The Evolution Of Instagram

Social media has taken the masses by storm and is seen as unusual if you aren’t a part of a social network whether it be Instagram, Facebook or Twitter; communicating to others through photos and statuses is the new norm and for many of us as mothers can be a helpline in a sometimes very lonely journey.

For me Instagram started out as a platform where I mostly connected with friends I knew in ‘real life’ but a new world was opened up when I started my business Picture This Decor just after giving birth to Nia-Mae. It was wonderful to be surrounded by like-minded mumpreneurs that seemed to emphasise with the daily battle and balance of building a small business, raising children and taking care of a home. I soon found a tight knit community and grew my account with many loyal customers that have helped keep my small business standing and growing from strength to strength.

Not long after opening my Instagram business account I was introduced into the world of ‘Brand Reps and Enthusiasts ‘ and this concept was so foreign to me but something I definitely wanted to be a part of. I had already started an Instagram account for Nia-Mae, with the sole purpose of posting photos as a visual diary but there were so many lovely ‘Instagram handmade shops’ that while being on maternity leave baby clothes shopping was the only logical thing to pre-occupy my time (along with Netflix bingeing)

We were soon part of a few brand rep and enthusiasts teams with some beautiful handmade clothes and bow shops. Myself and Nia-Mae found it fun and a special way to bond dressing up and taking photos while I also formed many friendships as a result of this which is so reassuring that you can have that support without judgment.

Here are some of the Instagram shops we were honoured to rep for:-

Little Bowhemians

Too Much Cute U.K.

Baby Haute Couture

Grace Elizabeth Designs

Arias Boutique

Evie Et Al

Coral And Sky

Nia-Mae loved putting on her outfits and modelling in front of the camera

Motherhood and life are generally busy enough but also adding Instagram in the mix and it can get pretty chaotic and stressful (if you allow it) I was getting busier in my business and growing another play mate for Nia-Mae which became so exhausting that social media and the love of taking beautiful photos was the last thing on my mind so I rightly prioritised and concentrated on my business and personal page and took a step back from Nia-Mae’s page and the world of brand repping.

Although I would still scan through the page to keep up with the latest trends from Insta handmade shops, time went really quickly and before you know it over a year had passed since being active on her page; Josiah was here and I wanted to get back to what I’d loved and missed which was taking photos of my babies. So with a new name change along came Grace Has Found Me and I concentrated in trying to engage with my followers that had remained loyal in my absence plus find new accounts to interact with. But how so much had changed in that space of time and along with Instagrams new algorithms it was so hard for me to see the pages I wanted to see and for others to see mine. I quickly had to learn that it was now the world of ‘Pod and Engagement Groups’ for you to really be noticed and although accounts were still active in brand reps and enthusiasts there was something new called Influencing where Instagram accounts that have good reach and engagement rates are given the opportunity to work with various brands to advertise everyday products that are used while also promoting them to their target audiences; resulting in better awareness and marketing for that brand. In exchange for the advertising of a brands product or service these will be ‘gifted’ to various accounts which acts as a payment for promoting the product/service on their page or likewise some brands actually pay accounts in exchange for advertisement and promotion to ‘real audiences’.

Since being active I have managed to work with some wonderful brands and have been so grateful to receive gifted items that I would have most likely bought (or wanted to buy) in assistance as a Mum or generally in my lifestyle.

Here are some of the brands that we luckily have managed to work with:-

Gummee Teething

Twist Shake Baby

Lollipop Baby Camera

Ziggle UK

Snugglebundl

These items are things that are used in our every day life and routine and although the items were gifted all opinions and reviews are my own.

Instagram has created so many platforms and new opportunities that I’m really grateful and blessed to have and although it can also be access to ‘keyboard warriors’ and ‘internet trolls’ I have aimed to focus on the positive outcome. As we continue to grow as an account, a family and myself as a wife and mother I aim to use Instagram as a positive platform and evolve to be the best version of myself!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and look out for future exciting collaborations coming from Grace Has Found Me!