Whether we like it or not, market research has shown that over one-third of kids describe social-media stars as role models. It seems the term "influencer" is pretty apropos. If you're like me, you're often concerned about just who is doing the influencing…

While frequently facing criticism for her loud and proud bows, sparkles, and unicorns, JoJo Siwa is a breath of fresh air in a sea of child stars who seem all too eager to grow up. Accuse her of clinging to her Rainbow Brite aesthetic just to keep the cash rolling in, and you may get one of her patented, playful clap-backs.

"I don't really care about what they say, I'mma come back like a boomerang."

-Boomerang by JoJo Siwa

Delightfully wholesome and contagiously joyful, Siwa is nothing if not fearlessly authentic. And I’m so here for it.

Young JoJo first came to the public's attention as a reality TV star, appearing on shows like Dance Moms. In one memorable episode,  coach Abby Lee Miller told Jojo's mom (Jessalyn) that her daughter couldn't wear her (now trademark) bow. JoJo grinned as her mother relayed Abby's decree. "That's it, I'm wearing a bigger bow!"

JoJo told Today in 2019 that her patented bows signify more than just good taste. "When you see a kid or someone wearing a JoJo bow, you know that they're a Siwanator [JoJo Siwa super-fan], which means they are kind, they are nice, they are strong, they are powerful, they love everyone, they support everyone, they want to be your friend, they want to be everyone's friend." (She's sold tens of millions of her JoJo bows.)

If the criticism she's faced over the years for her "immature" presentation has yet to tone her look down, nothing will.  JoJo does her own thing, and she's not too worried what you think about it. Standing for friendship, love, joy, and staying true to oneself, she's a shimmery, sequined firecracker in a drab and often pessimistic world. 

At their third meeting, the president of Viacom Nickelodeon's consumer products told JoJo, "You know, you don't have to come to these meetings all, JoJo. You can just come normal." The teen shot back without hesitation: "Pam, we have to have a talk because I need you to know that this is my normal. This is my life...There is no other person. I literally am JoJo. I wear the bright clothes every day. I wear the sparkly hair bows. I wear the high-top shoes. I sing the fun music. I talk really loud. I talk fast, and I talk a lot. This is who I am.'"

And she's literally never broken character. There have been no scandals or indiscretions that might indicate her wholesome, spunky, sparkly personality is a façade. 

Mainstream critics have decided she's the real deal, with Time magazine even naming her one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2020. Hers is an influence I can totally get behind for the youngsters in our lives. Heck, even us adults could take a cue from JoJo. 

Siwa graced the cover of People earlier this year after coming out as gay on social media. ("I like queer…Technically I would say that I am pansexual because that's how I have always been my whole life is just like, my human is my human.") JoJo went on to gush that she's the happiest she's ever been since falling in love with her girlfriend.

Siwanators are never surprised by JoJo’s courage and candor. And true to form, JoJo didn't let the haters get her down. "My thing is, I don't want people to watch my videos or buy my merchandise if they aren't going to support not only me but the LGBTQ community."