Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Amy Harris @taperedmagazine

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

I am a born and raised Nashvillian (aka Nashville Tennessee). We are called unicorns because no one is actually from here. This growing city has changed so much over the years, but has always been a fantastic hub of ideas and creativity. It was here that I was inspired and encouraged to launch Tapered — an online publication about conscious fashion. The fashion industry is not only the second most damaging industry to our environment (right behind oil), it also neglects quality control, labor pay, and is extremely wasteful. It’s time for a change. Tapered shares this message through educational articles, sharing and promoting brands that are doing it right, and with beautiful and inspiring stories and editorials.

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

We focus on fashion, natural beauty products, and inspiration for living a conscious lifestyle.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I came up with Tapered while I was at a friends home in L.A. Perusing the thesaurus, I wanted terminology that related to sewing or fashion while also painting a picture — a symbolic word. Tapered means to diminish or reduce at one end. The fashion industry and our closets all need tapering. A narrowing and a redefining of what’s important. Right now, the fashion industry has an average of 52 micro-seasons per year. Brands will get new styles in their stores weekly so that consumers keep coming back to buy new trends. We don’t need more cheap fashion, we need less and better quality clothes. Tapered is a representation of that.

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

Photoshop and light room mostly if I use a computer. But if i’m on the phone, I will use the instagram editor. I really liked VSCO until they changed up the app.

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

@AnnStreetStudio. Photographer and lifestyle instgrammer, Jaimie Beck is a genius. She has the ability to share a story in the most romantic and dreamy way that makes you want to participate. Her work is beautiful too, but it’s her passion that she translate so effortlessly that amazes me.

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

A pair of Nisolo Shoes. So comfortable, really beautiful, and made with excellence. These ethically made shoes are rising stars. It’s hard to start a fashion brand that’s ethical, focusing also on design and quality, while also telling a story. They are doing it really well. (round of applause).

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

Sharing stories. We have loads of brands and individuals that we have talked to whose vision starts with a story. Sharing their hearts and their passion for changing the world is not only important because it has impact, it’s inspiring and relatable.

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

Authenticity comes from your foundation — the why behind what you are doing is so important. It’s easy to lose sight of that when you compare yourself to other brands and influencers. Find your inspiration there, but don’t start to compare. Simply focus on your content and on your goals and just go for it!

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

It’s very tempting to post “anything” to stay consistent with posting “daily”, but if your photograph is bad, your content is bad and it’s just not worth it. Besides, I refuse to believe that we were created to live on instagram but it’s so easy to get caught up in the social media rat race. I have spent way too many hours scouring through feeds, liking photographs, following and unfollowing to increase awareness of our brand. Instead, focus on your content, write incredible stories, collect photographs that portray your message and then share that. It will not only convey what your brand is about, it will be original, quality, and shareable.

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

Again, I really enjoy meeting people and hearing their story. Partnering with brands is more than a “political” gain, it’s about understanding the foundation behind who they are and building relationships. It’s about building a community that can rally around one thing — changing the world, creating beauty, and sharing hope.

Topics:

• Fashion

Country:

United States of America