Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Jeremy D Boyd @jeremydboyd_miaminewtimes

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

I was born in a small borough of booming metro of Tokyo, Japan to two proficiently well traveled American parents who both met in Japan during their time abroad. Both were teachers at the American School in Japan, which is where I started my schooling at age 5. We moved back to the states to Williamsburg, Virginia just before I was 7 years old, and it’s where I grew up and had most of my youthful upbringing. I went to college at Radford University and shortly after school, was recruited to the headquarters of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International headquarters; the same fraternity I became the Founding President of at Radford University in 2003. I went on from one position to another and eventually ended up running the expansion department, recruiting new universities who wanted Greek life on campus, and recruiting new members. I’ve always been in sales and marketing thru high school and college so this was a natural fit. After a couple years doing this, yet travelling so much for work out of home base (Nashville, Tennessee), I went on my own little adventure. Without any major possessions, I packed up my car in the Summer of 2006 and headed south for Miami. While I didn’t know many folks in Miami, I found myself on a fraternity brothers couch for a couple of weeks, until I found a dream job. That job was an "R.A." or Resident Advisor (like you had in college in your dorm), except this was one at an international language school situated directly on South Beach. It was a dream come true for me, being this young guy with no worries, and a big sense of adventure. While the pay was peanuts, it was a great experience in which I met friends from all over the planet; many whom continue to be great contacts of mine. I did this for some time, and then remained on staff part time after I became the Marketing Director for a mortgage lending firm on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. I went on years after that to an SEO and Web Development company in sales, before finally ending up with the Miami NewTimes where I’ve been now for nearly 10 years. Marketing, sales, events and socializing has always been the lifeblood of me. I enjoy connecting people and helping people pursue success thru their passion. I’ve had an interesting and long path, but know there’s so much more to come!

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

If you follow my feed, you’ll notice several trends: TRAVEL / FOOD / EVENTS and then of course, a multitute of promotions for my clients who I work with at Miami NewTimes, Voice Media Group and V Digital Services. I also serve on several boards and committees including the Miami SOcial League which I co-founded with another associate in support of the Special Olympics of Florida – Miami Dade County. I also sit on the planning committee for Taste of the Nation (No Kid Hungry), which is a great event which raises funds for hungry children across our nation. I love philanthropy, good food and drink, adventure and spectacular events!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s quite simple… my name, the way my business card reads with my middle initial, an underscore and the name of the most recognized company I am with – Miami NewTimes. Thus, @jeremydboyd_miaminewtimes came to life.

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

I’m pretty old school, so I stick to the instagram filters. Most of the time you won’t find me altering photos or editing them. I’m not too concerned which my blemishes… in fact I think they look good on me. HA!

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

@travelandleisure @mikeescamilla @travelawesome @steveyeun @coryrichards @fuckjerry @natgeo @therock @danbilzerian @eater @miaminewtimes @zagat @mrbenbrown @fursty @1924us @curious2119 @onthere

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

The O-Toro Sashimi with Himalayan Rock Salt @ZumaMiami (I guess food is always on my mind)

Conceptually speaking – just go travel, go as far as you can go, as often as you can go. Live life to the fullest… and eat well. Not much better than travelling, eating and drinking well and enjoying fine company!

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

I don’t think of myself as an influencer, but a marketer. I just like to help folks, and my passion for my own business and customers has helped me grow my reach on instagram. People always ask me what I’m known for and I tell them: "NOTHING" but just watch me!

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

I don’t share those type of things… c’mon now!

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

Original content is important. Unique images are important. Travel and food photographs tend to be the most engaging types of media on instagram, which lines up with the verticals I enjoy. Just stick to the natural, and don’t try to be too regimented. People can see thru the b.s.

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

I love being invited to experience things first hand, whether it be a new restaurant to try for a media dinner, or a tasting event for a new spirits brand… it’s always exciting, and brands are always pretty generous about inviting me to numerous events and get togethers.

Topics:

• Art
• Food & Drink
• Humor
• Travel

Country:

United States of America