Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Benjamin.
Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for being a creative was birthed when I created my first blog while in high school. I truly loved expressing myself and having the ability to connect with others online. It was then that I began getting into the world of graphic design and content creation as well. Fast forward to my college years, I was able to really hone in on my marketing skills while working with different brand owners on building their digital presence online. I was also able to dabble into the influencer world and navigate having a social presence through my personal blog Modernly Michelle.
What I did notice regarding being an influencer is that I didn’t see a ton of women of color being represented or provided with a ton of opportunities. After listening to stories, I also realized that quite a few up-and-coming bloggers were discouraged because they felt that because of their follower count they wouldn’t ever get recognized. It was because of this Curlfluence was born. Curlfluence is a platform that connects women of color bloggers and influencers with brands who are inclusive. We provide opportunities for these women in the natural hair and beauty space to have access to receiving complimentary products for them to test, review, and share with their audience regardless the amount of followers.
As my love for digital marketing and creativity wouldn’t rest, we knew it was best to expand and created Curlfluence Media Group. At Curlfluence Media Group, we work one on one with natural hair and beauty brands to expand their digital footprint and simplify their marketing strategy. Being able to service brand owners and our influencers in the Curlfluence network is extremely rewarding!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe every entrepreneur can agree that owning your own business isn’t easy. I’ve also definitely learned along the way the areas in myself that I needed to improve. In the very beginning I can say there were times where I would get hit with feelings of self-doubt. When you come to realize and accept your calling, especially if you’re helping others, you never want to feel as if you’re letting anyone down. Throughout all of this, I still also have my personal blog and never wanted to feel like I’m neglecting that platform.
I had to quickly realize that instead of focusing on what I thought I couldn’t do, I had to focus on what I knew I could do. I knew being able to provide resources, help brands creatively express themselves, and having a platform for women of color are all passions of mine so I had to continue pushing forward. Once I reminded myself of these truths I vowed to set any negative feeling aside and focus on the positives.
If you’re just starting your journey of entrepreneurship and a little apprehensive, I would recommend that you push through those feelings. Don’t let any negative thoughts or other things deter you from doing something you feel you’re called to do. Always stay focused on your ultimate goal and spend each day trying to improve from the last. Once you find what works best for yourself and your business, you’ll find navigating through it all won’t always be difficult.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Curlfluence Media Group – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
At Curlfluence, we focus on providing opportunities for women of color bloggers and influencers to connect with brands who are inclusive. We give these content creators the chance to work with awesome businesses and give them a platform to share their content. From local events to content collaboration, we love being able to encourage these women while on their influencer journey.
Within Curlfluence Media Group, we provide marketing and creative services to businesses of all sizes within the natural hair and beauty space. As business owners ourselves, we understand that there is a lot to juggle so we work with these brands to help simplify their digital marketing strategy. From social media management to influencer relations, we streamline the marketing process that best suits the business.
As a brand, I am definitely the proudest of being able to give back to our community. From the influencers we work with to the brands we create for, having the opportunity to pour back into our community is gratifying. The fact that we’re able to provide opportunities for influencers regardless of their audience size is also what really sets us apart. We always encourage focusing on creating awesome content and cultivating your current audience as opposed to only fixating on gaining a million followers.
Who have you been inspired by?
While there are tons of women who inspire me, my mother has always served as my biggest inspiration. I’ve always especially admired her hardworking and selfless spirit. It definitely has helped shaped my current outlook on life and to this day I continue to aspire to be just like her. I also love to listen to stories of women who overcame different obstacles, especially those who had the courage to pursue their passions in spite of those obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Curlfluence.com and www.CurlMediaGroup.com
- Email: info@curlfluence.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Curlfluence and www.instagram.com/ModernlyMichelle (Personal)
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Curlfluence
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Curlfluence
- Other: www.ModernlyMichelle.com
Image Credit:
Brand Guide Photography, LifeStyleJones
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
