Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Erica Ligenza @ericaligenza

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

I’m Erica! I’m a fulltime blogger and influencer working on Coming Up Roses – a blog full of authentic inspiration, achievable style, and affordable lifestyle for the ambitious millennial woman. I went fulltime immediately after graduating from the Wharton School of Business at UPenn; blogging just fulfilled me so much more than Corporate America ever could! I do some brand strategy coaching and consulting on the side, but otherwise, my blog is my baby and business.

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

I like to think of my Instagram as a hodge podge snapshot of everything that Coming Up Roses embodies. It’s colorful and bright in aesthetic; I always encourage my followers to live in color, unafraid of experimenting with their own styles and lives to add color and stand out. It’s uplifting and inspiring through captions; I’m completely okay with being vulnerable and authentic and I think that’s really a cornerstone of building a successful brand and strong community. And it’s all affordable and real! I aim to be a down to earth, relatable figure who is inspirational, but not unattainable. So I like to keep it real!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s just my name – so I’ve had it since I was born. 😉 My blog name, Coming Up Roses, came after a big brainstorming session with my mom. I didn’t want to go the more stereotypical route of doing “Something and Something”, and I didn’t just want my name because it’s not all about me! But I love the idea of living and thinking positively to create a joyful, inspired life. It’s like the saying “everything is coming up roses” – it speaks to an optimistic outlook. But it doesn’t stop there! Roses are beautiful, but they’re temporary and they have their thorns. It’s like us – we’re all beautiful in some way, and we are temporary, as weird as that may be to think about, so we’ve gotta make the most of life while we can.

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

My favorites are definitely Afterlight and Snapseed. I wrote a blog post about my photo-editing routine here, actually! (http://cominguprosestheblog.com/apps-to-up-your-instagram-game/). Afterlight is always my first resort and go to because it has a lot of options and flexibility. But I try to keep my editing to a minimum! I adjust brightness and contrast, sometimes saturation, and that’s usually it.

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

So many! I absolutely love @extrapetite – her aesthetic and quality is just gorgeous, and I could scroll her feed for hours! I’m obsessed with the brightness and creativity of @ashleybrookedesigns – everything is truly a work of art on her feed, even when she’s just arranging coffee mugs or desserts!

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

Get ACTIVE in your own community! So often, I see people just get their comments and go, but it’s really important (and more effective) to engage deeply and show people that it’s not just them following you from afar. We’re all real people!

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

It’s incredible having the ability to truly make change and set standards. Not in a power way at all, but in the responsibility sense. I feel so honored to know that people trust me. From something as seemingly small as a beauty product being a ripoff to an actual injustice happening, it’s amazing knowing that I have a voice and platform to share and genuinely help others live better lives. It’s the best feeling.

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

AUTHENTICITY ALWAYS! I’ve actually been complimented by brands and my readers alike for my sponsored work, because I care about this SO deeply and care SO much about creating actually amazing sponsored content for both brand and followers. My background professionally speaking is marketing, so I get both sides. My tip: Think of it from the brand’s perspective in marketing terms, then merge that with how you feel as a CONSUMER. Influencer marketing is beautiful because it’s like the antithesis of traditional advertising. It’s so effective. And why? Because it doesn’t FEEL like advertising! Always follow FTC guidelines and be honest about sponsorships, but stay true to your feelings the way you would if you were just chatting with your bestie. Would you regurgitate a bunch of copy-and-paste brand messaging or give “well, duh” commentary? No. You’d be real. Think outside the box. Stop writing sponsored content that’s just a “duh” moment for the sake of a paycheck. Get creative, and make something that’s compelling, clickworthy, and genuinely HELPFUL for both the brand and your readers!

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

There is nothing more important, really. Everytime someone clicks on your blog, it could be their first time…and last time. Every moment is a first impression. It all counts. Nothing should be published that isn’t top notch and your best quality. On Instagram, the same goes…some shots are super popular and notoriously perform better than others. But never copy others. Always make it your own, and make it something that YOUR audience will lovelovelove and relate to and feel inspired by!

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

With my marketing background, it’s so fun playing both sides. I feel like the ultimate middleman, because I can actually help direct campaigns because I understand what will do best and perform well, and then I also get to be the creator and executor. I love being able to help companies reach their marketing goals through my own platform and voice. It’s fun, mentally stimulating, and empowering.

Topics:

• Fashion
• Hair & Beauty
• Health & Fitness
• Travel

Country:

United States of America