Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Nikola Hassan @nikolahassan

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

I founded a boutique PR & brand experience agency called Avant-X, we specialise in luxury lifestyle and dining. I’m originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia but have lived overseas – in the United States and in Australia, from 8 years old till my early 20’s. Major overachiever and positive thinker!

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

I love fitness, clean eating, and am a major foodie (michelin chefs, that sort of thing). I don’t believe in wasting calories so anywhere I eat – and post – is worth it! And also my travels – because of my work I don’t holiday often, but I do travel for work… so I like to post new spaces and places to discover. And I’m a bit of a crazy cat lady – my cat, Momo, gets a pretty good response rate when I post his photo… super spoilt and human-like, totally looks it in the photos!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s just my name 🙂

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

I use snapseed the most. If its a selfie or a portrait type pic, I’ll also enhance with Camera 360 and FaceTune.

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

They’re not Instagrammers per se, but I do very much enjoy content from @kerriehessillustration and @meganhess_official – it’s a good balance of their work, lifestyle and fashion, and pretty things that inspire!

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

Goxip – it’s a new app where you can shop looks according to Instagram OOTDs. Love it!

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

Being able to share news about something you’re really passionate about.

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

Be aware of your brand’s positioning and how it will assimilate with an influencer. Look at the influencer’s quality of followers, not just quantity. They may be over a million followers but the core focus is fashion and beauty, which may not be suitable for an F&B brand, for example, to engage them.

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

Quality is so important. Content needs to be original and true to the person posting – the audience can tell when it’s a “copy paste” post and contrived. Real is best!

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

I only like to work with brands and products I believe in. And what excites me the most is sharing their news – it’s great to see a campaign take off and gain lots of traction, knowing you played a small part.