IG: @thebaghag
Followers: 52.8k
Website: thebaghagdiaries.com

When and how did your Instagram/blog start?

I began a blog called The Bag Hag Diaries in October 2005. I have been blogging daily ever since, until Instagram came along. I was one of the first lifestyle bloggers in (and from) the Philippines, having started a blog because I wanted to document my life, and eventually ask for the opinion of other people (bag lovers), as I had liked a runway bag from Louis Vuitton (the denim collection) at that time, but was also thinking of just using the money I had to buy a new couch for my home.

Upcoming collaborations?

I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to debut the latest monogram Oh! tote called “Bad Dreams” from Moynat. The “Bad Dreams” collection is a collaboration between Franco-Japanese artist Tiffany Bouelle and Moynat’s Creative Director Ramesh Nair (previously with Hermès), who is really a creative genius—he was the “architect” of these Hermès bags: the elusive and now highly collectible Shadow Birkin, SO Kelly, and the foldable Kelly.

Biggest lesson learnt about social media

You cannot be oversensitive if you want to stay active on social media. The biggest lesson here is: if you want to be happy in your life, know how to stay off social media.

IG: @jesswilson
Followers: 210k
Website: sunnies.com

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

What’s most important to me is being comfortable with myself and what I have. It’s easy to be jealous of all the people we follow online. There is always someone who is travelling more than you, or has better opportunities than you, and you tend to forget all the good things you’ve accomplished and made for yourself. I try to be truthful and raw in my content, sharing both the exciting as well as the mundane things in my life.

What keeps you going on an “off” day?

We all have off days, probably more than good days, but I enjoy those days as I don’ t have to be online broadcasting anything to the public. Those times are just for me and the people I choose to surround myself with.

How do you handle negative comments?

I don’t care for haters and bashers. They don’t really get to me, unless they target my family and people I love, or spread false accusations about them. That’s the only time I say my piece. Blocking accounts does the trick, too.

Biggest lesson learnt about social media

Don’t be fooled: everything is edited.

Upcoming collaborations?

Watch out for @sunniesface—we have more launches to come.

IG: @xandrarocha
Followers: 41.1k
Website: youtube.com/xandrarocha

What does the word “influencer” mean to you?

To me the word “influencer” means someone admirable or inspiring. Someone who people believe and trust.

How do you manage hateful comments and bashers?

Ignore, ignore, ignore. Luckily, my followers are kind and respectful. On the rare occasion that a rude troll decides to leave an unnecessary comment, I usually choose to ignore them. If it’s really offensive, I delete and block them. People are mean and rude because of their own issues and insecurities. No need to take it personally and feed into their negativity. The more attention you give it the more it will grow and you’ll just draw in more trolls.

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

Authenticity is important to me. I like to share my random thoughts and snippets of my life or things I enjoy.

Biggest lesson learnt about social media

Social media can be a dangerous place which makes people feel jealous or alone. It’s a place where cowards hide behind usernames to bash and hate others. But it’s also a wonderful place where people can connect and spread happiness, good news, uplifting stories, or messages. Also, exposure to new ideas, great finds. It allows you to peek into the lives of people who inspire or interest you. It’s a great way to expose people to differ ent cultures, styles, lifestyles, adventures, travel, food, to educate, and to encourage. My biggest lesson about social media is that if you have a following, use your words carefully because people are reading and looking at what you post. You can influence people in a positive way or a negative way. Be mindful.

IG: @catarambulo
Followers: 74.3k
Website: youtube.com/catarambulochannel

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

Self-love. You can’t give what you don’t have. In my social media platforms, I share about beauty treatments, fashion, make-up, motherhood, meditation, and travel. And really, at the end of it, all these things are instrumental in making our lives easier and better. It all starts with being happy and loving yourself.

Biggest lesson learnt about social media

That I am affecting people’s lives. I am very mindful about every single thing that I post because I am aware that my energy is contagious and I know that my opinions do matter.

IG: @nicole_andersson
Followers: 360k
Website: nicoleanderssonblog.com

When and how did your blog/Instagram start?

It really started as a personal journal from studying abroad in San Francisco, Chile, and Peru. I wanted to document all my trips to look back on in the future.

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content

Living our best lives—whatever that means to you. I really believe that life is too short to not pursue something you are passionate about. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean a career but it can span into other aspects of your life like health, family, travel, hobbies—whatever it is, go for it!

Favourite collaborations?

A favourite definitely has to be when I flew to Korea to make my own MAC lipstick shade. I have such an obsession with make-up and have always made my own shade of lippies at home, but when MAC said I got to create my own shade and design the bottle, I felt like all my years of playing make up at home had led up to that moment! I’m still trying to get it on the shelves, though! You can watch it on my YouTube channel.

IG: @jascurtissmith
Followers: 2.7m

When and how did your blog/Instagram start?

I used to always write diary entries as a kid, then blog entries as a teenager. Instagram popped up while I was in high school and, when it first came out, it was just one of the ways I could instantly keep in touch with my sister. Also, the first time I discovered filtres!

What does the word “influencer” mean to you?

An influencer is a work title that has a big social responsibility. The original word speaks for itself: to influence; to bring a new or better understanding of products, perspectives, and direction.

What keeps you going on an “off” day?

Usually a good night’s sleep is enough to keep me going on an off day. I like to rest my worries then get back to them when I can handle them with more energy. Anything that ticks you off can really take up so much energy.

How do you manage hateful comments and bashers?

I don’t respond unless it’s to rightfully educate them about how hurtful they’ve decided to share their opinion. We are all entitled to one; but it doesn’t mean we are permitted and entitled to being rude about it.

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

I strive to be genuine and authentic. If I don’t feel like it’s something worth thinking about or sharing, then I don’t. I always want to make sure that what I share is something I won’t be ashamed of when I have kids in the future.

Biggest lesson learnt about social media

It’s a cold, cruel cyberworld, so take a break. It’ll still be there in five minutes. Plus, you need to give yourself credit for your journey and your perserverance for that. That’s all you.

Favourite collaborations?

I’m looking forward to Victoria Beckham’s collaboration with Reebok!

IG: @marijasmine
Followers: 339k
Website: marijasmine.com

When and how did your blog/Instagram start?

My blog was originally a website for my hosting showreel, which I made in 2012. After a while, I started uploading healthy recipes to share with my friends, and things just snowballed from there.

What keeps you going on an “off” day?

Time away from my phone, getting out of the city, reconnecting with nature, and spending time with friends definitely re-energises me.

How do you manage hateful comments and bashers?

I try to spend as little energy as I can on those who are abusive online with little intent to engage in a discussion. Normally, I just ignore their comments or block them.

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

There are many things that are important to me, and I’m always trying to figure out the best way to balance my social responsibility as an influencer with the fact that this is a business for many of us.

I’m selective of the brands that I work with, and make sure that I believe in their vision and what they stand for as a company.

I’m also aware that having this kind of platform is a privilege, and I should be using it to talk about things that matter. I’m particularly passionate about plant-based lifestyles, wellness, sustainability, and LGBTQ rights.

Upcoming collaborations?

Watch out for @thesoralife x @bodypartyph

IG: @iamhearte
Followers: 3.1m
Website: lovemarieescudero.com

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

I share a big part of my life on social media, so I make it a point to be authentic for my viewers. I use my social media platforms to do good, to share awareness; I talk about the things I love, things I’ve been using for years, advocacies I’m passionate about and have been supporting for years. I wish to inspire people to do good, to be kind, and I like to make people laugh.

What keeps you going on an “off” day?

As long as my loved ones are healthy and happy, and my husband and I are doing well in both our respective fields, then I remember to be grateful—that lifts my spirit.

How do you manage hateful comments and bashers?

Honestly, I used to get really hurt to the point that it would make me cry. There can be some very harsh comments and words that people throw around freely with very little regard, and it saddens me. But after awhile, and after being in this business long enough, I have become desensitised to it. I believe when you know in your heart, you have not done anything wrong or hurt anybody, you get good karma for being kind. Despite the hateful comments and criticisms, I am still able to prosper, and I am grateful for all the opportunities because I truly love what I do and in the end, I think it shows.

Favourite collaborations?

My favourite collaborations are with HappySkin, for whom I created shades of lipsticks and my artistic doodles were used as the design on the products. The same with Kamiseta, where my artworks were transferred onto textiles and turned into beautiful clothes. My latest one, which I am very excited about, is my collaboration with Sequoia Paris, where I co-designed a heart-shaped bag! There will be more surprises this year that I am very excited about.

IG: @riarecommends
Followers: 53.3k
Website: riarecommends.com

When and how did your blog/Instagram start?

This change to be more active online is due to the realisation that I need to evolve, or just retire. I’ve been in the industy for 18 years made a career out of looking for what’s best in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I love telling stories that inspire your next look or give inspiration, whether it be in beauty or something as simple as redecorating your living room. These stories and scoops are now all on Instagram and online. Every other brand has an online identity so it is just second nature for me to adapt.

What keeps you going on an “off” day?

The OFF button. I enjoy what I’m doing and don’t feel any pressure to continue when it gets too toxic for me.

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

My credibility is important to me. It’s called Ria Recommends and I still navigate like an editor, so I don’t take my content lightly. I feel like the issues I encounter are similar to the experiences of my readers, so I only recommend things that are of true significance and value to me.

IG: @stephaniezubiri
Followers: 47.9k
Website: stephaniezubiri.com

What is most important to you and how do you reflect that in your content?

Gratitude is always central to my content. If we live every day by counting our blessings and being truly grateful for them, we can eliminate a lot of negativity from our lives. I love to share the simple pleasures in life, such as a home cooked meal with family and friends.

Biggest lesson learnt about social media It should not be a central aspect in your life.

Social media is a tool, a platform, a hobby even but it’s not your life. The greatest luxury is when I’m living offline. Just being in the moment, connecting with people and my surroundings.

Favourite collaborations?

I have an ongoing partnership with some amazing brands like Bertazzoni / La Germania and LG. Let’s see where things go this year!