8’s mission is to create a safe and happy space on the internet for conversation, connection, debate and, importantly, the ability to have an impact – not to mention putting money back in your wallet!
The new social media platform doing good
WeAre8 is all about making positive social change and this, Lizzie explains, is why the app is being embraced by parents.
“We have brand advertising but it’s really different to what you get anywhere else,” she says. “On all the other platforms, it kind of interrupts you and gets in the way of what you’re actually there to do. Whereas with WeAre8 you decide when you want to see the ads and as a reward for watching them, you get little micro payments. And you can donate those little payments to causes that matter to you. So if you’re someone who feels really strongly about supporting children’s health, there are charity partners that we have so you can pay it forward.
“We also make payments to climate solutions to try to leave the world a better place. We effectively give up 60 cents in every dollar of revenue that we make to either impact partners, charities, climate solutions and people. As parents, we’re all trying desperately to lead the world in a place for our children to enjoy it.”
To find out more about WeAre8 watch the video below.
Aussie celebrities in the WeAre8 family
Joining the WeAre8 family, as one of the platform’s change-makers is The Wiggles’ Tsehay Hawkins. Lizzie says the choice to bring Tsehay onboard alongside, Sarah Wilson, Stan Walker, Adrian Eagle and some other high profile Australians, was an easy one.
“Tsehay is a ray of sunshine! She also obviously represents a part of Australia that we really wanted to elevate voices in a positive way and voices from diverse backgrounds and with diverse stories. Tsehay brings light and joy into everything that she does and more broadly, as The Wiggles have always done as well.”
With the mission to spread joy so closely aligned for WeAre8 and The Wiggles, Bounty Parents spoke to Tsehay Hawkins to find out more…
Born in Ethiopia, Tsehay was adopted when she was 8 months old and moved to Australia. Last year, she joined The Wiggles.
Tsehay, tell us about WeAre8 and your involvement.
WeAre8 is a cool new social platform in town that is free from hate and promotes positivity in a safe environment. Each day you can watch eight minutes of curated, uplifting content on your news feed called 8Stage, which aims to help people reconnect, and after that, you’re encouraged to get off the app and go and enjoy your day. The Wiggles’ mission has always been to educate, inspire through music and dance, spread joy, and share messages of inclusivity and happiness to all families worldwide. So it really aligns with WeAre8 and being positive.
I love going onto the 8stage and seeing what all the amazing creators are posting. I’m privileged to be one of the first Aussie change makers alongside some really great people like Sarah Wilson, Stan Walker, Adrian Eagle and Adam Goodes.
How will this social media platform best fit into the lives of young people – how will they use and interact with it?
The great thing about WeAre8 is that it’s moderated so that all the content is positive, which isn’t always the case on other platforms. Social media can impact people’s mental health, but WeAre8 is a new way to share positivity and joy. I think young people will really enjoy the content from creators around the world and see different perspectives. There’s also a cool option to opt-in to watching ads, and you get paid by the app and can donate the money to your favourite charity.
What was your first reaction when you were approached to be a changemaker for the app?
I love social media, and when I was asked to be a changemaker for WeAre8, I thought I had to get on board. I love that you can share your story and be proud of what you’ve done, share the positive highlights, and you get to like other people’s stories, and it’s just all positive. I think it’s really good for the new generation. The brand colour is also yellow, so it was the perfect fit!
The Wiggles’ Tsehay Hawkins is one of the many Aussie changemakers who are supporting the world’s only sustainable social media app, WeAre8.
What’s it like being a role model? Do you feel pressure to live up to people’s expectations?
Having the opportunity to be a role model to so many children, is truly the best feeling! The Wiggles have inspired me from an early age and really influenced my interest in music and the arts, so being able to pay it forward and inspire the next generation is the ultimate reward. When first donning the yellow skivvy I knew there was going to be a certain amount of pressure that came with the role, but receiving so much love from Wiggly fans and being constantly surrounded by the support from the Wiggles crew made the challenge exciting.
It has almost been one year since you became a Wiggle. How would you describe the past 12 months?
The past 12 months have been incredible and a bit of a whirlwind! We’ve had so many incredible moments, including a #1 Aria album, winning the Triple J Hottest 100, performing with The Kid Laroi and appearing on Rolling Stone magazine cover. I’ve also loved touring and meeting all the families at our shows. I get to go into the audience, and lots of the children have made me beautiful sunflowers, which I keep at home. I never thought I’d become a Wiggle, but it’s been the best year and I feel so lucky.
Are you in touch with Emma Watkins? Did she have any advice for you when you took over the yellow skivvy?
Emma called me the night before I became the yellow Wiggle, and she gave me lots of advice and said to embrace every moment, which was really lovely.
Who keeps you grounded when you’re touring the world with The Wiggles?
Being 16 years old and going on the road, I have to have a chaperone an,d lucky me, my chaperone is my mum! She comes everywhere with me, and basically keeps me grounded. My family are super important to me, so having my mum come on tour is the best. My mum and dad are definitely my main sources of advice. They have always strived to help me achieve my dream, but know that I have to work hard for it and make sure I am always grateful and push me to take opportunities.
What’s it like being on tour?
I love touring and performing live – it’s the best feeling, dancing and singing on stage and meeting all the beautiful families. I am currently on tour in Canada, and meeting new audiences has been extremely exciting. I have already had some amazing experiences, like seeing A-league hockey and basketball games, trying all the different foods, road trips, but even just being able to explore the towns we visit between shows has been wonderful – especially alongside the wiggles team! I can’t wait to get back on the road in Australia in November with the Holiday Party Big Show Tour. It’s going to be so much fun; there will be snow and Santa and a whole lot of Wiggly fun!
How have The Wiggles fans embraced you?
It’s been an incredible experience, and the Wiggles fans have been so supportive. I’ve had parents come up to me to say how their child embraces their natural curls after seeing me on stage, which is such a great feeling. The African, Latin and adoption community have all reached out as well and expressed their happiness that they have someone that represents them in mainstream media! The overwhelmingly positive feedback makes my heart smile.
Brought to you by WeAre8.
