Jaanvi Sadana - Influencers Have to Fight for Their Worth/Opportunity, Even Within the Industry Because You Won’t Grab It, Someone Else Will (Content Creator, India)

Instagram - @jaanvi_sadana

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am a 20 year old Delhi girl who has always been fascinated with clothes, outfits , trends and all things fancy. I was a PCMB student who had just passed out of school and was about to step in my Law school so Fashion influencing was never the plan, it just happened. And like they say, sometimes when you least expect it, good things happen. 

I had nobody who could guide me through the way or teach me how things work in this industry so I won’t say my journey so far was a piece of cake. Initially, it was tough. To make people around you - your friends and your relatives believe that “Influencing” as a career or a part-time thing is something serious was definitely something I had to deal with everyday and it really affects you mentally because when you feel that you need most of the support, you have none. 

I had no idea how to shoot, how to collaborate with brands , how to approach different PRs (or to even know there were any) and then finding some space and respect in the already-ruled over empire. So it took quite a lot of time, hard work and late night breakdowns to get where I am, but I’ve finally found my place!

2. What led you to start your blog and what is it about?

So there is a short yet funny story behind it. It was daughter’s day and my mom wanted to buy me a DW watch, so we went to the mall and while billing the salesman told us that we can get an “influencer” discount. We searched on Instagram, applied the influencer code and got the watch at 15% off. We were so thrilled. 

My mom encouraged me to become an influencer, she saw the potential in me and I thought why not? I have always been a confident kid and never been reluctant to try new things or be trapped doing just one thing at a time. Be it dance , abacus , basketball or trying on new paintings. 

Trust me, I have done it all! Maybe that is just my Sagittarius personality. Also, I used to love getting clicked, be on stage , putting outfits together from my wardrobe. So I just went for it. 

People keep asking me that what is the use of being a science student then pursuing law and doing fashion influencing? But I do not understand that why does everything has to make sense? Can’t we just do different things that we love? I feel it is the 21st Century and this World has so much to offer everyone. 

We do not have to be in a box and follow the norms of society. That’s how it started, just with a dream to become an influencer who could get a free branded watch. I never thought I could do this but I just went for it , being confident in myself and with the idea that okay I can learn a new skill set (I have always been open and passionate about learning new things), with a thought that I may not know what it is about but I can learn. 

I don’t think anyone reaches a point where how successful you are in life , you can’t learn something new and I think that’s something git me where I am , doing what I am.

3. Is it financially sustainable to be a digital creator these days?

I don’t want to break the bubble for new people by saying no. Initially it is not, like for me even with an audience of around 50,000 I won’t say it is financially stable for me. Sometimes you get so many campaigns in a month and sometimes it is nothing. 

Influencers have to fight for their worth/opportunity, even within the industry because you won’t grab it, someone else will. It is like a rat race now because every other person on the gram is or wants to become a content creator. I think it would take a few more years until it becomes a more financially sustainable career.

4. How can someone become a successful content creator?

By being “YOU”. I know it is a very clichéd answer but it is what it is . In a sea full of influencer - both budding and established - you would only be able to stand out if you have a clear self-image of who you are and what you represent as an influencer. 

Even if you make a video on “How to style a skirt” which I am sure is a content created by many, there has to be a flair of your own personality in the content/video that gives your viewer a taste if who you are. 

As a budding influencer, make sure to capitalize on the trends that keep making a splash on the gram. But again, don’t make your content all about trends. You have to follow the rule of three C i.e. Content, Creativity and Consistency.

5. How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content?

Research. Researching is the key. I feel you can pull content from everywhere. Much of the stuff you read, hear about from people, or see on the internet actually makes for great content. I pick out elements from current trends and try to make it my own. 

So whenever I feel unproductive or drained out I watch shows and Bollywood movies. I feel inspired by Bollywood fashion and transformation over decades. I try to choose music or topic for my content that I would enjoy shooting, that would feel like fun and games while shooting. 

I think you feel inspired to do something or create something only if you enjoy doing it and you’ll only enjoy doing it if you love it. You won’t love your work if it is not your own or is a copy paste. So I just try to make content that I enjoy creating.

6. Who is your favourite creator and why?

Oh my god! There are many but currently I am hooked to Chriselle Lim because I love how she does it all! She is a mother , youtuber , a model , a lifestyle and a beauty blogger. I feel really inspired by her. Also, I love Sarah Mtimet for her diverse taste in fashion. In India, I feel really connected to Thatbohogirl and Caughtinacuff.

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

Okay! so talking about being oneself and about showing who you really are , I would like to confess that I not at all a novel reader. I am currently only focused on reading my Law books, haha.

Maybe someday I would develop a habit. So I only have favourite shows and not a book and few of them are The Bold Type and Gilmore Girls because both are all about Female bonds and friendships. Mainly I am a Bollywood freak and re watch my favourite classics like Veer-Zara , Jane Tu ya Jane na , Kal ho na ho and more.

- Interviewed by - Soumya Bhayana