Social media has transformed significantly over the years. From paid sponsorships promoting food delivery to educational platforms such as Udemy, Influencers have made a name for themselves building near celebrity status. This month’s Spotlight features a beautiful young woman who shows us all the value of being relatable and honest. From Instagram to blogging to Etsy – Emma Gebhardt’s story is refreshing and a testament to the power of genuine tenacity. We hope you enjoy learning more about Emma’s journey and her learnings as she establishes herself in the fashion and blogging world.
What first sparked your interest starting your blog and becoming a fashionista? What topic do you most enjoy writing about?
Emma: Honestly, It kind of happened on whim…I was really big on Instagram…and Instagram was my main source of self-expression. It was my creative outlet. I woke up one morning and couldn’t log in, I soon found out my Instagram was hacked. I tried everything, and I mean everything to get back in, but to my dismay…I am locked out of it forever. It took years to get the following that I had, and a lot of effort too. So, I decided to ease off and take a break from Instagram and do something a little differently than I have in the past…so, I started my very first blog! I had tried to create a blog in the past, but for some reason, this time around, something just clicked, and I instantly fell in love with the blog I was creating! Being a fashionista is just something that comes naturally to me, I never leave the house not put together, even if I’m not really trying, I swear my brain is wired to somehow subconsciously put together some chic, fab outfit for the day! I most enjoy writing about self-love and how to encourage people to get through whatever it is they are going through…I think it’s important someone advocates for people as a support system, even if its as distant as reading my articles…I TRULY believe the things I say and truly want everyone to be happy. My blog is completely genuine and that’s one thing I want my blog to be known for…for how real it is.
I love your style and choice of clothing! How would you define your style?
Emma: Thank you dearly!! I would define my style as the girly grunge. It’s very girly most of the time, I wear a lot of pink! If you read my blog you would know that’s my favorite color! But sometimes when wearing the girly clothing I like to add a leather jacket with a long pink flowy, floral skirt, or some combat boots with a white dress. With fashion, the possibilities truly are endless so I love to express myself through fashion, it’s like art on my body! I would say my style is boho chic, grungy girly, prairie girl meets goth girl…allllll in one!!
Your Etsy account is full of wonderful vintage clothing! Have you been having great success with Etsy? Any other outlets you use? Is there anything you wish a marketplace can offer?
Emma: Thank you, love! I have been having decent success, although I just made my account two days ago! I have so many clothes I don’t or have never worn that sit nicely in my closet wanting to be worn and loved! I sold my first dress on Etsy within the first 3 minutes of posting it! That was pretty exciting and the highlight of my day, honestly! I also sell on Poshmark, I also sell some of the same vintage clothing that is on my Etsy on there, but some new, fresh, modern, trendy, and chic clothes for your everyday fashionista! I have some super cool and cute stuff, stuff I would never ever give up if it fit…my Etsy also has some gorgeous vintage that is so gorgeous I could cry, I post new clothing on there almost everyday, same with Poshmark!
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?
Emma: I started blogging and doing social media at a very young age. I had an Instagram when the app was first invented back in the early 2000s and I instantly became locally popular in my area. Everyone in town knew me for my Instagram and the unique photos I would post! I think since I started when it first came out, I really grew as the app grew. When I was 20, I had to delete my Instagram with over 10,000 followers due to personal reasons and that was really heartbreaking. But I made a new one and in time gained a bit of a following back but never like before. Now my Instagram has been hacked which is the reason I got into blogging, and I’m really loving it! My tips for you would be to find your niche and what you really believe in and love and have a passion for and run with it! Make it the point of focus for your platforms and pour your genuine heart and soul into it. People are getting bored of the cookie cutter influencer crap. Be you, show your flaws, believe it or not people actually like that and will commend you for showing off your honest, beautiful self! Right now, since I have an Instagram but admittedly only have 90 some followers on it due to recently just creating it after my old one got hacked, blogging is my new form of self expression and the new platform I reach the biggest audience. But mind you, I literally JUST started this blog two days ago and with just a bit of hard work and patience I am sure I have something wonderful…I really love blogging so far!
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)?
Emma: I actually do not see myself as an influencer. I am however my own person and I make an impact on others everyday by sharing my story. I have had a very difficult life, dealing with abuse, anxiety and depression, bullying, and more. But it’s how I came out of it that makes it an actually magical thing. In the community of bloggers, instagrammers, or anyone really, I make an impact by my fashion statements, bleeding my true colors with every post, and being…me! I inspire people by just being me. The community in which I impact and inspire would be those searching to be loved, and I can’t wait till’ my blog helps someone find true self-love…that will be the day I know I have made a difference.
If you were to give someone advice who is thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, influencer and/or blogger, what would it be?
Emma: Just be yourself, focus on your passions and dive into them. Don’t slack off, it takes work…but I can tell you it is so worth it and beyond rewarding! I would say keep pushing, even when it gets tough, keep at it! And just do what you love, people will see how great you and your blog are if you just stay true to yourself and who you are!
Where do you see the world of ‘influencers’ in the next 5-10 years? How do you see this space evolving?
Emma: I see really positive things happening already, more and more people are adjusting their blogs and Instagrams to be more genuine and real and I think that’s amazing. What I hope is that in 5-10 years more and more people will be posting their honest struggles and the positives that come out of it.
Do you have any upcoming events or announcements you wish to share?
Emma: On my blog you’ll see I have appointments you can sign up for! I have a fab brunch event in which I life coach and teach about taking the best photos possible, relationship advice, and how to deal with anxiety, and plenty more! We’ll get dressed up and I will life coach via mimosas!! Another event I have on there is in Chicago, where I have an entire route of locations for the best picture taking in the city! I will be your personal assistant for the day, taking all the photos you want, carrying your bag, giving you posing, and outfit advice…if we talk before I will even bring some of my vintage for you to wear!! So, if you’re located or ever find yourselves in the mid-west consider signing up for one of my events, you can find the sign-up on my blog!
What is your ultimate goal for yourself – professional and/or personal?
Emma: To be the best version of me I can possibly be. The best friend to my very amazing bffs. The best daughter to my wonderful parents. I just want to be a better me than I was the day before. Keep on improving! Keep on growing! That’s what motivates me the most is personal growth. I also want to be a songwriter for Ariana Grande or Selena Gomez, I have secret passion for singing too, and I’ve always dreamt of being on stage at the Grammys and singing on stage the same night I accept my award. That’s a huge goal, I do work on my music all the time, but the reasonable goal is to keep improving as a person and to be the best me I can be, always!
Tell me about a time when you really impacted someone’s life with your projects. What was the result?
Emma: I sold this dress to a girl and she felt like such a princess. Knowing I had something to do with her confidence made me so happy and fulfilled. Fashion is truly a way to find self-love and that was the day I really learned that!
What is the one piece of advice you can give to empower women?
Emma: No matter what anyone says…do you and do it with no hesitation…own it and own who you are! You’re a boss babe and can do literally anything so go out and do your thing and don’t let a single thing stop you, you are unbreakable, unstoppable, undeniable. I would say to stay true to yourself, and always do you boo! F**k what they say! You a bad B!tch (pardon my French) (sorry not sorry) 😉
The pace at which social media continues to adapt and evolve is extraordinary. We are absolutely thankful for having been able to share her story and experiences. If there is anything you’ve taken away from her message let it be that a genuine and honest perspective when building your content can be extremely rewarding. If you’d like to contact Emma Gebhardt directly feel free to reach out to her through her Instagram, Etsy, Poshmark or email below.
Instagram: @emmasinstablogg
Etsy: EmmasDilemmasShop
Poshmark: @emmagebhardt123
EMMASDILEMMASTUDIO Website: https://emmasdilemmastudio.com/
If you’re interested in reaching out to Emma directly her email is: emmargebhardt@yahoo.com
