Chandler resident Alex Evjen became a leader in influencer marketing before there was even a word for it.
“Growing an audience of over 1.1 million back in 2010, I was deemed Business Insider and InStyle Magazine’s Top Pinner,” she shares. “I helped countless brands such as Target, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola produce digital content.”
Today, Evjen navigates the creative needs of some of the world’s best travel brands as a creative director for content studio production for Roadtrippers, supporting digital content for brands such as Thor Industries, Airstream, Visit Tucson, and Togo RV.
“I create and activate communities of storytellers on the road, enabling efficient and effective production at scale.”
She does all this while also raising children—and still finding time to post her polished and simple outfit of the day.
She launched her brand and blog, AVE Styles, in 2010.
“I write and share about subjects that matter to me. My topics have evolved from style to motherhood to home design to divorce to grief to mental wellness,” she shares. “My brand is an extension of myself, and over time my priorities have shifted. My brand and business have shifted with me.”
It’s been a long road, but one she’s enjoyed.
Her advice to others?
“If someone is interested in starting a blog the most important question to ask yourself is, ‘Do you have something to say?’ The next question should be, ‘Would you still write if there was an audience of one?’ Check the motivation of your heart before you dive in. This is a hard business that takes passion and commitment, and your desire to be a content creator, blogger and/or influencer needs to be rooted in something more than yourself for the long game.”
As an influencer, Evjen is always posting photos—many of herself. Here, she shares how to look great in a photo. For more of these tips, as well as other posts, visit her site at AveStyles.com.
Tip 1
Never stand still for longer than a second. Constantly moving your body is what keeps you from looking like a statue. Even if it's simply tilting your head left to right slightly or shifting your weight from one leg to another, always moving keeps you looking fresh and authentic.
Tip 2
Say "happy" instead of "cheese." I have a tendency to over-smile and show too much of my teeth in photos. It can give the idea that I'm being fake with my emotion. Saying "happy" allows you to smile with more control, and also separates your top and bottom teeth.
Tip 3
Lean slightly forward. This helps your body look more relaxed and even disguises your mid-section a bit. If that's your problem area then you'll find this very helpful. Sometimes when we stand up very tall and straight we can, again, look like a frozen statue. The whole goal is to look natural.
Tip 4
Do something with your hands. Whether it's putting your arm around someone, tucking your hair slightly behind your ears, or grasping a coffee cup; giving your hands something to do prevents them from looking awkward as if you have two claws, or always putting one hand on your hip like you're at prom.