Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Latasha James @ajourneyeast_

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

I am a social media marketer by day. I freelance and work in corporate social media and am based in Detroit, Michigan. I moonlight as a travel, lifestyle, and beauty vlogger, and love exploring new places to eat and sip coffee on the weekends!

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

Most of my Instagram photos are about travel or lifestyle around Detroit. I’m constantly exploring so I like to take snaps and share some of the hidden gems that the city has to offer.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

a journey east is the name of my blog and YouTube channel. The name started when I moved to Washington, DC when I was 18. I’m from Kalamazoo, Michigan and had always wanted to at least try out living on the east coast. I moved back a year later, but eventually took another journey east, 2 hours away to Detroit. My social platforms have always kind of followed me along in that journey; from graduating college in Kalamazoo, to applying for jobs in Detroit, to getting my first big girl apartment, and navigating my career. As for my Instagram name, unfortunately ajourneyeast is taken, so I chose the next best thing and added an underscore: ajourneyeast_.

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

I use VSCOcam for almost every photo. F2 is my go-to. The only other app I use is Facetune; but not in the way you’re probably thinking! I use the whitening feature on it to make my photos appear brighter sometimes, but that’s really it.

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

I really enjoy the @buffer Instagram. As a social media professional, they give me some great ideas for posts and their feed is also really aesthetically pleasing. As for photogs, I have been following @josue_foto for awhile and @incorporatemode always gives me some good style inspo.

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

LIVE VIDEO! It can be scary at first, but you’ve just gotta do it. Live video is going to be huge in social media marketing this year and it’s best to hop on the wave before you’re left behind.

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

I love getting to try new products and places for my followers since I know not everyone has the opportunity or time to do it themselves. I like helping my followers be more informed buyers by providing honest opinions and sharing my experiences in a genuine way.

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

Let influencers be themselves. Scripts and excessive guidelines make us look and feel like salespeople. That’s not how influencer marketing is supposed to work. We should be sharing things authentically and feeling more like a best friend, not an infomercial.

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

No one likes a copycat. Share the world through your eyes; that’s what makes your account unique.

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

Maintaining relationships is so important. I’ve had some great relationships that have lasted many years, and that’s something very special. I love the feeling of genuine support; them wanting me to succeed and vice versa. Plus, it’s always fun to be one of the first to try something new or to be invited to fun events!

Topics:

• Hair & Beauty
• Travel

Country:

United States of America