Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Harmony Calhoun @harmonycalhoun

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

I am originally from Northern California and currently living in Miami Beach, Florida. My two biggest passions are modeling and rock climbing. They both allow me to travel, see new places, and experience new things.

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

I post mostly fitness or climbing related posts and a little nature photography too and sometimes some modeling photos or video shoots. My theme though I would say is fitness and positivity. I learned that my Instagram inspires people to try new things, climb new places, get fit, etc. I try to post motivational words of wisdom sometimes along with a climbing photo because climbing has taught me a lot about mental strength in life and motivating others makes me very happy. I like helping and inspiring people. I like promoting healthy habits and sharing good vibes.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Haha well… It’s just my first and last name, @harmonycalhoun. Nothing extra special or creative. I do have a second account called @climbing_is_my_passion. That name came about because, well, climbing is my passion. One of many passions but in the top two! Climbing has influenced my life in so many positive ways and just feels amazing to do.

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

I edit photos mostly on my computer but my favorite phone app to use for photos outside of the Instagram adjustment options is called Snapseed. Great photo editing app for adjusting the balance and improving the look of a photo.

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

Oh my goodness so many! I can’t even list them because I would feel bad for all the amazing accounts I might leave out. There’s probably 100 I could list easy. Amazing climbing photographers, amazing climbers, amazing nature photographers, fashion photographers, etc. What I love about Instagram is you can share your passions and areas of interest with people that have the same area of interest all over the world. I love seeing nature photos from across the globe and honestly Instagram is responsible for the start and growth of my ever-growing bucket list!!!

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

Hmmmm… that’s a good question… gotta think on that. well… I hope it would be to find motivation through inspiring posts. To follow accounts that motivate you to try things you really want to. Whether it’s art, travel, climbing, getting fit, etc. I mean maybe you can’t travel all the time but… if you get highly motivated you can find a way, let it inspire you and spark this fire of determination to do something amazing! Try something you’ve been meaning to do. Take a snorkeling tour on Saturday. Try a new dance class. Take a climbing class. etc. Find new passions and put moments of awesomeness in your life.

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

My absolute favorite part is inspiring people! In case you haven’t guessed already. When I joined Instagram (a little late) I had no idea what to expect. I was just shooting photos a lot and my friends said I was great and should try the app. And I was amazed by all the talent and beautiful images from all over the world! Then…. probably a little over a year down the road, I started getting feedback of how I inspired people, or their children even. I mean, I didn’t think I’d be inspiring, there are people much better than me at all the things I do, stronger etc. But…. I think what I do is amazing even if it’s not the best but more importantly my outlook, positive attitude and approach to life… I mean, I didn’t know I was inspiring but that was an amazing lesson for me and I absolutely love that I can help enrich other people’s lives!!! That’s huge to me and makes me so happy!

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

That’s a good question too!!! Hmmmm… I would say try to keep your influencers people that your product would really blend in to their feed. For example some pants I got for climbing, they are such a beautiful vibrant color and great fabric and every time I wear them I get asked about them. But… my photos are just of me climbing… no product placement or overly focused effort to squeeze it into a shot. so if you can try to make it natural is ideal. And pick people who will actually use or wear your product outside of posting is even better. And… I think long term ambassadors are better. It’s more like an ad if it’s one post but if it’s long term, one or two posts a month, now they are more like an ambassador or perhaps sponsored athlete and you are supporting their lifestyle or passion versus just a quick ad because you think they have a good look for a post. I think ambassadors or sponsoring people for a longer duration is better perhaps. But again depends on the brand. Just a general response off the top of my head.

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

Quality is very important. Top influencers might not want to collaborate if your brand’s feed has low quality photos whether by the person managing the account of photos from influencers. Maintaining quality posts from the beginning is important. If you’re concerned your feed might not look as good as it could, consider hiring a social media manager.

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

Oh so much! I love trying new upcoming products. I love being an ambassador for good products. I also love that I always have stylish clothes to climb in. Durable and cute backpacks, etc. If I don’t like something I would tell the brand my feedback and exchange it if needed. That’s only happened once when a product didn’t fit right. And if I really didn’t like it then I would just send it back and tell them I am choosing not collaborate because the product didn’t work for me. In modeling sometimes you don’t get to try the product you just work as a team to create a beautiful image or video and I appreciate the creative process. But with Instagram people expect honesty and truthful feedback about products. At least that’s what I want to provide. So I am grateful to have partnered with so many amazing brands with great, high quality products!!! And they want to make sure the influencers like the product they picked and are happy and give honest feedback too. The brands I’ve collaborated with have sweet people on their team and fantastic products. It’s been a very positive experience for me.

Topics:

• Fashion
• Health & Fitness
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Technology
• Travel

Country:

United States of America