Brands over the years have been investing a lot in influencer collaborations. Over the last couple of years, we have seen a considerable growth of fashion and beauty blogs. Obviously, this is due to the growing demand and trends. Though there are accounts with millions of followers doing this, smaller accounts that are often more professional and unique than most of the bigger ones are often overlooked. Many women put in a lot of creative and professional work and deserve more attention. Numbers are not everything today, and small accounts often have a higher engagement rate other than having a great fan base. Their audience is more differentiated and thus the engagement is high. Therefore such accounts are even more interesting for brands.
Sneha Rodrigues is a woman of ambition. She is an MBA graduate, fashion blogger, and Instagram influencer. She loves sharing her experiences online through her blog ‘Material Girl India’. Whether sharing her latest fashion finds with her audience or sharing simple beauty tips, Sneha constantly entertains. As she continues to make her mark, this fashion expert is doing so with positivity and grace. At Goan Insider, we sat down with Sneha to discuss her journey to becoming a social media influencer and blogger, her advice for starting a blog, and her future plans. The excerpts of our conversation are below.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m Sneha Rodrigues, I hold an MBA in Marketing with over 8 years of work experience in the Hospitality Industry.
How did you develop an interest for fashion, beauty and blogging?
I was always fascinated by the concept of sustainable fashion. At some point, I thought of trying my hands at designing. Since I had no knowledge or understanding of the fashion industry, I didn’t pursue this further. But I still wanted to run my own business in relation to fashion, so I thought writing about fashion would be a good start. Since I am an IT professional too ( BCA Grad student ), I put my learning to use and set up my very own blog. I share my passion for fashion and emote my sense of style through my blog, Material Girl India
Tell us about your blog Material Girl. What can people expect when they visit your blog?
My blog, Material Girl India, is a collective on fashion, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle. It voices my opinion on certain styles, trends, my personal experiences and reviews on brands and products I have tried and tested over time.
What is so significant about you as a fashion and lifestyle blogger?
Well, what makes my sense of style unique is not wanting to stand out but to offer sustainable fashion and effortless styling tips and tricks to my readers and viewers. Thus Material Girl India has grown two folds every year since 2017.
Could you share your favorite spots for finding fashion treasures in Goa?
Goa has so much to offer! The flea markets during the season is a favorite pick to find some great thrift pieces, amazing jewellery, and bohemic pieces of apparel at economic prices. I too have my very own online retail Instagram account, Modish by Sneha, that has managed to take shape and is open for business.
The social media world is developing at a much quicker pace every year. What do you think of the recent changes within the networks?
Digital media and social media are the way forward, especially during times like these where social distancing is of high importance. Social media has managed to build bridges between businesses and the customer through various forms of communication such as an Instagram live. There are various social media platforms catering to specific audiences. Facebook was the dominant social media platform, but over the past few years, one can see a shift towards Instagram. However, social media platforms are a business and there are constant changes within the networks to improve their revenue. Over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in paid advertisements on all the platforms. This in turn has resulted in lower organic growth for most bloggers.
What are some of the brands that you have collaborated with?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with brands like Amazon, Only India, Shein, Pretty Secrets, Deal Jeans, Lays, Cadbury, Nykaa, Godrej, and many more.
What makes a successful cooperation with brands and agencies?
Content is the first thing that draws both followers and brands to one’s blog/ website etc. Second is clear communication to make sure both the blogger and brand are happy with the idea, content, the concept that will transition into a blog/ video, etc.
Which blogs and social media accounts inspire you, who do you follow?
I’m inspired by quite a few national and international names like Alexa Chung for fashion and style updates, Priyanka Chopra as I’m a fan of her work and personality, Bruised Passports for travel blogging content, Kamiya Jani for her travel journey and personal experiences. These are few I can think of right now.
What impact has social media had on your career?
Well, I initially worked with the intention to earn a living. Now after 3 years of blogging and content creation, I enjoy the process of creating the content on various platforms. The learning has added more value to me. I’ve also managed to get some freelance work with a very renowned brand of which I can’t share the details yet. What I enjoy most is receiving feedback in the form of messages directly from my supporters/ followers which is a direct boost which no corporate job can fulfill.
Which trend product should every woman buy?
Old trends are coming back and how! Puff sleeves, retro styles, I can go on and on. But what will never go out of style is a classic saree. I think a saree is a must have in every woman’s closet. A versatile piece of apparel that can be styled in different ways to take your look from simple workwear, to an evening party attire. I am saying this out of my experience over the last two years. I’ve bought over 26 sarees in last 24 months.
Do you have a personal motto in life that you try to follow?
Work Hard, Party Harder!
It’s quite simple the harder you work on something, the more joy that job will bring to you. I keep making my work challenging enough so I enjoy it even more… the rest will follow!
One beauty tip that you live by?
Drink a lot of water, and less is more when it comes to makeup especially when thinking of skincare.
What is your go-to outfit?
A classic pair of jeans and a white shirt with my sneakers ! Thats me.
What are 3 key tips you could give young individuals who want to start their own blog?
Start now! The times are moving ahead faster than we can imagine. There is no time to think. All you need is sheer confidence and belief, just ride with it.
How can our readers stay connected with you as well as your brand?
You can follow my Instagram account, Material Girl India, to stay updated on what’s coming up on all my other mediums. If you love to read about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and so on, check out my blog, Material Girl.
Anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
Life is extremely short, so make the most of it like no one’s watching. Enjoy the journey and you will reach your desired destination
Do you have a story to share with the world? Send us an email at contact.goaninsider@gmail.com