Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Rachel Chen @VINTAGEDOLLS

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

My name is Rachel Chen and I am Chicago’s top fashion & lifestyle influencer.

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

I post about my jetsetter life and penchant for luxury items.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

The story of my Instagram handle is uninteresting, but relatable. Think about the first email address you created for yourself decades ago. At the time, the middler schooler you was so proud of coming up with this INGENIOUS name. Fast forward to present day and you cringe when you think about it. You hope no one ever finds out what your first email was. This is my exact story and my situation! I created the name in 8th grade without giving it much thought, believing it was the coolest name ever. I registered all of my accounts in this username. By the time my Instagram starting gaining prominence, it was too late to change it.

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

I edit all of my photos in Lightoom on my desktop. Once I transfer the edited images to my phone, there are some apps that I enjoy using. VSCO to give my photos the same “feel”, Afterlight for cool light effects, Snapseed for selective edits, and RNI Film to add “dust” to my images!

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

I like following anyone who inspires me. I love original work, none of that cookie-cutter photos.

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

I really enjoy making stop motions. I think Instagrammers should branch out of the usual “still image”.

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

The creative freedom! I feel that a regular 9-5 job would be so restricting. I love managing my own time and being my own boss.

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

Brands should have general guidelines about what they want. A moodboard is very helpful for influencers. However, brands should never give specifics such as “You must take a photo holding the product like this. You must shoot it at this location”. Creative freedom is so important if the brand wants diverse content.

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

I think it’s important to stand out. The fashion blogger world has become more and more homogenous. If you can capture images that are dynamic, then you’re sure to capture the interest of your audience.

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

I love creating unique content that brands can repurpose.

Topics:

• Fashion
• Food & Drink
• Travel

Country:

United States of America