Influencer Spotlight Interview: Katie Statham

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Katie, 25 living in the countryside of East Sussex. Very much a country girl with a side of the city. Very sporty and I love being in cosy clothes, alternatively I love makeup, skincare and fashion!

When did you start blogging/social media, and what was your motivation for getting started?

I’ve always had a love for photography. When I was young, around 7, I used to take my camera out and take lots of ‘arty’ pictures in the countryside and on holidays. I started posting on Instagram when I was around 14 and realised that I could combine my love for photography, editing, vlogging, fashion & beauty in one…Instagram!

During Covid was when I started to take social media seriously and realised that I could make an income/career from this. My motivation for getting started was to post what I like.. don’t try and be someone you’re not and post content you aren’t enthusiastic about. If you’re creating content you generally love, then your audience will be genuine and it won’t feel like a job.

What have been your keys to success?

I’d say to just be yourself, and portray your personality through pictures, reels and stories. Your audience will get to know you as a person and build a relationship with you. Sometimes it’s good to step away from the social media world and come back fresh with new ideas and a clear head.

Engage with your audience - reply to comments, DMS, and also support other content creators. I’ve made some of my closest friends through social media. It’s such a great industry!

Who do you most admire in the world?

If we’re talking about anyone… my parents, I look up to them so much and I’m very grateful for the person they have taught me to be! If we’re talking about celebs, I love Hailey Bieber. She’s absolutely stunning and I love her clean aesthetic. Her style is very me... casual but also glam! As an overall person, she just seems so lovely and genuine. I’m also a low-key Justin Bieber fan 😂

If you were to give someone advice who is thinking about getting into social media and the world of influencing, what would it be?  

Just do it! Don’t care what people think, if anyone says anything negative or puts you down then you don’t need them in your life. Your true friends & family will support and be proud of whatever you do. If getting into the world of social media is something you want to do, go for it. It’s such a fun industry, you meet amazing people, get to create fun content and go to events! Having Flourish as my Management is the best thing, we’re like a huge family! I honestly don’t think I could do what I do without them. They do so much behind the scenes and I’m eternally grateful.

What’s been your favourite brand collaboration so far, and why?

There have been lots of brands that I’ve loved working with such as: Iconic London, Ren, South Beach, Boohoo, Miss Pap, Shein etc. These brands are super fun to work with. They let you be creative with what content you make, and they want you to put your personal twist on the work, which always makes it fun. Having a genuine love for the brands helps too.

Who is your dream brand to work with?

There are so many! I would say... Beauty - Laura Mercier, Fitness - Gym Shark, Fashion - H&M.

What’s your favourite social platform, and why?

That’s a hard question, they’re all so different. I prefer creating aesthetically pleasing content for IG. Love TikTok for watching other people’s videos and for some reason there’s less pressure on posting ‘perfect’ content so it’s more fun. YouTube I love filming & editing... It's what I learned at school so I really enjoy it. It’s just very time-consuming!

As mental health online is so important, what are your top tips for social self-care?

If it’s all getting too overwhelming take a bit of time off. Go for some walks, a fitness class, lunch with friends… things that make you happy. Fill your heart back up with activities that make you feel wholesome and loved then come back to the social media world when you’re ready.

This could be a day or a week. It can be a very intense industry at times but you just have to surround yourself with positive people and remind yourself why you’re in this industry. I’m very lucky and have a lovely following.

What's a fun fact about you?

I used to be in the Sussex squad for Judo, play rugby & I once went on a date to Australia haha!

What’s your favourite inspirational quote?

‘‘Would you rather be comfortable or happy?’’ I’d rather be uncomfortable now and take the risk so I can find happiness later, rather than settle for something that’s comfortable now.

What is your biggest dream in life?

To be able to travel the world while doing the work I love. To be able to sit on a beach, surfing and drinking coffee while content creating. Also to be healthy, happy and successful with a family of my own one day (when I eventually find a boyfriend haha).

What star sign are you?

Leo

When are you the most inspired?

In the middle of the night. I’m such a night owl - I swear my body doesn’t wake up until 11 pm. I write down all my content ideas, edit and get things done during the night rather than during the day!

What makes you smile the most? 

Spending time with my family, we’re so so close! Oh and a Limoncello shot!

To work with Katie contact: ino+katie@flourishmgmt.co.uk