Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Michelle Tan @themtan

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

Hello, my name is Michelle Tan. I love being a Creature Unlike Any Other. I’m an accountancy student from the University of Santo Tomas and a literary blogger. I write stories about anything experienced or felt and even share articles that are worth reading. Currently involved in modeling and dancing workshops to an agency. Always a fan of New York Style pepperoni or cheese pizza.

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

Other than my blog, my Instagram account is like a portfolio and a timeline of my life. Most of them are about food, modeling, and traveling. Instagram has became another outlet of my creativity. Lately I want to vary my posts to experience anything out of the sun.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Depicted from my website themichelletan.com, I came up with a shortcut “them tan” to make it shorter. The “M Tan” or “them tan” either way highlights specific glimpse about the life of a unique human being. In short, my Instagram shouts “This is The Michelle Tan!”

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

Currently experimenting the filters of VSCO cam. Normally I’d post any photo in an instant but then I created a dummy account to see if the photo fits the feed perfectly. Even ask my college friends from Arts and Film about what they think of the photo.

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

I adore @beamarinx and @sheenalovessunset! Bea shows how to turn basics into worthwhile appearance. She photographs food, makeup, shoes, clothes, travels, and herself–any girl could wish for! Sheena presents “life” in her pictures through cultural landmarks, practices, and people by her wanders. Anyone would embrace “being human” just by browsing her feed.

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

Traveling solo. It doesn’t even have to be abroad. You can start traveling on local spots around the metro, vacate your home and road trip around the country. Money shouldn’t be an issue. Experience life, other cultures, and the world. Promise, it will open your mind on a different perspective.

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

Most people think that being an influencer entails you to market a brand and get paid. That’s not the case for me. Every influencer has a chance to be a part of the trend while showing their individual personality. Setting trends help the person channel their most creative effort with the brand while staying true to what they are as a person. Doing what you love most is rewarding enough; money should only be a bonus!

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

Trust is important. Gaining someone’s trust is a long-term commitment worth having a part of every person’s life. When marketing a specific brand, you must trust and believe in the brand because once you become a part of the brand, you’re not just associates but partners. I know that my audience trust me because they’ve been very loyal with my journey at my blog and at my life to the point that they have been anticipating my future projects. Remaining true to yourself is vital because it shows to everyone that you’re not trying to become too overwhelming.

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

A famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Imitation is suicide.” It’s not good to simply fit in with the crowd; you have to place your best effort at every content is vital if you want to get noticed. Giving your best means that you are allowing yourself to create a potential masterpiece. Creating something original may sound scary if you think that no one will accept it at first hand. With perseverance, anyone can launch a name for themselves without even compromising quality.

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

Like what I have mentioned before partnering with brands is more than being associated with the brand–it’s being the brand 24/7 with an extra touch of individuality. You and the brand become “one thing” journeying one path with many opportunities; touching lives of people who’d want to join in with your life.

Topics:

• Art
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

Philippines