Reneesha Saikia: I Turned Down Brands That Didn’t Match My Values (Plus-Size Model, 385K+ Followers)

Reneesha Saikia Interview 

“In a world saturated with trends, I find power in originality—because creativity should never be copied, only created.”

1. Reneesha, how did your journey in fashion and content creation begin?

My journey into fashion and content creation began quite unexpectedly. I never had a concrete plan to pursue this path. Back when trending reels and short-form video content weren’t even a thing, I started casually sharing photos online. What began as a simple way to express my personal style gradually gained attention.

People connected with my aesthetic and authenticity, and their continued support became a powerful motivator in my creative evolution. As my presence grew, brands began to notice and reach out for collaborations. That’s how what started as a passion slowly transformed into a full-fledged career.

2. How do you stay authentic while keeping up with trends?

Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary to follow every trend to remain relevant. While staying aware of industry movements is important, I’ve always prioritized creating content that reflects who I truly am.

Authenticity, I believe, resonates far more than simply hopping on what's popular. In a world overflowing with trends, I find value in listening to my instincts and producing work that feels real and original. To me, true creativity stems from individuality—not imitation—and that’s what I strive to bring forward in everything I create.

3. What matters more to you—virality or value?

For me, it’s always been about value over virality. I’ve never chased overnight fame or quick attention. If you scroll through my content, you’ll notice I rarely follow trends just for the sake of views or follower growth.

My focus has consistently been on delivering meaningful, style-driven content that aligns with my personal aesthetic and creative vision. I believe my audience connects with me because of my unique fashion sense and the authenticity I bring to my work—and that means more to me than any viral moment.

4. What’s one lifestyle habit that helps keep you grounded and focused?

Maintaining a strong offline support system is what keeps me grounded. No matter how busy or visible my online life gets, I always make time for myself and the people who know me beyond the screen—my family and close friends.

Their honest feedback, unwavering encouragement, and presence remind me of who I am outside of the digital space. They help me stay rooted, and I believe real growth often happens off-camera too.

5. How do you deal with beauty standards on social media?

It can be challenging, especially in a space where curated perfection often overshadows reality. The truth is, much of what we see online isn’t real—many appearances are enhanced through cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, or surgeries.

While I respect everyone's personal choices, I personally believe in embracing natural beauty and staying true to myself. Social media can sometimes create this silent competition to look or be “better,” but I genuinely believe the only person you should compete with is who you were yesterday. Growth, for me, lies in becoming the best version of yourself—not in chasing someone else's idea of perfection.

6. How have your Assamese roots influenced your personal style?

My Assamese roots have had a profound influence on my style. Assam is very close to my heart, which is why I’ve always stayed connected to my home state—even though I studied in Bangalore.

I hold a deep appreciation for our culture, our food, and especially our traditional attire like the mekhela chador, which I continue to wear with pride. The elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural richness of Assamese heritage inspire me to blend tradition with modern fashion, creating a look that is both unique and reflective of where I come from.

7. What do you look for in a brand before collaborating?

When considering collaborations, I prioritize authenticity, product quality, and reliability. For me, the trust I share with my audience is more important than any paycheck. I’ll always choose quality over compensation.

In the past year alone, I’ve declined several brand offers because their products didn’t align with my values. Every partnership I take on is a reflection of my standards, and I only promote brands I truly believe in.

8. If your followers had to describe you with a hashtag—other than your name—what would it be?

Probably #fashionicon. I think that’s how many of my followers see me because of the way I express myself through fashion. It’s not just about dressing up—it’s about making a statement, embracing who you are, and inspiring others to do the same. That’s always been at the heart of my content.

Bio:

Reneesha Saikia is a plus-sized e-commerce model and social media personality from Guwahati, Assam. She is passionate about promoting confidence, individuality, and inclusivity through her work.

For Reneesha, content creation is more than just a hobby—it’s a meaningful part of her journey. Alongside her love for fashion, she enjoys shopping and indulging in great food. Through her platform, she aims to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves, celebrate their unique style, and feel empowered—regardless of body type or societal expectations.

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Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh