Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Nowak.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been on Instagram since 2013-2014. It started as a fun hobby, as the platform was so new–posting outfits of the day, vignettes with food, and my latest home decor. Once I moved into my house in 2015 and started doing so many home renovations, DIY, and up cycling vintage pieces, members of my family thought I should start an official blog to document all of my projects. A few years later, I decided I was going to move forward in monetizing my Instagram and finally start a webpage around the beginning of 2018. I figured it would be a great way to try some new (and free) products and maybe earn a little extra money to pay down debt.
Once I started consistently posting, companies and brands started reaching to me, and I started to get busy! I was amazed by just consistently posting and working on my page, I was being seen on the Instagram platform and on my blog page! My collaborations increased with a variety of companies (both small and large businesses), including local malls, stores, companies, and restaurants. During the holidays of 2019, I got my first large holiday campaign contract with Big Lots and then in 2021, I started working closely with Amazon.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think my biggest piece of advice to anyone trying to start a blog or get on social media (regardless of the platform) is to be consistent and persevere through the tough times.
Consistency is key–the more consistent content you are able to create across multiple platforms (e.g., Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube), including monetization and affiliate platforms (e.g., LiketoKnow.it), the more opportunities you have for discovery.
As we all know, being on social media can be a challenge. I was an original Facebook user when I was in college in 2006 and an original Instagram user in 2013-14. Since then, the landscape has drastically changed. More and more people are on social media platforms, and there are more platforms than ever before. While this can be a positive (more people out there to discover you with more ways), it is also easy to get lost in the myriad of users. Algorithms change, and engagement and visibility go up and down across the year. It is easy to get discouraged and give up (I have seen it with so many people!), but I had a goal to do this and “rode the wave” when things got tough. I was taught by my parents to never give up, and I kept moving forward. I still experience these waves even now, but I just do what I always have, as I have learned things will turn around again, or you will have an exciting brand offer waiting for you to reinvigorate your passion.
Another struggle at times is the balance of managing it all. The more platforms you are on and things you are involved in, it is hard to do it all. I am hard on myself with this, but I have learned to try my best managing it. Most of the time, if I do not get everything done, it is ok. It gets done eventually, and everything remains steady!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I started my page several years back, my focus was on my two loves–fashion and Cleveland. While my blog has expanded, I feel those two things are still the two main factors on my page and social media. I love featuring affordable fashion finds and creating designer-esque and everyday looks on a regular budget!
Over the past couple years, my niche has become Amazon Finds. I am an Amazon Influencer and feature a lot of fashion, home, and deals. I am also an “A-List” Amazon Live-streamer, which is considered a top-tier streamer on Amazon. I stream on Amazon several times a week, creating an interactive shopping experience where users can chat with me, and I get to share my favorite finds. Some of my most popular streaming experiences are live “try-ons,” as well as featuring the Amazon Daily Deals.
In addition, I continue to work with some of my favorite brands, and I love connecting closely with Cleveland businesses. I love featuring my Cleveland adventures, have worked with several shopping centers in Cleveland, have been hosted by a variety of venues, events, and restaurants, and love featuring Cleveland small businesses.
My home decor, DIY, nails posts, and anything with Cooper my rescue chihuahua, and Ginger my rescue calico cat are popular.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Like I had mentioned before, being consistent, persevering through the hard times, and not giving up are the key factors to making this successful! When I started this, I had a business mindset. While I have fun and love being creative, I took it seriously, which I also think helps in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clevelandfashionista.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/clevelandfashionista
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/clevelandfashionista
- Other: www.amazon.com/shop/clevelandfashionista
