Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Katie Simon @hellokatiejo

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

I’m first and foremost a mom and wife, but also an artist and designer with an intense passion for photography. I was born and raised in Southern California, but relocated to the Midwest 11 years ago to take a chance on love. 11 years and some kids later, we are still going strong.

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

My topics of interest are family/parenting, lifestyle, trips and travel with our kids and how we manage their food allergies. Art and photography are also a big focus.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

As a child (and even as an adult) I loved Hello Kitty. It stems from my childhood nickname of ‘kitty.’ After tries on several websites for YEARS to get hellokatie with no luck, I eventually added on my middle name to make it my own.

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

I edit primarily in Lightroom and photoshop these days, but also love vsco, snapseed and ABM color story on my phone. I love film-style editing with high contrast.

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

I adore lovetaza for her positive spin on motherhood and beautiful photos. megn_lo for her amazing imagery and knack for storytelling and bloggers like lynzyandco and laurmcbrideblog for their product reviews, insight and humorous approach to motherhood.

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

Get creative, think outside the box, shoot from different angles. Focus on storytelling.

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

I’m from a marketing background as it is, so getting the opportunity to market brands with the ability to add my own creative spin. It’s also helped me get creative with my kids and enhance my photography skills.

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

I’m just real. I don’t know how else to say it. I’m transparent in my life’s struggles and triumphs and I only accepts offers for brands and products I truly believe in so I can give an accurate representation of my feelings and opinions.

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

Original content is key if you want to stand out. There’s millions of users on platforms like Instagram and there is a lot of redundancy. Being seen is easier if you’re offering a fresh perspective.

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

I’m constantly learning about marketing and it keeps me engaged on social media and in life. Like I said, my entire career has been in marketing since I come from a graphic design background. I’m learning new things daily and expanding my creativity because every campaign is different. I truly love it.

Topics:

• Art
• Design
• Food & Drink
• Humor
• Kids & Parenting
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America