Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Regina G. Santaella @reginagsant

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

My name is Regina, I was born and raised in Cancun, Mexico, but had to leave my home to get my degree in Fine Arts. I just graduated and now I’m off to Barcelona to specialise in Photography. I’m a painter, boxer, dancer, singer and pianist.
I have struggled with mental illness since I was a child. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Furthermore, I struggled with Anorexia Athletica, Anorexia Nervosa, Orthorexia and Exercise Addiction for years, until I chose to recover.
Recovery has been the most painful experience of my life, but is was worth it. As agonizing as it was, I would do it all over again.
I was, however, blessed with a condition called synaesthesia, which makes my senses blend with each other as a means to see the shape of a sound, feel the taste of a texture or identify the smell of a colour, for instance. Therefore, I have always found myself fascinated by the fact that we all experience life with an amazingly different approach. I understand reality as an intrinsic, intangible construct.

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

My Instagram account is a place where art and mental health awareness meet. I post paintings, portraits or my photography artwork, while opening up about my struggle in hopes of helping other people feel less alone and, if we’re lucky, to feel inspired, to know they’re strong enough, courageous enough and wise enough to face their demons.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It’s just my name. It’s who I am.

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

I don’t do much editing to my pictures, especially if they’re self-portraits (I refuse to retouch or photoshop these), mostly it’s just adjusting the exposure, contrast, saturation or colour temperature. Y usually use VSCO.

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

Nathanaellark is one of my favourites. He uses his art to empower women while also opening up about his own struggles with mental illness. His account is funny sometimes, a breath of fresh air, yet serious on certain occasions and always, always completely honest and warm.

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

Products and brands that help a good cause, like American Eagle’s Aerie, for instance, which supports National Eating Disorders Association; or products made by local artists, such as Pura Vida Bracelets. Oh and they should definitely try yummy food like Speculoos cookie butter!

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

Interacting and engaging with people. I frequently get comments or DMs where people open up to me, and it’s amazing to me that they’re brave enough to share their stories with a stranger. This is a huge compliment for me, and I always, always do my best to help, or at least let them know they have a friend in me.

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

I am trustworthy, responsible and honest. I remember how frustrated I was at first, when I first started my account, because I kept asking myself, “What makes ME different?, ” “Why do I deserve to have people follow me and listen to what I have to say?,” “How will I ever stand out?”
I realised what makes me different is being myself. There is only one ME on this planet, no one will say what I have to say if I don’t. We all share similar flaws, virtues, personalities, interests, etc. but the combination that makes us who we are is one of a kind. We are all unique and beautiful for it.

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

It’s absolutely vital. Like mentioned before, being our authentic selves is what will make us stand out, which will lead us to create original content. When it comes to quality, we have to show the viewer that we care about the aesthetics and content of our accounts. It’s like curating an art exhibition: you choose and display the best you’ve got. Quality makes the influencer trustworthy, caring and dependable.

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

It’s a great opportunity to reach out to more and more people, while supporting a cause/product you believe in.

Topics:

• Art
• Fashion
• Food & Drink
• Health & Fitness
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

Mexico