The fascinating element social media offers is the opportunity for anyone to leverage their creativity and build a personal brand. This month we caught a few minutes with Annette Duke. Like many of us, Annette sought for a more fulfilled life outside of the traditional corporate environment. As an entrepreneur dedicated to fashion, lifestyle and travel, Annette’s tenacity and aspirations drove her to rebuild herself and create a successful business to empower other women.
Check out our interview below with Annette to see what made her take the leap to building her business and learn more about an exciting event planned for October 2019.
What first sparked your interest starting Reinventing 50s? How did you know you were able to bring products, services and destinations to women?
Annette: Turning 50 was a blessing! I was coming from a stressful corporate position and wanted a change in my life. I had to start over and by doing so, I was documenting my “adventures” so I created ReInventing50s.
When did you start incorporating blogging / social media, and what was your motivation for getting started? Do you have any tips you’d like to share with those that are looking to follow in similar footsteps? Is there one particular platform you feel you are able to make more of an impact on?
Annette: I came late to blogging. I was really resistant to take on another project and in the beginning, I was just interested in cultivating a community. So I put a lot of effort into Instagram. I grew my following to almost 30k in a year and a half. It was a lot of work. I developed a course on how to gain a following on Instagram and create a business that is making you money. If I was to give anyone a tip, it would be to treat your website like it was Instagram. post daily, make it a video and drive people FROM instagram to your website.
Do you see yourself as an “influencer”, and if so, what does that mean to you? If not, how do you see yourself making an impact in this community (state the community you feel that you are making the most impact in)
Annette: I am absolutely an influencer, although lately the word “Content Creator” seems to be met with more acceptance. What that means to me is that I am an expert in a particular field of influence, be it beauty or travel. Most importantly I am a teacher, so my classes on social media are sought after and I feel wonderful to help others achieve their success.
If you were to give someone advice who is thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, influencer and/or blogger, what would it be?
Annette: Be prepared to work very hard and learn how to set up systems for your success. Learn how to identify your audience. Serve them well, and show them how they can achieve success too.
Where do you see the world of ‘influencers’ in the next 5-10 years? How do you see this space evolving?
Annette: I think the space will change and their will be new platforms and new ways of reaching a global market.
Do you have any upcoming events or announcements you wish to share?
Annette: I am doing a fantastic travel collaboration with two other influencers that is going to launch in October. We are staying at the beautiful HGTV Bungalow and we will be representing brands that have incredible products and be able to share them with our communities. The products are FABULOUS!! I’m also a speaker at the upcoming Influencers of Midlife Summit in March of 2020.
What is your ultimate goal for yourself – professional and/or personal?
Annette: I love to teach. I would love to be able to help other women establish online businesses of their own and prosper!
Tell me about a time when you really impacted someone’s life with your projects. What was the result?
Annette: I was able to help a fellow influencer identify her niche and help her create a big community that now supports her in her projects. That was a great sense of satisfaction for me.
What is the one piece of advice you can give to empower women?
Annette: Make your own money. It will change your destiny when you are able to be self-sufficient. It will allow you to make choices that are in your best interest and make your dreams come true.
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Annette this month. Her passion and drive to empower other women is amazing to see and we hope it influences others that are looking for that extra nudge to make that first step forward. If you’d like to learn more about Annette Duke you can check her out on the following social platforms and get in touch with her via email.
Instagram: @Reinventing50s
Facebook: Reinventing50s
Pinterest: Reinventing50s
Reinventing50s Website: https://www.reinventing50s.com/
If you’re interested in reaching out to Annette directly her email is: Annette@Reinventing50s.com.
