Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Yaneli Carrillo @Nelimusique

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

I’m currently a junior in college studying business with a focus in marketing. I live in Los Angeles, California and have lived here pretty much all of life. I love that this place is so big you can always have a new place to explore. It’s amazing living by the beach, the mountains, the desert and having such a huge city to explore.

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

I post just about anything that looks cool or interest me. My main themes are travel, photography and lifestyle with the occasional picture of a cool car or fashion accessory. Sometimes it looks like I don’t stick to a main theme but I think my followers like my Instagram so much because I post top quality interesting things so they’re always happy to see what I’m up to.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is composed of two things, my name and one of my favorite things. I go by Neli so the first half is Neli and the second half is music in French. Seems kind of irrelevant because I don’t post much music related pictures but music is a huge part of my life and one of my biggest passions. Since middle school I’ve been playing the violin and learned to play other instruments like the piano, drum set, guitar, bass, trumpet and a couple others.

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

A lot of my photos are with a Nikon d3200 and if I’m not using a professional camera I just use my iPhone 6. I think to capture a good picture the equipment doesn’t matter. It’s about the talent and passion behind what you’re doing. I usually try not to edit my pictures but when I do, I only rely on one app, PicsArt, which I use to just sharpen it a bit and bring a little bit of more color to it.

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

My top favorite Instagrammer definitely has to be doyoutravel because he’s living the dream. I love to travel and even though I’m a busy person being a full time student and working, whenever I do get a chance I try to visit somehwere new and travel. He travels all over the world and just makes his dreams happen. He gets paid to visit cool new places and if that isn’t the best job I don’t know what is.

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

The first thing that comes to mind isn’t an object or a material thing. I think my fellow instagramers should try living with their hearts more and following their passions. Sometimes it’s difficult because you’re afraid of what will happen if you just do what makes you happy or if you think you can’t but in the end you will be happy. I’ve become a happier person just going for things and following my sense of adventure. I grow as a person and overall become so much happier. Even if sometimes I don’t have the means, I work hard to make it happen because it’s something that is worth so much to me.

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

It’s an honor when a brand approaches you and thinks you’d be perfect to help them grow their business. When brands come to you, they’re picking you because they think you’re going to help them even in the smallest way possible by simply advertising them on your page. It means a lot because they choose who they want, and when you are chosen it gives you an opportunity to help someone’s passion or hard work become more of a reality because a lot of the brands that come to me tend to be smaller companies that aren’t as well known. With the occasional big company like I’ve done ads for Coca-Cola, Sprite, Walgreens and Mazda. That too is a great feeling.

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

I think it’s important for brands to choose influencers that they think aren’t going to just share their brand for the payment or value of the free product. Sometimes you can tell if an influencer is just in it for the reward. I personally only accept collaborations with brands that I see myself fully supporting and using. I never do it just for the reward or free product, nor do I accept all invites to collaborate if I’m not into the product no matter the reward. Having an influencer that really supports the brand shows their followers that the brand is something really worth checking out.

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

Quality and originality are the most important when making an Instagram successful. Instagramers aren’t going to want to follow an account that constantly is just reposting other pictures they found on the web or from other instagramers. No one wants to see blurry or pixelated pictures either. Success is found in those accounts with original content with quality instead of quantity.

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

My favorite thing about partnering up with brands is sharing a product I see myself using or being a part of everyday. It’s a good feeling when you see your followers taking interest and wanting to know more about it in the comments after sharing it. You know you’re helping the brand get more exposure and sharing a brand you know your followers will enjoy.

Topics:

• Cars & Motorcycles
• Fashion
• Health & Fitness
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America