Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Sammie Kolk @hullosam

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

Hi! I’m Sammie aka ‘hullosam‘ (hŭll-oh​-sam – that’s a short u vowel​, ha!) – but you can call me Sammie!​ ​I’m a gal of many trades. Social influencer, makeup artist, content creator and stylist. I also love kids, so I nanny too! (Told ya I do a lot – and I love it!) I am a Canadian­bred, Ontario native who grew up runnin’ in the 6…Toronto, I grew up in​ ​Toronto. In my later youth, I moved to Montreal​ where I learned how to​ speak fluent French​. ​​But really, it’s like a ​smaller version​ of France, super cool! Having moved around lot – Connecticut to Nashville, then now, currently in Charlotte,​ ​I’d like to think I’m always up for new adventures. My favourite activities are spending time with​ Davey (my husband),​ my​ family, content creation, photography, writing what I’m passionate about, cultivating lasting relationships, enhancing the beauty on women’s faces with quality, non-toxic makeup…and ​I adore traveling! I love a good road-trip​ ​– with great snacks​ ​please! (I’m a huge snacker.) ​​I have a slight obsession with makeup (especially a good​ l​ipstick), I love the beach. sushi and anything Parisian and musical (I am ​always listening to music​, and my blog originally was a music blog before I transitioned into full–time clean beauty as Ma Vie En Vert​)​.

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

I post a lot about clean living and green beauty – makeup, skincare, haircare, bodycare..all the care, really haha. I’m also a big foodie, so anything healthy, organic, local and (most importantly) YUMMY! My posts also include lifestyle and fashion. I feel like this allows my audience to connect with me well on the every day.

One of the main reasons I have such a passion for clean living and green beauty is because I’ve spent most of my life with sensitivities and intolerances – ranging from skin, to​ ​food, dairy and more – nowadays I’m living a gluten-free, dairy-free and (sorta) sugar-free​ ​life. (The latter is not so easy, with my sweet-tooth.) I’d say my passion for all things ‘clean’ and ‘green’​ ​came into fruition when I realized that I not only wanted to put pure, safe and healthy​ ​things IN my body – but ON my body. After-all, our skin is a highly complex functioning​ ​organ that reflects our health and wellbeing. If the health of our skin is nurtured, this helps​ ​to promote full health to the body & mind. In return, we get healthy glowing skin!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

To be honest, it’s quite simple…maybe a bit boring? I just wanted to say ‘hello!’ and for some reason, ‘hullo’ sounded cooler to me…so I stuck ‘sam’ at the end of that and voila! A brand was born..

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

VSCO and Afterlight are my two faves. I try to keep it pretty simple. I definitely prefer and use VSCO the most! I think it’s come such a long way and there are so many awesome presets, filters and other cool tools to use to make your photo look amazing. I’m an A-6 kinda gal! 😉

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

Oh my, there are so many! I’m a big, big fan of @jordanaclaudia – but then again, she’s my little sister, so I may be a bit biased haha. But really, she’s incredible at curating photos, styling and connecting with her followers. Such an inspiration! I also really enjoy @minimalistbaker’s Instagram. Her feed is literally drool-worthy! Her photography is impeccable, and her recipes – many of which are dairy and gluten-free – are some of my faves!

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

Two words: ELEMENTS. TRUFFLES. (@elementstruffles) Seriously some of the best organic, raw, dairy-free, Ayurvedic hand-crafted chocolate I have EVER had. (And I’m pretty picky about my chocolate!) It’s also sweetened with local honey…I mean, can you honestly say GUILT-FREE for any chocolate?! With this company you can…they’re incredible. (And beautifully crafted and packaged too!)

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

Honestly? Connecting with people is my favourite. Getting to know them. Even if it’s just through the internet…I mean, I’ve made some of my closest/best-friends on Instagram! It’s wild to think about, but it’s true! Connections are so important, whether it be with a brand, an influencer, a follower, a friend, a stranger…it’s all so great!

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

My top tips to brands would be to give as much information as possible about the campaign you are running. Be clear on compensation, gifting product, deadlines, and more. If possible, a contract always defines things way better than just an e-mail. However, if an e-mail is what you’re pitching a campaign through, that’s fine too! Just make sure it’s thorough. 🙂

Maintaining authenticity, for me, isn’t too difficult. I think that’s because I try to see the person behind the e-mail, or contract and I attempt connecting with them on a relational level. Of course, still maintaining my professionalism. I think a balance is so important! Being friendly, professional, yet honest and maintaining integrity all at the same time.

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

Quality is huge! I never want my work to be sub-par, I always want my written content, photos, tags and more to be the best of the best. Original content – down to the photos I style – is so incredibly important to me. It defines my brand, my blog and showcases my skills.

So with that all being said – I definitely advise all content creators to seriously invest in the time it takes to create original and quality content. It won’t be overlooked!

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

I truly enjoy the relationship, getting to know the brand. Working with them not only once, but again and again, if possible. I also enjoy testing and trying out the products sent to me! I have found some amazing products that I use on the regular because of a campaign or collaboration! Of course monetary compensation is lovely as well, especially for rewarding all of the time, hard work and skill put into a campaign. 🙂

Topics:

• Cooking
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Gardening
• Hair & Beauty
• Health & Fitness
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America