It seems like social media is really driving a lot of things today. You can find out the latest news, gossip, reviews on products and so on. There are so many “influencers” out there and it seems like everyone is trying to be one. You have those that are doing it all for the right reasons and those who just want free products and think the job is easy it. It is not! I use the term “influencer” loosely because there are people out there that are not really influencing others in a positive way. They promote a bunch of products and tell you to love yourself knowing that people will buy whatever they recommend or try to imitate their lifestyle choices.

I honestly had to stop following a lot of those people because they were making me feel like I wasn’t a good enough blogger. I was tired of seeing them with the goals I had in mind and it was driving me crazy that I couldn’t reach them and making me feel like I could never do any of those things. I would be wasting money buying the products they recommended and some of them didn’t even work or were just horrible. They also didn’t practice what they preached to their followers. I shouldn’t feel bad about myself when I see your picture, watch your stories or come to your page. I felt I was being influenced in a bad way and unfollowed them all.

Now I feel so much better with the people I do follow. I’m being influenced in a positive way and feel inspired by them. It is hard trying not to compare yourself to others on social media. We all have the common goal of success but it would be so boring if everyone was doing the same thing or had the same personality. You are unique for a reason and bring something different to the industry. Everyone has different personalities, editing styles, techniques of doing hair or make up and so on. You can learn so much from others.

Transparent Moment: I was so excited when I was chosen to be an ambassador for Bask & Bloom. It was a goal of mine to work with a natural hair company, especially a black owned one. I honestly didn’t think I would be picked but was so grateful for the opportunity. When I saw the other women I was going to be working with and looked into their pages, I was immediately intimidated. There was a point where I felt I didn’t belong in the group because I felt like they were all so much better than me. I saw how much engagement and support they had from others, the editing skills, how many other companies they have worked with, the number of followers and so on. Now this didn’t make me feel negative at all, it inspired me to do better and level up. I had to realize I was chosen for a reason, someone saw potential in me and knew I would be a fit in this group. It took me a little bit to see that and I am grateful.

I had to stop comparing myself to others, look at what I bring to the table and what is unique about me. It can be hard but I encourage all of you to do the same. What is unique about you?