Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Francesca Grazzi @francescagrazzi

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

I am 21 years old and live in Southern California. I’ve been an athlete all my life. I played soccer for 10 years and one year in college until I had my fourth major reconstructive knee surgery. After that I was told I could never play again, the pain was unbearable recovering from so many surgeries. My life went downhill once my soccer career ended, lucky me, I found a college sport that you can learn and compete in at a very high level if you are determined enough, and that sport is rowing. I attended Orange Coast College. It is in Costa Mesa. We are the only community college in the country with a rowing program, we race against and beat schools like USC, UCLA, Stanford, Berkley, and more. I was able to row because it didn’t involve any contact and felt a lot better on the knees. I row competitively and have recieved a first place medal at an event called Crew Classic, a race held in San Diego once a year, there are hundreds of schools and thousands of athletes in attendance including teams from Canada and Mexico. I’ve also received a second place medal from the rowing national championships (ACRA). Rowing has completely changed my life and I feel that the set backs from soccer have only stirred up this drive in me to keep pushing, overcoming, and succeeding. I use my story to inspire others to keep pushing, no matter the set backs.

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

My topics of interest are mostly health, sport, and fitness. I also enjoy traveling and will sometimes post about that. I mostly post fitness related things on Instagram, and use it as a lifestyle blog.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

I’m not sure how I’ve gotten the followers I have now, I’m guessing word of mouth, or some online connection.

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

I use an app called Pics Play Pro. I have the free version which is fine for me but there is also an upgraded version that you can purchase. I use this to edit all of my photos, whether they are taken from my phone, or camera.

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

My favorite instagrammers include: Paige Hathaway, Ashley Horner, and Nikki Blacketter. Paige is my top favorite. These are all major female role models and influencers in the fitness industry.

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

They have to try out an app called Seconds! It’s the perfect app for circuit training and HIIT training, creating an easier and more convient to train based on your own personal needs and interests! I personally use it as well.

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

My favorite part about being an influencer is lifting others up when they’re down. I often get comments in response to my photo captions saying how they needed to hear whichever message I’ve put out there, or how they are inspired by my actions and my words. I want to be a child life specialist one day, so lifting others up when they are down is definitely something I am very passionate about.

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

To run a campaign and keep authenticity you must relate to the consumer or audience you are trying to reach. The more the person can relate, the more likely they are to listen, and respond to whatever it is you’re putting out there for all to see. Also, something I find very important in being an influencer is being real. I don’t forget to include my failures, set backs, and mistakes in my posts. I feel people are more inspired by people who rise up after being crushed instead of always being “perfect”. It’s important to show your vulnerable side and to not just advertise the perfect side of you. People like inspiring stories, and come backs. It’s a turn off when people only post about how great and accomplished they are. Being humble goes a long way.

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

Similar to the previous answer, make your content unique to you. Everyone is on a different life journey, share yours. People may be interested. And post frequently but not too often. I usually post 3-4 times a week. I feel that if you are active on your account the right amount, more people will see you because of the exposure.

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

I like partnering with brands because I get to ultimately choose which brand I want to partner with. And if it’s something I like, I have no problem advertising the product. It’s pretty easy to be convincing if you are passionate about the product. I like to lift others up, and if this product can do that, then I become very excited to share it with everyone.

Topics:

• Food & Drink
• Health & Fitness
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Technology
• Travel

Country:

United States of America