Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Arisa Chow @arisa_chow

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

My name is Arisa, am a veteran cosplayer (more than 12 years experience) and currently more active as a blogger before becoming a mother of 2 beautiful girls. I’m originally from Malaysia, but currently living and working in Kyoto, Japan.

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

I post mostly bits and pieces about my life in general, things i find amusing and worth sharing be it travel tips, beauty/ baby product recommendations. This platform allows me to keep in touch with my followers back in Malaysia and other parts of the world.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s basically my name “Arisa”, nothing fancy so it’s easier for people to find me via the search box. My real name is actually “Lisa” and the nickname “Arisa” was picked out for fun when i was creating an email 12 years ago, back then we were advised to never disclose our real name online for privacy purposes. So i’ve been stuck with this nickname ever since lol. Also in Japan, the locals here have trouble pronouncing “L”, and it’s easier for them to pronounce if it’s in “R”, so i get called “Risa” or ‘Arisa”.

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

I don’t really edit photos all that much expect tweaking the basic lighting settings. But if i do use filters, Foodie app is the way to go for me, just that the quality may degrade abit despite saving it as “high quality”.

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

My friends Chanwon and YingTze, they are both cute and very optimistic people whom has influenced me alot as i used to be a super pessimistic person. The world is difficult, but best to be grateful even for the smallest things.

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

Just try everything, life is too short to be held back by doubts and excuses. Make time to experience life before it’s too late to regret. Every experience (both good & bad) is a life lesson, it shapes your character.

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

Getting to make friends from all around the world and share similar interests.
Most of my real life friends and clients are met through online!

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

Have some integrity and mutual respect to influencers/ bloggers as they are also working people. If it’s a mutual collaboration project, make sure the terms are discussed and beneficial for both parties instead of one sided, don’t be afraid to ask for a proposal if needed but NEVER STEAL our proposal ideas! Also it’s better to always pay rather than give excuses “no budget” as products can’t pay the time and costs invested by an influencer just to create social media contents for your brand. A small “angapao” isn’t too bad, don’t be cheap because the community is small.

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

Be true to your style and concept, never stinge on quality as all your work is considered part of your portfolio, just like your professional work CV. It may come in useful near future.

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

Allowing creativity freedom to express ourselves while incorporating their brand, that way it feels less staged and more relatable to our followers. Getting to try out new products before hand, learn tons of new things and gain priceless experiences, most of all they eventually become our new found friends instead of just a client.

Topics:

• Fashion
• Hair & Beauty
• Travel

Country:

Japan