Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Poh Bei Yan @bagaddictsanon

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

I’m based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and am the founder of luxury bag blog, Bag Addicts Anonymous. The blog has since expanded to cover fine jewellery luxury timepieces, and accessories due to my penchant for all things luxury!

I’m also a classical musician, music teacher, university lecturer, and I’m currently pursuing my PhD in Arts, specifically in the field of the sociology of fashion.

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

My topics of interest include fashion, music, typography, and all things artsy fartsy.

I usually post fashion-related material that is ‘on-brand’ with my blog content.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s actually an extension of my blog. When I was thinking of what to call my blog, my niche was luxury bags, so I immediately thought of Bag Addicts Anonymous (bagaddictsanon on Instagram for short) because I wanted it to be a community/site for all bag addicts out there. The idea was adopted from addiction support groups, but instead of supporting each other and helping each other heal our addiction, we enable each other instead!

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

I use various apps to edit such as vscocam, instagram’s built-in photo editing tools, and acolorstory. My editing routine depends on the nature of the photo. For colour adjustments and to make colours pop, I use acolorstory (add filters, adjust curves and brightness), and then load them into vscocam, and instagram to tweak them a little more.

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

I really love Gary Pepper Girl — Her travel shots are amazing!!

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

Switching to the Instagram business account! The built-in analytics are great, and you can even check your reach, impressions and engagement for each individual post!

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

My loyal and engaged followers! I would not be where I am if I didn’t have the support of an audience!

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

For brands, it is important to choose influencers whose content and brand resonates with yours. Don’t be seduced by the massive followings because while you would get plenty of eyeballs, quality is always better over quantity. Sometimes, it’s influencers with the smaller followings who actually have an opinion and a voice, not to mention, a more targeted and content-relevant market!

With regards to authenticity, I never ever work with brands which aren’t ‘on brand’ with my own brand because your followers will know when you’re just doing it for the money or the perks. It’s better to be selective with the brands you work with instead of just working with a brand because they approached you. I also never endorse a brand if it’s not something that I myself will use, or if I don’t believe in its products and services.

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

Quality is of utmost importance. Tell your story in your own voice, and don’t be afraid to have an opinion, because you’ll realise that it’s those opinions that differentiate you from the rest! In terms of content, especially when working with brands on campaigns, certain statements, facts, and ideas, have to be incorporated into your posts, so in that sense, content can never truly be 100% original so in those instances, just be YOU!

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

The thing I love about partnering with brands is the relationships and friendships that come from it. I’ve been extremely blessed to work with some of the best luxury brands like Gucci and Dior, and of course, it’s definitely great to have them on my portfolio!

Topics:

• Fashion

Country:

Malaysia