Interview with an Influencer: Belinda Liana
Fashion influencer and social media manager Belinda Liana has created a highly engaged, and niche following in the world of women's streetwear fashion. Expanding her posts into the realms of travel and lifestyle, and as an industry insider she is an expert collaborator with brands. Get her top tips!
Fashion influencer and social media manager Belinda Liana has created a highly engaged Instagram following sharing her stylish perspective on women's streetwear fashion.
As an industry insider, she is an expert brand collaborator, and despite having a modest follower count of 12.5k and counting, she has worked with truly titanic brands of the streetwear scene such as Nike and New Balance.
We caught up with our new favourite #hypebae to find out how she sneakered her way into the world of underground fashion.
What channels are you big on?
Primarily Instagram - its the easiest way to communicate with my audience and share my love of fashion and how I style myself.
What topics are you influential in?
Fashion (personal & styling), Moving into the beauty space in the last year and lifestyle.
I also work as the social media manager at Style Runner so I think that’s helped me creatively and made me branch out a bit more on my own social media channels.
How did you initially start to grow your following?
By collaborating with really cool brands and leveraging off one another. Being in Sydney, attending events and working in the industry are all helpful factors for growth.
How many hours a week do you spend working as an Influencer and all that goes with it?
I work full time at Stylerunner as the Social Media Manager so every other hour of the day/7 days a week I dedicate it to my own personal platform, which includes answering all emails, pitching myself to new brands, working on concepts/ shoot ideas and admin stuff!
Do you take the photos on your own or do you have assistance from someone else?
I do use self timer and a tripod but I have amazing people in my life who are always happy to help.
Sometimes I have a really clear idea on what I want to shoot and how I want to shoot it and am able to bring it to life on my own. Street style generally requires a friend to help shoot!
What equipment do you use (Camera/software/editing apps)?
Almost all my pics are shot on an iPhone X. For me I believe the edits make the photo and what works well for me. It’s not about having the perfect composition, sometimes the most candid photos are the ones that engage the best. I use multiple edit apps each time which includes Snapseed / Adobe Lightroom / VSCO / A colour Story.
Do you have a manager to take care of the business side of things?
Nope! I’m a one woman team. I’ve worked in social media for ages now and know most of the brands and PR agencies I work with regularly so I’m fairly capable of managing everything for myself. Sometime I wish I had an extra pair of hands to answer emails though!
What are 2 of your favourite posts that you’ve ever done and why?
My first one would be when I got to connect with Nike and do their VaporMax Run! That’s still one of my fave moments to work with one of my favourite brands.
Second would be my posts for Ruby Lilly Hotel in Munich and Grand Ferdinand in Vienna because it was when I really started doing travel posts and loved shooting at the beautiful locations!
Do you use any tools to help you manage your account?
Instagram insights and iconosquare. Its helpful to know what time is the best to post, what content my followers like the most - all part of growing your profile.
Do you know the demographics of your following?
13-34 and Top 3 countries are Australia / America / United Kingdom
How has your experience been working with brands?
I would say 90% of the time it’s always positive because I get the freedom to be not only creative but collaborative! I also love meeting/ working with new brands, it’s always good to connect with more people!
I would say 90% of the time it’s always positive because I get the freedom to be not only creative but collaborative! I also love meeting/ working with new brands, it’s always good to connect with more people!
What are some of your favourite collaborations and why?
Working with Nike is always amazing because they are beyond innovative and to learn more about my favourite brands is always a plus!
I love collaborating with Ruby Lilly in Munich and Grand Ferdinand in Vienna because it was my first proper time shooting for travel posts and it’s such a nice change.
I love collaborating with emerging brands because they are willing to break the rules with me!!! Which might mean doing something extremely crazy but it’s also nice to meet all of these amazing creative people.
What are some dream brands you would like to work with?
I would love to do more work with Nike, Louis Vuitton, Farfetch, Net-A-Porter and travel agencies!
I would love to do more work with Nike, Louis Vuitton, Farfetch, Net-A-Porter and travel agencies!
What advice would you give to brands looking to work with influencers?
It’s not about their following all the time! Find an influencer that resonates with your brands ethos and vision, and work collaboratively to create something epic!
How do brands generally contact you?
IG DM/ Email.
IG DM/ Email.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to become an influencer?
Always stay true to your style and your interests! You are you and have something unique to offer. What someone else is doing that’s working for them might not be for you and that’s okay, just find your own flow! It’s a constant work in progress but that’s the best bit of it.
