Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Elley Charles @elleymae

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I’m 21 years of age and I live in a small town along the coast of Victoria. I have grown up here with beautiful surroundings and an abundance of amazing people in my life. I’m currently working full time in the telecommunications industry along with pursing a career in photography and online blogging.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

On both my Instagram and Blog (www.elleycharles.com) I focus on the things that I feel most passionate for. I would consider myself to be more of a beauty and lifestyle blogger than anything and I just love sharing my thoughts with fellow beauty Instagrammers and Bloggers and have made some amazing friends doing so!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I wanted my Instagram name to be personalised and just show who I am, like my content does – so I kept it original by using my given names, Elley Mae.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I currently shoot majority of my images on my iPhone 6s where I would use apps like Adobe Photoshop Express or VSCO to edit the photos. Some of my photos are also taken on my Canon 60D with my favourite 50mm f/1.8 lens where I will use a mixture of Adobe Camera Raw & Photoshop to enhance them also.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

My favourite Instagrammer (who is also a very well known YouTuber) would be @danimansutti – she’s honest, open, bold and original with every image she posts to her followers, something that I aspire to be. Some of the smaller Instagrammers that I love and adore are @brontesbeautyspot and @beautyproductsaremycardio because again, they are so honest with their opinions on products and make me really enjoy being a part of this online beauty world.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Try being original. It sounds simple, but in my opinion, if your heart isn’t in something then the post won’t work. No one can relate to you if you can’t be yourself and can’t be true to your own opinion, then no one is going to care for what you have to say. There is no app, filter or program that can make people enjoy your Instagram/Blog.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

The best part about being an influencer on social media is meeting new people, finding upcoming and new companies and sharing the love. I myself, like to look at online reviews on products & companies before I buy from them so I think that this is why I do enjoy sharing my honest opinions for others to see. Plus, it’s a really fun and rewarding experience when so many people love your work and take time out of their day to interact with you!

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

One of my top tips for companies & brand running campaigns is to value feedback from influencers themselves. It’s important to hear out the people that believe in your brand as they will give honest, pure criticism every time without fail. Stay true to your campaign goal and don’t be afraid to be selective with choosing the right influencers to help market your brand.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

If you haven’t worked it out by now, I’m a huge believer in being original. Being an influencer is an important position in life now days, especially when we all rely on the opinions of others on social media. So what’s the point in giving a fake opinion just to be paid by a company? Giving an honest opinion is only going to bring in more followers and attract more companies who value your honesty.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Partnering with brands is a really fun and enjoyable experience – getting to try out new products, review them and share with the people who follow me along the way on my blog and Instagram. The gratitude you get from helping a brand (well-known or up and coming) is an amazing feeling and it’s nice to know that you are valued as an influencer for their company.