Because it feels like everyone is just exhausted by influencers and “being influenced”. Is that super taboo to say as an “influencer” myself?
Maybe.
But at what point are you just simply listening to all of the suggestions that are being thrown at you via blogs or Instagram…and don’t even feel like yourself anymore? That seems a little dramatic, but it’s definitely an interesting thought.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE having this space and this platform. But even as the influencer, I’m DEFINITELY influenced. I follow a lot of content creators, and I had to take a BIG STEP back last year to remember why I do this. And remember that I can’t compare myself or listen to everyone else in the influencer room. Let me give you an example. I typically do a HUGE closet clean out every season — I either donate or sell — and last year I HAD TO DO TWO BIG CLEAN OUTS. The last round, I had FIVE additional bags of STUFF.
When I was cleaning and looking through, I literally was just like “Why did I buy this?!” There were things I’ve been holding onto for YEARS, for no reason. There were things that were just NOT my style (i.e. floral prints, too feminine of styles, a TULLE SKIRT?!). I realized I was pretty much influenced in the WRONG way because I was buying what I THOUGHT people wanted to see on Instagram.
Honestly, what the heck is the point of doing this if EVERYONE is doing the same thing?!
I’m now very aware of the effects of social media. I used to be very caught up in it. Now, I’m kinda just me.
This industry is SO unique because realistically there should be a space for EVERY SINGLE PERSON no matter their age, shape, ethnicity, style, where they live, etc. Even as a consumer of influencers, YOU have a space. Something I’ve been spending A LOT of time doing the last few weeks is really cleaning up my Instagram feed. I mute people I need a “break” from, and I unfollow people who either don’t align with what I’m looking for or just simply don’t bring me joy. If someone’s content brought me even an OUNCE of anxiety rather than enjoyment, I hit the unfollow button. It’s honestly been SO nice, and really helpful.
At the end of the day, I think we need to realize that we have to take a step back and think about what YOU want rather than having someone tell you what you should want.
And don’t get me wrong…I’m still going to continue to post things that I love (and hope you will also love), but I never want my space to be a place where people feel pressured. Pressured to look a certain way, buy a specific thing, etc. I just want my platforms to be a place of happiness, real life, and openness.
As much as I love fashion, I’m starting to really value the
connections
that my platform brings. So many of you have shared personal stories that have made us relate on new levels. Sometimes we just bond over a love of a TV show. And other times you just wanna know where I got my shirt from. The fact that I can
confidently
say that my platform is a reflection of my
real life
is something I’m proud of.