Sleepless Nights & Going Broke—BLACKPINK Stan Reveals The TRUTH About Running a Fanbase
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run a fanbase for your bias, planning events to show your love to them? According to 23-year-old Dominique Falcon, founder of an international fanbase for BLACKPINK’s Jennie, running such a big fan account isn’t always fun and games.
With a staggering 33K followers, @DREAMJENNIE_ was founded back in September 2018.
PROJECT HAPPINESS 🌸 This is a NEW FANBASE for BLACKPINK's JENNIE KIM. We aim to provide daily updates of Jennie and we'll help with the preparation for Jennie's birthday projects and upcoming events. We'll do our best to accommodate everyone who wish to do something for Jennie. pic.twitter.com/Um19OlRV51
— Only for Jennie (@DREAMJENNIE_) September 16, 2018
Admin and founder Dominique, who lives in the Philippines, started listening to BLACKPINK when they debuted, and by “Playing With Fire” era she was already a fully-fledged BLINK.
With Jennie’s 23rd birthday fast approaching, Dominique noticed that most of her bias’s fanbases were on hiatus with no birthday projects in the works. That’s when she got the idea to start DreamJennie with her fellow Jennie stan friend, Cha.
DreamJennie started from scratch, and the rest is history.
Dominique Falcon
But that history hasn’t been easy. While stans like Dominique would probably love to spend their days keeping fanbases alive, real life can get in the way. Alongside running DreamJennie, Dominique has to handle a full-time job as a Marketing Officer.
In between attending meetings and writing reports, Dominique uses her few minutes of free time to check notifications on DreamJennie.
And running a fanbase isn’t just about scrolling through Twitter. DreamJennie is also responsible for planning birthday support projects, trending hashtags, and more. It’s no surprise that busy Dominique says she’s even lost sleep when carrying out her admin duties!
JENNIE BIRTHDAY SUPPORT PROJECT 2020
Here is the list of our Team’s project for our Angel’s birthday this year. We couldn’t do this without your support and trust, guys.
Thank you so much for trusting us.
Thank you for loving J.#AngelJennieDay#우리의_빛_김제니_생일축하해 pic.twitter.com/PQvywy8hic— Only for Jennie (@DREAMJENNIE_) January 15, 2020
Plus, there’s the money. Running a fanbase may be a full-time job, but Dominique doesn’t get paid. In fact, she’s often the one paying!
DreamJennie holds fundraising events to pay for slogans, cup sleeves, giveaways, and travel to other cities to support Jennie and BLACKPINK. But when they can’t raise enough funds, that money has to come right out of their own bank accounts.
6 DAYS LEFT AND THIS FUNDRAISING PROJECT FOR OUR JENNIE WILL END.
Stat: 28% out of 100%
If you havent donated yet please do 🙏🙏🙏#BLACKPINK #JENNIE
click the link below to donate 👇👇👇
https://t.co/wMbqAOCum8— Only for Jennie (@DREAMJENNIE_) January 2, 2019
It takes a village to run a fanbase.
Dominique Falcon
That’s why Dominique recruited plenty of other enthusiastic BLINKs to help her make the hard work a little easier—Tine, Chelsea, Steph, and Marje are all part of the team. Everyone takes on an important role, from editing posters to printing cheering kits to organizing giveaways.
I am so thankful for these four girls. The love and support they have for Jennie amazes me.
Dominique Falcon
But no matter how hard it is, running a major fanbase is one of the most rewarding parts of being a BLINK for Dominique. When BLACKPINK performed in Manila, the DreamJennie team got to make it special for their bias.
They gave her a cake, which she excitedly posted to her Instagram account.
The DreamJennie team even gets to help other people through charity. They’ve fed street children on Jennie’s birthday, adopted a giraffe under Jennie’s name, and sponsored operations for children with cleft palates.
✨Bridging the Gap Towards Happiness ✨
JENNIE BIRTHDAY SUPPORT PART 2
• Why Giraffe?
Giraffe spirit animal symbolizes self acceptance and self love.It symbolizes beauty, elegance, intelligence and gentleness of spirit. This is our Jennie 🦒✨#JENNIE @ygofficialblink pic.twitter.com/shQxfeMCW3
— Only for Jennie (@DREAMJENNIE_) December 30, 2019
In the past, being a DreamJennie admin got so hard that Dominique considered leaving. But ultimately, the love she has for Jennie will always be strong enough to keep her going.
We chose this life, and it’s just so satisfying to see the girl you idolize achieve her dreams.
Dominique Falcon
Thinking of running your own fanbase? Go for it! Dominique says the most important qualities you need are responsibility, trustworthiness, and transparency.
It can get exhausting, but it’s worth it, especially when I’m able to make my idol happy.
Dominique Falcon
