Tonight I headed into downtown LA for a networking panel with several influencers and fashion bloggers giving advice on the best strategies for getting your brand out there in 2018. The event was celebrating the launch of the kollectin app, a new fashion focused app for influencers and shoppers to connect and find their personal styles. As the "app where fashion buyers shop" it was only fitting that several of LA's most fashionable influencers filled the crowd and were excited to hear about the new app experience.
The night started off with a networking party and macaroons from Bottega Louie's which everyone enjoyed. Guests also enjoyed getting to view the fun samples from two of the brands featured on the app including Aida Kaibur jewelry and I AM ZOE women's clothing line. The clothing line featured trendy looks such as two piece suits and velvet designs which were a big hit with the crowd. The jewelry line featured interesting and unique pieces. Each guest received a piece of jewelry in their gift bag as well and I am loving my new bracelet which is super trendy!
Soon enough the panel started and we heard from Fernanda Romero Actress, Entrepreneur & Co-founder Vita Parfum, Stella Simona Creative Director/Co-owner of Amarilo & Haiti Chai,and Javvy Founder & Content Creator of Savvy Javvy. They each talked about their road to success sharing tips and tricks for getting your name and brand out there using digital marketing and social media. They attributed much of their success to social media and how it has revolutionized people's access to an instant audience. They all encouraged the audience to pursue their dreams even if that meant facing criticism form family members and each shared their own fumy stories about nosy family members telling them to "get a real job" however they didn't let that stop them. According to Fernanda, when she asked her father to help her with some business taxes he was shocked to find out she was making more than he was! It was a satisfying moment for her and something her father didn't forget. Javvy also shared that her parents have gone from telling her she was silly to bragging about her success to their friends showing that even the most skeptical can be won over eventually.
Audience members also asked questions bringing up topics like personal expression and marketing tactics. Many strategies were discussed but the main theme was to focus on creating an authentic brand first and work at remaining true to your vision every season. The influencers used everything from email marketing to Instagram stories and all talked about designing and maintaining a consistent aesthetic for their Instagram profiles. By finding their niche style they were able to target their audience and build a following of similar minded fans. They had also each found success with several different influencer marketing websites including liketoknow, Foacard, rewardstyle, and shopstyle.
In terms of managing their accounts and posting schedules they also recommended using a scheduling app such as hootsuite, mosaic, or clutch. Several of these apps also allow you to plan your story so you don't have to worry about posting live content. In terms of email marketing they recommended mailchimp and using split campaigns to find out which members of your audience prefer email over Instagram. Delivering relevant and timely content in the correct packaging is was another important digital marketing tip they pointed out. The panelists all reiterated the importnance of knowing your story, and your audience adding that you've got to know who your talking to. Integrating new creativity is important according to the influencers but keeping it simple is always key. Increasing engagement and making followers feel understood was also another strategy they had all found success with. Each woman also ended the panel saying that the most important thing to remember was to stay true to yourself and that in today's climate everyone has the chance to make their own individual path to success.
The Kollectin app founder closed the night saying that the future of the fashion industry is online and talked about her inspiration for creating the "app where fashion buyers shop" saying that her goal was to help keep up and coming designers alive in the current climate of struggling department stores. This app is all about taking risks on the latest new creatives while connecting them with influencers and I can't wait to see what new designs they have in store!
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