What inspired you to start your influencer career?
This was 100% done by accident and is still just a “side-hustle” for me. I started sharing photos of my travels and telling stories, and my account just started to pick up. I worked in the travel industry for 7 years so I was constantly on a plane working or travelling somewhere. By default, I fell into that category of having a “dream job”.
I struggled a lot with anxiety and depression and hated how people always commented on how jealous they were of my life – but solely based that off of pictures knowing absolutely nothing about my day-to-day. Because of that, I made it my goal to consistently tell stories about real life, or share honest captions that would smash the stereotype of Instagram being a highlight reel, and just have fun and not take myself too seriously.
My account has been with me through some major life transitions – including sleeping on mountain tops after work, to traveling to luxury hotels to shoot photos, and personal breakdowns about my health.
I’ve never wanted to be the person who sticks to one “theme”. This just happens to be a personal page that I like to share photos on and engage in conversation and humorous situations.
What motivates you?
I’m a daydreamer. I will literally sit and stare out the windows for hours thinking about things that excite me and then I make a plan of how I’m going to get there.
I would definitely say that the people around me motivate me. I make sure that I surround myself with determined people that are up to big things, they always demand the best of me and encourage me to be my best.
What are 2 things you wish others knew about your career?
1) I’m a commercial photographer.
2) I run a full-service creative agency.
3) Instagram is not my full-time job.
That was 3 things, sorry.
Can you tell me about your favourite collaboration so far?
This is a toss up between WestJet and China Eastern. I travelled with Westjet down to California to shoot photos for their website and magazine in addition to social content for a California campaign.
I did a similar campaign with China Eastern to shoot content for them over in Shanghai and Bangkok.
What would be your dream collaboration?
I’m looking to turn one of my travel series (#TheGirlsTripSeries) into a TV show. I’m in the midst of pitching airline and hotel partners on a 6 part web-series that travels to awesome places around the world and leaves people with travel inspiration and tips to recreate the trip for themselves!
What are 2 tips you want to pass along to PR professionals and brands that send pitches?
1) Stop asking creators to work for free.
2) Acknowledge licensing fees and photo usage.
What does a day in the life of an influencer look like?
Pitching brands, seeking out fun collaborations, planning out creative shoots and creating lots of mood boards.
I typically like to merge commercial photography services with brand collabs to make sure I’m giving the client additional content they can use on social, web ads etc. So I’m usually on the hunt for brands that need content and I actually pitch my “influencer” page as a fun add-on!
Do you have a favourite Disney movie?
Is it weird that I don’t really watch movies? Lion King.
What are your favourite apps?
Calm App.
Lightroom Mobile.
Uber Eats (let’s be real)
Instagram (because, duh)
Given the current world we’re living in, do you think influencers have a social responsibility to advise others to do the right thing? Why or why not.
- This is a GREAT topic of discussion because my answer is both yes and no.
I’ll use outdoor shots for example.
As a responsible hiker, I know that I’m fully prepared to go outside. I’ve got the right gear, I’ve checked weather conditions, I’m following the “Leave No Trace” policies and I’m not endangering myself or wildlife around me to get a shot, etc.
I take a great photo. I post it. People only see that photo. They don’t see what it took to get it.
The danger in that is that some people now only want to do that hike to get that photo – and many of the people heading out to take that photo haven’t done the research, they’re not prepared, they’re not taking care of the places they visit.
And that brings us to this very debate – who’s fault is it? The person who took a photo that didn’t educate, or the person who went out without taking the time or responsibility to educate themselves?
Sometimes, you have to understand that this is a creative platform for people who just want to show their work without explanation. But when the time is right, using their valued, and heard, voice is always helpful.
What is one piece of advice you’d give someone that wants to pursue a career like yours?
Stop worrying about what other people do and stick to what you’re good at and what makes you happy. Put in the work, be creative, and collaborate. It’s a great platform that allows you to express yourself and your creativity. Have fun!
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