We live in a very interesting time. It is an influencer’s world. Gone are the days of advertising in between tv shows and in print; nobody really pays attention anyway.
This is a digital age and if you have a platform via a podcast or Instagram and you use it to share more than just the pictures of your sweet babies or your cuddly pet then, by golly, you are an influencer.
Let’s be honest, even then you can create an influential space with your platform.
I follow lots of folks on all different mediums ranging from blogs and social media to YouTube and podcasts. What can I say? I’m a hip lady. For you to earn my follow you need to be authentic, interesting, and create content that makes me want to keep coming back for more.
We can all learn from each other and, honestly, some of the most sound advice I receive is from strangers on the internet who I follow because I relate to them and believe that, if we met in real life, we would be friends.
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Here is a list of 10 people you should follow.
The Hungry Bluebird ~ Food Influencer
Looking at recipes online and following pretty food creator handles on Instagram is one of my favorite past times. I stumbled upon The Hungry Bluebird about a year ago and have been drooling over her super comfy home-cooked meals ever since. The Hungry Bluebird’s given name is Kelly and she and I share in the desire to create meals our families can enjoy together. She created a personal blog as space she hopes her kids will come back to get recipes she has created so that they can make them in their own homes. I love that. If you are looking for comforting recipes that make you feel good when you eat them, follow this hygge cook.
Hygge Life ~ Hygge Lifestyle Influencers, Store Owners, and Author
There aren’t many folks in the United States that understand the value in creating meaningful moments quite like Alex and Coen of Hygge Life. These lovebirds own an online and brick and mortar shop where they have curated a collection of decor-inspired hygge moments. When they aren’t putting on hygge events that dreams are made of, they are busy promoting their new book, “Dwell, Gather, Be” and inspiring us to continue to spread the good word of hygge because we share the understanding that hygge is more than just a lifestyle, it is a mindset that appeals to all of the senses and that is good for the soul.
Amber Lancaster ~ Fashion Influencer & New Mom
I was introduced to Amber via Instagram through our friends at Vintage Charm. Ms. Lancaster is a midwestern girl with a California vibe. She models on LA’s game show circuit shares fashion inspiration (why wouldn’t she, she’s gorgeous), and now shares her journey as a new mom (which wasn’t the introduction to motherhood she had in mind). Amber is as down to earth as they come with a sense of humor and authenticity I find refreshing. I have already been inspired by her strength as a mom. She is one to watch.
Louise Clarke ~ “Parenting In The Thick Of It” Podcast
Last year, my kid was diagnosed with ADHD and I immediately went on an ADHD information-gathering mission. Louise was the first and currently the only podcast I listen to on parenting and/or parenting a child with ADHD. Her advice is worth its weight in gold and, whether you are an ADHD parent or not, her podcast is something from which all parents can benefit. She is poignant and the tips she offers are fine examples of how to navigate ‘in the moment’ common parent-child interactions. Hit subscribe.
Carly Henderson ~ Chicago Morning TV Host at The Jam TV Show and magical unicorn who lives life and exudes positivity.
Lauren and I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady when we sat down for a hygge chat with her on The Jam. Carly is exactly the burst of color and joy you see on her Instagram handle. Her zest for life and million-dollar smile is infectious. She is a proud dog mom that shares her insatiable thirst for travel on the “gram”. When I see her face pop up in my feed and read whatever burst of joy she is sharing at that moment, my day is instantly brighter. Click follow.
Fortitude and Finn – Karen Mitchell
Ok, let’s just say I live vicariously through this woman. She is my spirit animal who also happens to curate a pretty hygge blog. I am not sure what I am more obsessed with (and not in a creepy way): her Colorado home, surrounded by acres of land where she grows her own food or her chickens. Her eye for design gives me the warm and fuzzies. Her aesthetic is minimal and thoughtful and her Instagram handle is #goals. She is a natural beauty—follow her!
Gary John Bishop ~ New York Times Best Selling Author of UnFuck Yourself
Here is a fellow I don’t follow for fashion, home, or lifestyle tips but more so for daily doses of inspiration on how to get my head out of my ass and to sit firmly on my neck instead. Judging from the title of his best selling book, it is clear he speaks in a direct and unfiltered manner and his advice is as motivating as it is inspiring. If you too like to sprinkle your aesthetically-pleasing feed with some real talk and nuggets of wisdom on how to unfuck yourself, then read his book or listen to it on audible—his Scottish accent only adds to the experience. Gary John Bishop says it to you straight and he is absofuckinglutely brilliant.
Ashlyn Harris – World Class Goalie for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, fashionista and best hat collector ever.
This badass won my heart during the Women’s World Cup. My soul was filled with excitement every time the ring around her IG pic spun pink with new stories from the soccer teams’ travels in France and to their return to the states. Between her fiesty individual style, love for the word “bitch”, and a hat collection I wish was mine, she is my favorite player on the team. She is unapologetically herself, so sure of who she is and her sexuality and an inspiration to girls and boys everywhere. Strong is sexy, so that makes her one sexy bitch.
Wendy Myers ~ Myers Detox Podcast
Detoxing my body is and will continue to be, a part of my life moving forward. I was introduced to this lady by my functional medicine doctor and there isn’t a soul in this rapidly declining planet we live on who couldn’t benefit from every topic she discusses on her podcast. If you have heard of the words ‘heavy metal detox’ but aren’t really sure what that means, she explains it best is for us simple-minded folks. Perhaps you have an interest in things like brain health, gut repair, or the dangers of antibiotics. Wendy is your girl.
I hope one or all of these influencers is/are someone you might subscribe to or follow. If there is someone you think I should follow or listen to, please, by all means, share their information in the comments below.
xo,
Michelle
Michelle M Wildenhaus says
Cousin-in-law to the Hungry Bluebird, and textile entrepreneur. Will be following “sisters”, related or not!