Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Stephanie @stephnguyener

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

I’m 26 years old and on a year long sabbatical from my firm after 5 years in financial consulting. I’m an entrepreneur, lifestyle blogger, and traveler. I share moments of my life on Instagram and surprisingly gained a quick following on Instagram. I grew up in Northern Virginia and live in Washington DC. I love fashion, my family, yoga, and the occasional slice of pizza.

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

I’m interested in fashion, natural foods, interior design, and fitness. I typically post pictures from my travels, of styled outfits, healthy and not so healthy food, yoga, interior design, and city architecture.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s a play on my last name. I try to “nguyen” at life.

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

VSCO and Afterlight.

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

I’m inspired by @sincerelyjules.

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

Be creative with your photos and don’t feel pressured to post something that’s not up to par!

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

Sharing my creativity and interacting with the Instagram community in a positive and motivational way.

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

The most important thing is to know your customer, and to target influencers who represent your customers and whose followers represent your customers. I am often contacted by brands that don’t represent my style and I’ve learned to turn away items that don’t work for me, or communicate the possibility that the brand may not appear on my Instagram account if I don’t feel it embodies my style.

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

Don’t feel pressured to post often if you don’t have quality content. Stand out from the crowd and try to think outside the box. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect to gain a following.

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

I’m a small business owner myself, and I understand how hard it is to market a company at first. I love doing my part to promote small brands that have quality items, but don’t have the resources to quickly gather a customer base.