Why I Started My Blog

The emergence of Covid-19 called for quarantining, masking up, and social distancing from friends and relatives. Despite all of this, I found a way to connect with thousands of people on a daily basis: social media.

I had started my fashion blogging Instagram in February of 2020 but I didn’t start ‘taking it seriously’ until the end of summer. From July on, I began posting all of the content I had taken throughout my brief summer hiatus. By sharing my summery fits and aesthetics I slowly started to build my community. I had started my Fall 2020 semester with a little over 200 followers and finished with nearly 3,000.

via @r.achelkang on ig

malibu, ca
july 14, 2020

I’ve consistently shared everything with my followers on a daily basis from what I had for breakfast to my personal hardships. Being able to share everything throughout my day has given me the opportunity to engage with those in my community. I know I have a genuine connection to my audience when I open DMs from followers of cute pics of Tom Holland (one of my favorite celebrities) saying they were thinking of me!

“While social media typically acts as a highlight reel for our best moments, it can be used to generate awareness and open dialogue on important subject matters.”

On an even deeper level, I’ve also been able to have open and meaningful conversations with my followers about events in my life and even current events around the world. Whether about Covid or politics, it’s been such a cool opportunity to not only engage with my audience but connect on a personal level. While social media typically acts as a highlight reel for our best moments, it can be used to generate awareness and open dialogue on important subject matters. Moreover, it’s so crazy to think that I could be chatting with a fashion blogger from Australia and a college student from New York all within the same moment! Being able to hear different perspectives and experiences has been both eye-opening and inspiring.

Overall, social media during the pandemic has allowed me to not only stay connected with my loved ones, but also connect with those around the world. Despite spending an entire year at home with my parents during my college experience, I have never felt too restless or alone. I’ve created so many meaningful friendships with other creators on Instagram which has helped me stay both creative and inspired. I’ve even met one of my best friends through this app! We seriously talk 24/7 and we’re counting down the days until it’s safe to meet in person (shoutout Chloe)!

Photo Collaborations with brands: Nike, Habit Skin, Fabletics, Evry Jewels, Selkie, Motel Rocks, & Princess Polly

Not only have I able to meet some of the most amazing people, but I’ve been steadily building my own personal brand. What had started as a hobby has gradually turned into a part-time job. By continuing to share my personal fashion style, I’ve been able to approach and be approached by brands to collaborate together. For example, I’ve worked with brands such as Nike and Fabletics to create content through styling pieces and shooting them for my Instagram. As I continue to grow my account, I hope to connect with more creators and brands to create even more meaningful relationships and conversations.

If you’ve been thinking of creating content, you should totally go for it! It’s never too late to start. Go and find your internet besties today!

(p.s. if you’re from Insta, say hi! drop your handle in the comments)

Check out my Instagram: @r.achelkang