At twenty-years-old, Fooya is just the right age to “get it” when it comes to how younger people communicate and interact with technology. That doesn’t make her Jack Weinberg (quoted in 1964 with the phrase “Never trust anyone over 30.”), it simply means that there is a tone and style with which the younger generation communicates and that manner is second nature to Fooya. Her followers include those younger and older than herself. Early on, Fooya was recognized in the gaming community as part of female gaming teams “Team Fear” (professional girls team for Black Ops one) and “Team Obey.” Having been a gamer all her life, her authenticity in the community was well established. While she discovered that keeping a gaming team together was somewhat difficult (just like a band), she found that the followers she received through gaming and her communication online began to establish her as a known entity and influencer in the gaming world. One of the first companies to recognize her approach and charisma was Gamma Labs. Established was in 2004 with the intent to develop the healthiest, most effective solutions to enhance athletic performance, using 100% all-natural and effective formulas, Gamma Labs markets to both “traditional” athletes as well as E-athletes. Gamers like Fooya have become a wellspring for Gamma Labs. Fooya notes, “Gamma Labs was my first sponsor so thet mean a lot to me. Everyone who has sponsors has the same experience. Nobody wants to take a chance on you at first, which means that the first company that ‘signs on’ really believes in you and what you have to offer them. I take that very seriously. I already used Gamma Labs products when I approached them. It’s an ideal situation when you like a product so much and they feel that you can do something for them. It’s not even like I’m pushy about it. When I’m on Twitch (a live streaming site in which followers can watch gamers play) people will see that I’m having a drink or a bar. They just know it’s there. I might say something or I might not, either way people take notice. I like that I don’t have to use some sort of pushy type delivery. I can just be myself, that’s what Gamma Labs wants.” Another of the companies which Fooya has a relationship with is Gamer Crates. This monthly eSports and Gaming subscription box presents brand new themes every month for the serious and casual gamer. Informing fans about the E gaming world as well as reminiscing about their favorite games of all time is something Fooya says appeals to every gaming enthusiast, including her. The companies she works with might be as commonly used as Origin PC or as specialized as Elemental Knives. Fooya comments, “The game Counter Strike is one of my all-time favorites. In the game, you can buy knives that have ‘skins’ on them. There are all of these different types of skins. Elemental Knives did something ingenious in that they found a way to start making these knives. The ones in real life look just like the ones in the game! I have seven or eight of my favorites from the game but I think they make more than thirty. For geeks like me who are really into Counter Strike, it’s very cool to have them. There have been a number of times when someone has seen a picture on my twitter feed with one of the knives and commented asking if it was from Counter Strike and how to get one.”
While Fooya might be her own brand, she still has one group that she truly enjoys being considered a part of. US based Team Kaliber noticed Fooya originally as a gamer and then quickly became aware of the impact of her as a social media influencer in the online gaming community. Team Kaliber (founded in 2013 by several members of the Call of Duty community) quickly went from a competitive gaming team into becoming an impactful entity in the online social community. Recognized as respected members of the E sports community, Team Kaliber reached out to Fooya to join the team. Faced with the prospect of leaving Canada for the US and becoming part of Team Kaliber, Fooya is excited to be able to use all of her consummate skills and achievements to benefit Team Kaliber. She reveals, “It was the best day of my life when they asked me to join Team Kaliber. I visited them at their house in New York and immediately felt at home. I saw a spike in my followers, as did they. It gives proof to the statement that everyone would benefit from the relationship, including all of our sponsors. Team Kaliber has since moved to a house in Atlanta so I’m excited about that as well.”