Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Watkins.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was in college, I was a personal shopper/stylist. But when I graduated, I was told that ‘fashion’ wouldn’t be a way to make money. However, I missed fashion SO MUCH and I had people continuously asking me fashion questions. So, I started my blog, fabglance.com, in 2008 as a way to share my take on fashion trends, answer personal style questions, and share my life in Nashville.
With the advancement of social media platforms and sharing content digitally, readers didn’t want long-form content, they wanted more personality and fewer words. Previously I was able to hide behind my blog, now I was forced to come forward. I started sharing my personal style on the internet. I created editorial looks, attended fashion shows, and still answered fashion questions. I realized as my reader’s interests changed, I had to change too. I become more comfortable sharing my plus-size self online.
By 2016 people were not only asking me fashion questions, they wanted me to teach them how to become influencers. It was true, I was on the internet when MySpace was popping and you still needed a college email address to get Facebook. Now it was all about getting the most followers and working with the biggest brands. I decided to teach one-on-one social media strategy classes. Then, small business owners wanted me to help them create campaigns as well as manage their online presence. I decided to create Glance Digital Strategy as a way to teach social media and work with clients. Now, I’m happy to say I’m an influencer who helps create influencers. I continue to share my style online while sharing my knowledge of the ever-changing social media industry.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Becoming an influencer and building a following is hard work. I’ve been known to play the comparison game and get a bit jealous of my competition. I’ve found that focusing on my goals is the best way to combat those feelings. Of course, confidence is key in this industry and being a small-business owner. Some days are just not YOUR DAY. But it’s ok because you are working on a long-term goal.
Please tell us about Glance Digital Strategy.
My company Glance Digital Strategy was created to help people enter the blogging & influencing world as well as help veteran influencers pivot in an ever-changing industry. In addition, I post weekly tips and tricks to help people understand changes happening on various social media platforms. What sets me apart is the fact that it can make high-end strategy concepts easy to use.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories from childhood was my mom, allowing me to select my First Day of School shoes. It was a pair of pink satin Nike Blazers. It was the first time I could choose for myself. I always had a sense of fashion and my mom, allowing me to make my own selection was her helping me become more confident. I wore those shoes until my toes were scrunched! I was a sneakerhead for sure!
Pricing:
- One on One Digital Strategy starts at $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fabglance.com/social-media-management/
- Email: melissa@fabglance.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/glancedigitalstrategy
www.instagram.com/fabglance - Facebook: www.facebook.com/glancedigitalstrategy
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/fabglance
Image Credit:
Silas Miller @shotsxsi
Harifah Hendricks @harifahhendricksphotography
Christy Hunter @authenticphotosanddesigns
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