My love of Instagram

Back in 2013 I tried using Instagram for personal posts as I was fed up of using another social media platform.  I didn't really know how to use it and so my posts were few and far between.  A couple of years later I was visiting one of my friends, Kate Evans who I had booked an appointment with so I could get some much needed attention on my wardrobe, colours, style and to be honest, confidence. Once back home later that evening I revisited Instagram to follow Kate so I could return to her page for inspiration... well, the rest as they say is history. 

Instagram had completely changed for me and I was hooked.  I love it!  There are so many fantastic small businesses out there who have grown due to the digital era.  Not only that but the Instastories are brilliant, as it's not just about selling product, you get to see the person behind the brand, their views, snippets of personal lives i.e. school runs, juggling work, shout outs, music, food and so much more.  This to me is another way of engagement and wow it really works.  There are so many small enterprises who I have discovered on Instagram and can honestly say are businesses that I enjoy shopping with or using for their services and knowledge.  They  still offer a personal service so although you maybe ordering online, I know my orders will be given the utmost care and attention, just as you would expect from a physical shop or consultant on the high street. 

Wow, this brand NEON MARL has the most fantastic story!  Seriously the powers of Instagram come into it's own when you hear of how Neon Marl has grown to tens of thousands of followers in just a few days!  Amber produces hand printed clothing and accessories using Neon colours in most of her pieces.  In the month of June a Virgin Radio broadcaster Rachel Horne was wearing one of Amber's Rainbow Hoodies which she shared on Instagram and of course Chris Evans mentioned it on air, during the two hours of the breakfast show Neon Marl's followers went wild...if you want to hear more, then follow her page, it's a wonderful story. #smallbusiness.

We all love to be empowered and for me as a woman in business Gemma from Muthahood does just that, her brand embraces strength and support for so many women "with the main aim of empowering women and girls through positive, strong and meaningful merch'."  Once again Gemma's instastories are fantastic, hilarious in fact.  I could go on about her posts but to be honest, I would be doing her a disservice, so best to follow Muthahood and click on Gemma's stories!

As you can see just from the few mentions above and believe me I could have gone on for ages as there are so many to follow, I have found some great creators who produce the most stunning gift lines and accessories, so you will see me giving them a big shout out on the B Gifted Instagram Page.  I believe in supporting other small businesses as so many of us these days juggle more than one job so getting shout outs helps grow brands, following and knowing that there are people out there who have got your back.  I have started collaborating with a few fellow traders, of whom I will keep you posted on those. 

But in the meantime, go to Instagram, find some fantastic pages to follow and follow the B Gifted Mantra.

"Live the life you love.  Love the life you live"