Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Shelby Howell @shelbyshowell

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

Hi! I’m Shelby. I currently study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. I blog about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle over at my site, TheGoldDime.com.

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

Fashion and beauty. I mainly post my outfits and accessories on instagram, but I really love posting random pictures of coffee, books, or scenery I find in New York City.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My instagram is simply my name, but my blog has a bit of a back story regarding the name. I wanted to have a name that really resonated with me and didn’t loose meaning overtime. In my family, dimes have always been our good luck charm. They would show up at the most ironic times, in the most unreal places. So to make it and idiom, I picked ‘gold’ dime.

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

I primarily use VSCO cam. I’ve used Afterlight in the past, but VSCO is best for creating a ‘theme’ or aesthetic across all your photos. When I start a new filter, I’ll edit the picture how I want it. From then on I simply copy and paste those edits to each photo I upload; sometimes I change the brightness or contrast depending on the photo.

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

I’m a huge fan of Shalice Noel and Arielle Charnas. I love them because they’re the perfect mix of fashion and real life. They incorporate real life photos with their children or what they’re doing that’s not fashion related.

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

Hashtags! Especially when you’re starting out. I’m sometimes ashamed at how many I use, but they truly work for likes and getting more exposure. Ever since I started to use them I noticed more people reaching out to me. Just pick ones that relate to your content and use your location.

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

I really like connecting with other influencers. I love being around people who understand the process behind getting a good photo or creating other great content. I also love working with ‘smaller’ brands that people might not now about. It’s fun learning about new brands and contributing to smaller one’s growth.

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

I think brands need to allow influencers a lot of creativity. It’s certainly hard for influencers to maintain their image if all of their sponsored posts are heavily influenced by a brand. I maintain authentic content by agreeing to work with companies I support and when they allow me to still have a decent amount of say in what I create.

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

No one likes someone who only does sponsored posts, they feel lied to after a while. Is every product really that great? Have they even tried it? Followers see that you’re not true to yourself if you accept all offers from brands. I think it’s really important to be influencing but still relatable to your following.

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

Like I mentioned before I really like giving exposure to smaller brands. I think they’re the most fun to work with too because they’re all about allowing creativity and working with you through constant conversation.

Topics:

• Fashion
• Hair & Beauty
• Travel

Country:

United States of America