My Slow & Steady Growth as an Influencer

Because it has been slow…yet steady. I became consistent with my blog and social media page in 2018. I am so proud of the space and community I have built since then. My brand of colorful street style, encouragement for students, transparency in academia, and city lifestyle recommendations is solidified. I’ve built a business, y’all, from the ground up ALL while working my tail off through medical school and residency. Again, I am just so proud. 

Still, I recognize there is room for Growth. In everything I do, I always want to keep working, keep improving, and keep leveling up. For the past five years, I have been spinning out these blog posts, fashion posts, style tips, city guides, lifestyle posts, tips for students, tips for residents, and women’s health info. CONSISTENTLY, m’kay?! I feel like I give so much to my platform(s). I’m not your run of the mill fashion girl. In one breath, I can walk you through how to confidently wear color and in another inform you how to increase your chances at a healthful pregnancy and delivery. I can advise you on how to have the most incredible day in Harlem and teach you how to pass standardized exams. We got range, m’kay?! Still, I’d be lying if I said I never compared my social media page and progress to those who also started around the time I did; those who have well surpassed the coveted 100K mark. 

I haven’t gone viral (if you consider that virality) since sharing my step 1 failure…and I’m not failing anymore exams, y’all! The questions have gone through my head: What am I doing wrong? Do I need to be more like this? Should I be less of that? I always wish I had posted even more before the IG algorithm truly became a thing and started hiding content creators. I’ve also heard new accounts grow faster and easier than the older ones these days. Have I thought about starting a completely new page? Absolutely. Before very recently, reels were definitely the way to grow on IG. Now the ever changing algorithm and goal post have changed again (!!!). I actually love creating video content, but I was not into the whole dancing for your life theme. It just wasn’t me. Does that mean I stunted my own growth? Maybe, but I can’t sacrifice my authenticity. 

I’ve been thinking and strategizing about my growth for some time because, again, my aim is always to improve and increase opportunity and access. It takes funds to create content, y’all, and I do want to see my work pay off. In all my thinking and strategizing, I do try to remind myself how far I have come. My growth may be slow, but I AM STILL IN MY BAG!! I just closed a campaign with Nike for God’s sake. I have been invited to Broadway shows and have been gifted orchestra seats, for God’s sake. I am consistently getting amazing mailers from brands. I have been on brand trips, gone to brand events, and I have even made over 6 figures with my platform over the years. Isn’t that the goal anyway? Partnerships? Brand connections? It’s my goal. I suppose my focus on that follower count stems from my desire to have even more of what I already accomplished. The numbers do matter, but they are not everything. I have done so much with well under 20K followers on IG. I am constantly reminded with every brand communication and opportunity: Anya, you’re doing good, girl!

Someone once told me she’s surprised I don’t have a larger following. Another once told me my blog is way underrated. I cannot say I disagree with them. And while the slow and steady growth is frustrating, I’m glad I am still growing. I’m glad I’m still improving. Am I trying to go viral or leave a legacy? Many do both. I’m ok with doing both, but if I had to choose one, it’s legacy for sure. Because of my tiny slice of the internet, someone will decide not to quit. Someone will decide never to give up on their dreams. That is impactful. That is influential. I want the 6 figures in 1 year. I want the Amazon the Drop Collection. I want the 100K follower count. I am confident I will get there, but for now, I just want to say I have such a solid and supportive community and I truly thank y’all for rocking with me. While I do intend to grow, I will always serve the community I have to the best of my ability. To those also experiencing slow social platform growth, take heart. Serve others and enjoy what you do. I truly enjoy what I do. I love fashion to my core. I love treating an outfit like a puzzle, finding the perfect piece for completion, and taking in all of your reactions! I love chatting with y’all, sharing with y’all, and talking about my top recommendations. That’s what we’ll continue to do over there. Nice and steady.

xx,

Photos by Tina Smith