Name: Angeline Rodriguez (@lilmisswonderwoman)
Talent (for e.g. model, actor, influencer, videographer etc): Influencer (creator)
Occupation: Vice President of When in Manila
Location: Philippines
How long have you been a talent on TRF: 2 Months & Counting!
1. What inspired you to become an Influencer/Creator and how did you get started in the industry?
It actually just happened by chance. I got invited to a fashion show a while back where I met some people there who encouraged me to start my own blog. I’ve always loved to share stories with hopes of reaching people who are looking for someone that can relate to them; and as the years went by and social media platforms evolved, that blog just naturally evolved into those other platforms as well.
2. Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as an Influencer/Creator from start to finish?
I wake up in the morning, check my emails, plan my schedule, and then go to events. I attend events almost every day (sometimes 2-3 in a day), but I also spend most of my time finding inspiration from the little everyday things in my life. Since I like to create content that is relatable as well as connected to my passions and my hobbies, I try to draw inspiration from my favorite things such as funny conversations with my child, unforgettable quotes, moments in a series or movie that I recently watched or interesting plots in a book I’ve read; then I set aside time create content out of that form of inspiration which works so well for me.
3. Are you an Influencer/Creator full-time/part-time, or casually? And how do you manage your finances and what strategies have you found most effective?
I’d say right now, I’m more on the casual side. I never really pursued it fully since my full-time job is in a similar field. I’m hoping to change that this year and turn it into a proper part-time job, though. It’s actually part of my New Year’s resolution for 2024!
4. What types of brand partnerships have you worked on in the past, and how do you decide which collaborations to take on as an Influencer/Creator?
I’ve had partnerships in a wide variety of fields: TV, fashion, beauty, motherhood, food, technology… Of course, I prefer to work with brands that I already use and am loyal to. When I’m unfamiliar with a brand, I am always transparent about this but still mention I’m always willing to try out something new if they align to me. A lot of the time, I end up falling in love with new brands that I discover through new collaborations. However in contrast If I don’t align with them again, I am transparent about this because I believe in always being an advocate in promoting brands I use in my actual life.
5. Can you share any tips for negotiating rates with brands, and how do you determine your own value as an Influencer/Creator?
I think it’s very important to know your worth. Think about how much time and effort you will actually spend on the project, and how much money you believe you deserve for that time and effort. Most brands will definitely negotiate with you so it’s important to stand your ground and make sure you’re identifying your amazing skills and what YOU can bring to the table. A lot of people get scared of missed opportunities when they decline an offer if this is too low; but honestly my advice would be don’t give up and continue to advocate for the pricing you want for each collaboration so you can reach your true potential.
6. How do you stay updated with industry trends and best practices as an Influencer/Creator, and what resources do you rely on for education and inspiration?
I spend a LOT of time on social media. People think that scrolling through social media is a waste of time; but for an influencer, it’s a must. Scrolling through social media for 15 minutes a day will already give you enough information to know what’s trending at the moment and you might even stumble across content that inspires you to create your own.
7. Have you faced any challenges or setbacks in your career as an Influencer/Creator, and how did you overcome them?
There are days when I simply don’t want to create content and then I end up feeling horrible when I don’t post for a few days. Through the years, though, I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to take a break every once in a while if you need to. I believe it’s important to have fun with what you’re doing, so if it starts to feel like too much of a job than a fun pastime, then maybe it’s time to take a short break and reconvene once you feel like yourself again.
8. How do you achieve work-life balance as an Influencer/Creator, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way?
Know when it’s time to rest; and then rest, rest, rest, rest, rest. A social media break can do wonders for your mind and soul - trust me.
9. What advice would you give to aspiring Influencer/Creator who are starting out and looking to build a successful career in the industry?
It sounds like a cliché, but just be yourself. Stay true to who you are and focus on the things that you love. If you are truly passionate about what you are putting out in the world, people will see and feel that through your content and will naturally flock to you.
10. How do you see the industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what changes do you anticipate?
Technology is rapidly changing so I’m sure even more social media platforms will come to the forefront in the next 5-10 years. I’m hoping that won’t be anytime too soon, though… I’m getting too old to keep up haha!
11. Can you share any upcoming projects or partnerships that you're excited about, and how do you plan to continue growing your brand as an Influencer/Creator?
I took a long holiday break so I don’t have any projects or partnerships lined up for 2024 just yet, but I do plan on consistently creating more content that’s close to my heart this year and I hope that somehow, it will resonate with the right audience and I get to connect with more like-minded people moving forward.
Angeline’s remarkable journey exemplifies the potential of dedication, authenticity, and adaptability. Their story encourages us to pursue our passions, maintain unwavering determination, and forge our own unique path.
