Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Stephanie Ler @piinkmasquerade

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

My name is Stephanie, 22 this year and I am from Singapore. I’m currently a third year student at the University at Buffalo, majoring in Communication. Being the 1st Runner Up of Miss Bikinis Asia Singapore 2016, I am currently coaching new pageant girls as and when the company requires, and at the same time, looking for new opportunities to compete again at an international level.

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

I get drawn to any photos that include cute little animals, especially if they are fluffy. Otherwise it is anything fashion or food related. Most of my photos are people-related, i.e. I hardly post anything that just shows products or things, as I believe in adding a more personal touch to my photos.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name, @piinkmasquerade, basically speaks for itself. I like the colour pink, and I am intrigued by the concept of a masquerade party. I came to learn about such a theme from one of my favourite musicals/movies of all time – Phantom of the Opera. I like how it is mysterious, yet elegant, at the same time.

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

Ever since I’ve gotten my SLR camera, the main app that I use to edit all of my photos is VSCO, just to adjust the colour and further enhance the clarity and sharpness. Also, I prefer cooler tones for my images, so I would tweak that as well.

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

I do not really have a go-to instagrammer per se, as I believe that every influencer has their own unique style. However, I do enjoy looking at photos whereby the instagrammers themselves are in; i.e. not simply photos of food or products.

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

To be genuine, both online and offline. I have came across many instances whereby I get remarks from my friends about how social media influencers are only nice and friendly online, but when they met them in person, their attitudes are the complete opposite. I believe that being true to oneself is really important, albeit that we are living in such a social media driven world today.

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

I guess my favourite part about being an influencer is the opportunity to work with various brands. From there, I am able to get to know more about the different companies; their products and services, making myself more well-versed in this industry.

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

Find an influencer who truly believes in your brand and/or what the company stands for. In this way, he/she would be able to better represent your company and post a caption that actually resonates well with what he/she was tasked to promote. I think this is more important, and holds greater credibility, than simply finding someone who has a ton of followers on his/her social media.

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

I always believe in adding a more personal touch to all of my captions and photos, because this gives them more originality and authenticity; rather than having a post come off as fake or as a “paid for” advertisement. I think that the key is to take the main points of a message from the company and add to it your own personal flare.

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

The freedom to be creative in my photos and captions. I find it rather stale to be posting photos without actual substance or meaning to it; i.e. simply posting something for the sake of it. So I do get really excited when I receive a new collaboration, because it means that I get to be more unique with the photos I take, giving the brand its due recognition and shoutout on my account.

Topics:

• Animals & Pets
• Education
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Hair & Beauty

Country:

Singapore