Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Shanika Goodspeed @Shay_speed

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

I say I’m on a personal fitness journey to turn myself into a superhero. What that really means is I am actively building more lean muscle mass and living a very clean, healthy lifestyle in the interim. I suppose I am an outlier in that everyday I work towards what most women fear: gaining muscle. But I don’t look at muscular women and see them as unattractive. Lean, defined muscle is becoming more and more of what is deemed sexy according to societal standards. But even if it weren’t, it’s attractive to me. And it is my aim. I have always had a very small frame. I was called skinny growing up. So my struggle in gaining weight (muscle) is something many women cannot relate to. I feel insulted when called skinny the same way most women do when called fat.

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

Most of what goes in my account includes videos of my workouts, pictures of my meals, and updated pictures of my progress as I take my followers along on my journey. However, I travel a lot, so I post myself in other cities and countries along with tips as to how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road. Sometimes I post facts that debunk myths about working out, and I have been known to post rather direct quotes targeting laziness or apathy when it comes to addressing health. However, to counter that, I post inspirational memes about fitness as well.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is a combination of my full name: Shanika Goodspeed ▶️ shay_speed. However, ppl saw my IG name and assumed my first name was Shay. Therefore they started referring to me as Shay in the fitness world, and I developed an alias. I like it because when someone calls me “Shay” I know what world they’re coming from, and it automatically puts me in a certain frame of mind.

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

Splice, Studio, Framatic, and PixArt are my go to apps to edit pictures and videos. When I take a picture, unless I need to highlight certain elements or bring attention away from the background I don’t put filters on them. The reason is filters create an enhancement of what one’s body really looks like, and I try to be as forthcoming and honest with my followers about my journey. However, when adding text, dates, or creating collages or videos, these apps come in very handy.

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

Missherbacheeks was one of the main people I kept my eye on when drawing inspiration very early on in my journey. She and I seem to be on a very similar journey, and I respect the content she posts.

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

Many people struggle with discipline and consistency when trying to reach a specific goal. What has helped me is having a coach to help keep you accountable. Also, when faced with the decision to follow a workout/eat clean versus taking a shortcut or cheating on a meal plan, sometimes the idea of disappointing someone helps keep you on the plan.

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

My absolute favorite part would have to be the stories I hear of how I helped someone through one of my posts, words of advice or inspiration. You always hope what you’re doing is effecting someone in a positive way, but when you get confirmation it makes all the struggles worth it.

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

One of the most important things to do as an influencer is to remain consistent. People you inspire usually do not let you know the effect you have on them – they usually remain silent while looking at all your posts. So staying true to your journey and being consistent is the best way to remain credible. Also, honesty is key. It’s better not to portray yourself as someone who doesn’t have faults or succumb to weakness because 1) it isn’t realistic and 2) people can’t relate to it. We’re all human. It’s better and more effective to let your followers know that it is okay not to be perfect all the time.

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

The integrity of quality posts is the difference in a respectable influencer and those who just act like it. There were people I admired when I started my journey just to find out they had taken many short cuts to get to where they were. Those people quickly fell from my circle of influence. Since I know how that personally made me feel, I try to be the person that others can truly look up to. That’s what I respect, and that’s what my followers respect.

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

The best part about partnering with brands is becoming part of a group of likeminded individuals. It becomes a source to draw from for inspiration. Also, it becomes a source of inspiration for your followers when they see what is possible.

Topics:

• Health & Fitness

Country:

United States of America