Insights on Instagram by an Influencer: Ankita Biswas

 

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If you would have to introduce yourself in a gist, what all will you include about yourself? 

My name is Ankita Biswas.  I am 22 years old and currently pursuing B.Tech in Information Technology.  I am a voracious reader, a culinary critic, and a fashion enthusiast. I am a Social Media Influencer under the niche of fashion and lifestyle. I am here to encourage and uplift those women who weigh heavier on the weighing scale through my work. I believe Fashion has no boundaries and it's for all. I make affordable fashion Content that will make you look stylish and trendy without burning a hole in your pocket. 

2. What led you to start your page on Instagram and what is it about?

I started 3 years back as an Influencer. I have this unparalleled love for Fashion since I was a kid!    

I was always called a Fatso and since childhood, I have faced Body Shaming.I had stretch marks, flabby tummy, and frizzy hair. Confidence? What's that?  I never wore a sleeveless dress just because people judged me. I used to cover myself under shrugs and scarfs. I avoided tight fitted jeans on all occasions because that would accentuate my thighs. I was severely depressed and had anxiety attacks. 

This continued for years until one day when I decided to break free from the shackles of depression. As a teen, I loved watching Project Runway, shows by Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, etc. I never had the runway model figure as a teen but the fashion lover inside me didn't die.  I had reached a point where I felt writing about my feelings would help my mental peace. So, I started off with my page where I used to tell girls and boys that fashion isn't only for the hourglass figure or the elite class.

I always tried to give out a social message through my work like-" self-love”, "Body Positivity", etc. I found so many people loving my work and calling me "BEAUTIFUL". In this process, I gained back my long lost confidence and embraced my curves. I promised myself to work hard every day to instill "this" confidence in others who are lacking it. This is how "Half blush"(my page) was born. I named it so because one half of me was a studious, timid, shy girl and the other half was a creative person who wanted to show the world who she really is. 

3. How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?

A blogger owns his /her own website where they publish their valuable original content. Detailed knowledge of a particular domain and good writing skills is necessary to flourish as a blogger. 

An influencer has a huge following on social media handles. They are famous enough to be deemed as a role model and are trendsetters. They have all the power to influence the minds of the people or rather influence the "purchase decision" of people. A blogger can be called an influencer as well. 

4. Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?

Taj Mahal wasn't built in one day. Similarly, you need to grow first. In this process, you have to invest in the beginning. Once you get a good hold on our content, brands will pay you for your hard work. Your insights will speak how hard have you worked and how many people have you influenced. Choosing the right type of collaboration is really important. Once you start giving worth to your own content, you will realize that this profession is financially sustainable. 

5. What do you think influences consumer behavior?

Being an Influencer myself, I exactly know how a source of influence on consumers and their buying behavior work. The first duty of an Influencer is to try and test products and services themselves before recommending it to their followers. There must be proper transparency and to do so they must arrange a Q/A session where they can answer truthfully all the questions that consumers generally have. A detailed review of products/services is really important. We must never fake a review because by doing so, we will be proved unreliable and unfaithful. Be HONEST all the time! 

6. Your opinion on Instagram contemplating removing likes option for posts.

Instagram is an amazing platform for promoting business. Instagram like removal will serve as a seismic shock for small businesses and Influencers. The business agencies, brands, and influencer marketing will be highly affected if likes from such a platform abolish. It will be hard to attract customers, as people tend to compare brands on the basis of likes and followers. I definitely think it is not a good idea to remove the like option from posts. However, this will allow small and genuine creators to stand out. It will give them a good boost of self-confidence and allow them to showcase their talent without being judged.  

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is IKIGAI - (The Japanese secret to Long and Happy life) 

This book is life-changing. We all have a hectic and stressful life.  It's really difficult to find our 'Ikigai' i.e. -something that makes us happy and compels us to get out of bed every morning and get working. This book teaches so many lessons regarding how to nurture our friendships, get rid of personal fears, depression, and anxieties, in order to lead a fulfilling life. Being a social media Influencer I get hate comments on a regular basis. Sometimes the work pressure gets too much and this book always comes to the rescue. The simplest things are often the most beautiful, and this book is the perfect example of this statement. It taught me not to get affected by the impermanence of all things that make us sad but rather surround ourselves with positivity and love. I would suggest everyone give it a read because it's a gem of a book.

8. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?

Life has its own ups and downs.  Success to me is not defined by a big fat paycheck or owning a brand new car. Success to me is when I bring a smile on someone's face, people love and appreciate my work and my parents are proud of me. It is closely related to my heart and the people surrounding me. It's very important to set some goals in our life. Never forget to follow your passion. I have always believed that hard work and dedication pays off. Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again and you will grow stronger and wiser. 

"Give wings to your imagination and never ever stop believing in yourself" is my ultimate mantra in life to be successful.

Instagram ID: https://www.instagram.com/_half_blush_/