I haven't been blogging for long. I still consider myself the new kid on the block but I have been watching a lot of my fellow bloggers and influencers (I have a love/hate relationship with that word, but more on that later) very closely for years. I watch because I'm eager to learn, I'm keen to do this right and who better to learn from other than the ladies (and gents) who's blogs and digital footprint I look up to and want mine to grow in that direction? I may not want to emulate their writing style or personal style but if they have perfected some kind of formula that is working for them in terms of followers, revenue, and authenticity, then you have my attention. Integrity in the social media and digital space is a topic that has come up for me quite frequently. Whether it's seeing a new campaign where I'm left wondering if the bloggers and digital content creators included were even vetted based on brand alignment or whether the were simply approached because of their following. Or a new campaign is launched where I’m wondering what the point is and what the actual aim of it is.
I'm in two minds about how to go about picking which campaigns to work on. One side of me believes that this is a business. If a brand identifies someone who they want to do business with and are willing to pay for their services, then why turn down a paycheque? Supermodels don't necessary wear all the designers' who's runway shows they've walked in, so why judge a blogger when they're just doing their job? Magazines won’t stop a fashion house or brand from buying advertising space in their pages, so why would a blogger need to be picky with clients if they are willing to pay? From a business perspective, does it make sense turning down a pay cheque because the source isn't "on brand"?
On the flip side, I believe blogging and social media content creators are a little more personable than a magazine or model. Our personality is what makes us special and unique. Your likes and dislikes, style, habits, frequently visited places are what makes you authentic and allows you to resonate with your audience, so compromising on that is compromising on "Brand You". Do you want to compromise and work on a campaign that pays well but does not align with your values and risk confusing your audience by promoting something you do not believe in? At the end of the day your audience is who you need to respect because without them, no brand would find you appealing to work with.
I am on a mission to showcase more local talent on my blog. South Africa is home to a host of super talented designers and I’d rather spend my money in South Africa than have it end up making some American or European rich. I must admit, finding local designers who I like is a mission, but once you find someone who’s aesthetic resonates with you, it feels like you’ve hit gold. That is how I feel about Matte Nolim. The pieces are absolutely stunning, simple but dramatic while being wearable on a daily basis. I've added an obvious African flair to my look by accessorising with South African beads and a Ndebele style neckpiece.
Photographed by Cedric Nzaka
Wow. Just love your view and confidence in letting out your ideas.
Author
Thanks Faith! It takes practice. The more you let your views be known the more confident you get at doing it.