Content is the key, staying true to your self, your style is most important. All the info is out there now on how to start a blog/website, what platform to use, which gear is right for photography. Find your area of interest and do research about it. Grow your audience first with content and after you have a substantial following you can professionally approach brands for collaboration by sending across your media kits.
RK : First of all, thanks a lot for accepting our invitation for an interview. Please say something about you. About your career as a fashion influencer & model. How did you get started?
Nikita : Thank you for the invitation it’s always a delight to talk about my blogging journey. Well my name is Nikita Madhani, I am born and brought up in Mumbai, I am a Mechanical Engineer and have a MBA degree, I have also completed a course in Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies. I have been blogging for more than 6 years now, which started, as a mere creative outlet has now become a full-fledged business.
RK : You have an exceptionally unique look. Where does your style savvy come from, and where do you get your inspiration?
Nikita : Thank you so much for the kind words. For me style is about Expression, expressing my individuality, inspiration is everywhere out there but if one wants to create an unique style identity then its essential to channel your personal likes and preferences in your style.
RK : Do you see yourself as an “influencer”, and if so, what does that mean to you?
Nikita : I would call myself a FASHION BLOGGER first because blogging is the core of it, Influencing is something which has come after establishing my brand name in the blogging and fashion industry.
RK : When did you start blogging/ social media, and what was your motivation for getting started?
Nikita : When I started blogging back in 2012, the concept of fashion blogging was totally unheard of, blogs were very casual and a personal website to document outfits and Fashion/Styling was an alien concept. Being one of the first movers in Fashion blogging in India and first Luxury Fashion blogger in India was certainly not a cakewalk, this journey has surely had it’s ups and downs, but it feels really great to inspire so many people everyday at so many levels.
RK : Do you have specific blog/ social media influencer aspirations, and if so what are they?
Nikita : Creating a unique identity and brand image. Keep on inspiring people and growing my community even bigger, this platform gives me a chance to inspire so many young women out there and I want to share my ideas, my love for fashion with even more wonderful people.
RK : As an influencer are there particular brands you work with now? Which brands would you like to be working with?
Nikita : As my niche is of Luxury Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle, I love working with brands that share similar sensibilities.
RK : Would you please share with us one fashion prediction you foresee for 2019 or 2020 – either mainstream or alternative?
Nikita : Silhouettes that make apowerful statement for e.g. tailored suits, power shoulders is something I feel we will be seeing next season. Also hoping more brands move towards recycled and sustainable materials and try to make it a standard practice in fashion.
RK : If you were to give someone advice who is thinking about getting into social media and the world of influencing, what would it be? How about fashion blogging?
Nikita : Content is the key, staying true to your self, your style is most important. All the info is out there now on how to start a blog/website, what platform to use, which gear is right for photography. Find your area of interest and do research about it. Grow your audience first with content and after you have a substantial following you can professionally approach brands for collaboration by sending across your media kits..etc.
RK : Sometimes the modeling industry gets a bad rap with the jealousy and egos encountered between other models and agencies. Was this true for you? Have you managed to tough it out and make good friends?
Nikita : How the modeling industry works, well I am not well versed with that but the blogging industry is very friendly as many times we bloggers come together for events and campaigns. Working with agencies and brands, it differs for every entity, as some are extremely professional and punctual with dues while some are literally to be chased after, this is part and parcels of the business game.
RK : What’s your beauty regime? Would you like to share some of your best beauty secrets?
Nikita : A short morning skincare routine of moisturizing and Sunscreen, before stepping out and a Night care routine of Moisturizer and Night repair Serum and yes drinking lots of water, Green teas, healthy eating. For some home remedies I like using Aloe Vera in various ways for skin and hair.
RK : If you could have one Superpower, what would you choose?
Nikita : Ummm that’s an interesting question, how about Teleporting, which would be really fun.
RK : Do you have any upcoming events or announcements you wish to share?
Nikita : Well there are lots of amazing things coming up, some things are still under wraps and as the right time comes we will surely be sharing it with everyone.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to build one single stage for all the artists, because we believe that artists are the most beautiful creation of God and geographical boundary can never break their unity and harmony. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers.
Nikita : Thatis a really beautiful thought and a wonderful initiative. I appreciate the fact that Retro Kolkata is actually giving recognition to the talent, which goes in Blogging. Blogging I feel is something so unique such that a blogger has to manage not only the creative aspects but also the financial, PR and marketing aspect of the blog. A lot of hard work goes into running a blog and its associated channels successfully.
With the advent of Internet and social media, things are changing and fresh and new avenues are opening up, new mediums to showcase talent, new career options and it’s only on us to maximise these wonderful opportunities.
