Life Lately - On Maybe Being A "Retired Influencer" Account and Other Random Thoughts

I haven't done a catch-up posting in what feels like forever, and the archives prove that! I figured it was about time to connect with you all. I have so many random updates so let's dive in...

Am I A Retired Influencer?

If you've been following my IG account I am sure you've noticed that I stopped posting and started only using my personal page. I have so many thoughts on this and honestly, I don't really know how to explain my thoughts, but let's try!

I've had a public page where I've been a true "influencer" for exactly three years, and I really enjoyed 99% of that time, but obviously, I didn't enjoy it enough to keep it going. Having a page where you are constantly trying to grow, connect and be creative is a really easy way to burn out. Social media has completely changed in the last three years, it's so difficult to keep up with the constant algorithm changes, the spam and the need to monetize everything.

In three years I gained over 12,000 followers...a wild number if you think about "knowing" that many people. Once I gained a bit of a following I started doing brand deals and I was able to monetize my page and make an income from being an influencer. This was just wild you guys, the ability to share what you love and get paid for it is awesome but it's also a bit tiring. I'm sure people think being an influencer is easy money, but it's a ton of work, it's not like a brand just DMs you and says they want to pay you to post about them...oh no, most of the time it is the influencer pitching the brand a marketing idea and IF the brand replies you dive into negotiations, contracts, creative approval, metrics of the post..it is a lot! It really is a full-time job. Anyway, I am happy to get into this if anyone is curious, maybe it deserves a solo post, but it got overwhelming.

Over the 2022-2023 holiday season, I took two weeks off social media aside from my personal page. I remember feeling really light and positive during that time, but it was hard to step away from this community I built, the brand deals coming my way and that serotonin boost I got when a post did really well. Social media is addicting, the positive reinforcement you get when you have a post do "well" (whatever that means) is crazy! Social media is also upsetting, comparative and addicting. I think there is a ton of fun to be had on social media, but we should also evaluate our own relationships with it.

I feel deeply that I am moving into another stage of my life and my relationship with social media is changing with this new stage. I really noticed it when I was back in Newport for a week, I just didn't post on my page. I was posting and consuming on my personal page, but not on that influencer page! I was spending more time with friends/family, on long walks, on my work and doing activities that are important to my happiness. I wasn't trying to think of the next Reel to film or content calendar to create for myself. I felt so good. On that long drive back home, I thought deeply about my social media usage and decide to step away.

Obviously, I am not giving up social media, I love social media, but I won't be using my "Influencer" accounts. Maybe someday? I can't make any claims, but right now it doesn't serve me. I am loving using my personal page, it feels so easy and I am lucky that so many people I connected with on my "Influencer" page came over to hang out with me. I am still sharing recipes, outfits, and life things...but in a less structured way. I don't feel like I "have" to post or show up for anyone. It feels really good. I'm also using my time better. I am focused on my work more, sleeping more, waking up earlier...it is great. I'm @kelly.king95 (so unique haha) if you'd like to reconnect!

I'm not knocking influencing or content creators. I mean I literally make my income off social media. However, after my account got to 12k (so small compared to 1 million), I saw a side of this industry I don't love. Maybe I'll dive into that at some point too. For now, I think I am a bit of a "retired influencer."

Other Things...

Waking Up Early

So I've been waking up earlier than usual. After my Newport trip, I started waking up earlier and now I LOVE it. I try to wake up around 6:30 and sometimes it is a bit earlier, sometimes it is a bit later. I haven't tied any must-dos to the extra AM time, instead, I just see what I want to use it for. I make my hot lemon water, I make TODO lists, I watch the Today Show, I read emails on the walking treadmill, I start laundry, I juice...it just depends. But, the apartment is so quiet, the world feels quiet and I feel like I am ahead of the day.

At-Home Workouts

I think I am boycotting workout studios until I can be back in my favorite Newport studio, Thrive. I am not really kidding. I do have some Nashville studios I love, but I am really leaning into the home workouts. You know I have always loved my Melissa Wood Health, my WELL45, and my free YouTube videos...but recently I am trying out Pilates By Bryony and love it! I heard the founder, Bryony on The Balanced Blonde Podcast and had to test out the free trial. It's a great mix of classic Pilates with extra weight added in that gets your heart rate going. I think it'll be a great addition to my other at-home faves.

TV Shows to Watch

I love TV. I don't care who knows it! I honestly think because I have no rules around TV growing up that it gave me such a healthy relationship with it. I am no parenting expert but I feel like we need to chill with the TV micro-managing. I had friends that had strict TV rules and they'd come to my house (when we were little) and they'd legit STARE at the TV...you couldn't speak to them when it was on...it was like they were glued. Idk...my brother and I just always had it available and had no attachment to it? Someone is totally reading this and shaking their head, but hey it is food for thought.

Anyway! Right now I am watching these great shows...

• Finished Firefly Lane and bawled my eyes out :)

• The Last of Us was not my typical show but it was very good

• Just started Silo and I am intrigued

• The final season of Working Moms...this show is so funny but the first few seasons are much better than the latest. Still worth the watch!

• LOVE The Last Thing He Told Me

• Bravo...Jersey Housevies (not my fave but nothing else is really on), Vanderpump obviously and Ultimate Girls Trip

I Love Coastal Grandmother Style

I literally love anything of this style/theme/trend. Yes, it was a term coined last summer and no I don't care! I have been Pintresting away living my best coastal gran life. I also created an entire Amazon list of coastal grandmother-inspired clothing and home items. I love it.

Talk soon friends...my newsletters and blog aren't stopping!