Tell us about your career so far…
I am the Founder of The Influencer’s Diary, a mobile app that connects Influencers with industry events, paid campaigns, travel and gifting opportunities – all in one convenient place.
We are most PR’s best kept secret as. We’re able to secure influencers to attend their event, guarantee social media coverage in exchange for event invites or products, share print screens of coverage stats and allow brands to white label our work, taking full credit of our services.
Have you always had that entrepreneurial spirit?
I would say I’ve always been an entrepreneur; from an early age I was always trying to find myself a side hustle. Designing my own t-shirt line to launching a blog, which led me to my first career success, being head hunted to become the Editor of MTV Verge magazine at 18 years old.
It was my curiosity at Verge magazine that led me into the world of Digital PR. I couldn’t understand why we were asking celebrities for their beauty and fashion advice, when half of the brands they recommended our student readership couldn’t afford.
It was then that I decided to go out and interview ordinary girls and guys that I knew students would aspire to but were still relatable. Little did I know I was out interviewing “bloggers and influencers” before they were officially given the title of “bloggers and influencers.”
Aimee, a “blogger” I interviewed for Verge magazine asked me to help her make an income from her blog, with the agreement that any money she made I would take 20%. Within the first 6 months I signed her with Reiss, Karen Millen and Fiat 500.
And The Influencer’s Dairy?
With that my agency, Rosalind Shimmen Communications, was born which soon advanced and developed into a more investable product, The Influencer’s Diary.
A mobile app that provides influencers events, paid campaigns and travel and gifting opportunities and Brands/PR Agencies the correct influencers for their campaigns – using the power of data.
The Influencer’s Diary takes the time to understand the brand’s strategy and gives them the tools to achieve it.
Being a young female entrepreneur has helped massively as it has allowed me to easily connect personally with bloggers and influencers, as they are all of a similar age with similar interests.
Being a millennial means I know the market, as I am the market.
What 2 things do you do to build your confidence?
I honestly believe knowledge is power. So, I read a different business book every month, normally an autobiography by someone I aspire to be like.
Say yes to everything and learn after I’ve said yes. This sometimes gets me in trouble, but it helps you think on your feet and find a solution to every problem.
What has been your biggest life lesson so far?
I think losing my mum to mental health at a young age made me look at life very differently. It made me realise that life’s too short. Throw yourself into everything, find a job that you love and surround yourself with nice and supportive people.
How do you feel about getting older?
Getting older excites me. I try not to think about the future to much as I’m currently enjoying the moment. You never know what’s around the corner and I think that’s one of the most exciting things about life.
I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason and you should just let life run its course. This time last year I was single. While I write this, I’m planning my wedding to marry my soul mate this September. Just proves you really don’t know what’s around the corner.
What’s your purpose in life?
Enjoy living and make as many memories as possible. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show…
What are your top self-care tips? How do you relax?
Ask any of my friends or family and they will tell you that I’m a pretty relaxed person. I wake up in the same mood every day and I honestly think that’s down to my outlook on life. I don’t really feel the need to do anything to relax as such, however I am partial to a spa day.
What advice would you give the next generation of girls?
Find something that you love and throw yourself into it.
‘If you don’t ask you don’t get’ and ‘it’s not what you know it’s who you know” are pretty much gospel when it comes to being successful in my industry. I’m constantly on social media researching the next big trend, building relationships with like-minded people, following industry experts. I look to LinkedIn and attending networking events to build personal relationships. You get out what you put in.
Why not read our post on 17 powerful tips to build your confidence and self-esteem.
