Getting to know Shweta Choudhury, Odisha's popular blogger who with her journey made blogging a known profession in Odisha.
Read through this interview to know more about Shweta Choudhury. From being a passionate fashionista to the journey of becoming a blogger. Shweta Choudhury made blogging popular in a state where people had never even heard of it. She believes that with great influence comes great responsibility and has frequently hosted fundraisers for charity too. There's a lot more to her journey than meets the eye and honouring her efforts, Instagram hosen to showcase Shweta Choudhury's journey as one out of 5 Creators for a segment at the recent Facebook Fuel Event 2020.
We recently had a tête-à-tête with her and got to some really interesting insights about her journey, her work, and her life. Read on to find out more!
Here are some excerpts from the conversation:
What made you start creating content and when did you begin?
"I have always been passionate about fashion. However, there wasn't a cutting-edge blogging scene in my state. So, I started blogging in December 2017 and once you start putting your life on social media, I guess there's no turning back."
What according to you makes your content stand out?
"Since I am a huge pop culture nerd, I mix my love for fashion and pop culture. I recreate TV shows, movies, cartoons, anime, football, and all things relatable! So, having this pop-culture niche makes my content stand out. I always try to be as creative as I can, not only with organic posts but branded content as well."
How do you choose what to promote on your feed and what not to?
"I believe with great influence, comes great responsibility. I also like to call myself the "Friendly neighbourhood blogger". So, I must be open and honest with my audience. If a brand does not resonate with me and I am not likely to use it myself, I would never promote it. It is important to learn to say NO in this line of work. Being principled in this space is not just noble but makes good business sense since it’s all about earning the trust of your audience."
One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile?
"Ah, how do I choose one? Basically, working with the platform where you were born maybe? Working with Instagram on various projects like IPL, DDLJ, and most importantly getting featured in Facebook Fuel for India has to be the moment that made it worthwhile."
What does a regular day look like for you?
"If you wake up in the morning and are passionate about what you do and are in love with it, work doesn't really work is it? But yeah, it's mostly, shoots, work calls, and emails, a few Myntra styling sessions, and a bit of binge watching or reading, which is basically content research for me."
How do you make moolahs?
"Well, it’s mostly through brand collaborations or creating content for apps. I also work as a stylist for Myntra."
Where do you get inspiration for your posts from?
"Every TV show I binge, book I read, cartoon I watched growing up, or anything that we relate to or see in our life, is something I use to stoke my creative fires."
Have you ever received a weird or funny brief from any brand for collaboration? Please share, if any.
"I do not know if it’s weird or not, but a brand once appreciated my creative idea and then rejected it saying that all creators are doing normal posts, so you should do that too. I mean, what is the harm in uploading good quality content?"
If not an influencer, what would your full-time profession be?
"I am going to pursue management and study abroad soon. So, I would have eventually immersed myself in the world of marketing."
Any tips for upcoming bloggers and influencers?
"Be your authentic self and do it for the love and passion you have. Do make sure to create "share" and "save" worthy content consistently."
What is the one thing you wish would change for women this year?
"A sense of not thinking a million times what we are going to wear, to look over our shoulders in fear as we walk down the street. Basically, safety at workplace, home, in a public place, everywhere! It is going to be 2021 soon and it's sad that the world still isn’t safe for women."
How does it feel to be recognized at an event like Facebook Fuel for 2020?
"As my video title states, "small towns, big dreams.", isn't that how most of the people in India feel? I feel fortunate enough that my work and content landed me among the 5 creators to be featured across the country. The number of "If you could do it, so can I" messages I have received lately, makes my journey most fulfilling."
How important is such recognition for Creators?
"To be handpicked by Instagram itself for such a big conference is not only an honour but a big recognition from the platform! It is one of the biggest stamps of approval a creator can get!"
Do you have any plans on developing your content further? Can you tell us what projects/plans you’re working on?
"I do have plans to make inroads on YouTube. Also, I am currently working with my state's Tourism board to make India's best kept secret, not a secret anymore!"
Here's how she responded to our Quick 5:
Favourite meme template on social media?
Akshar Pathak's memes
One celebrity you want to collaborate with?
Cristiano Ronaldo. Never going to happen but a girl can dream.
Your favorite Influencer?
I absolutely love Leonie Hanne and Tezza. I absolutely adore self-made women!
Weirdest or funniest comment you have received?
If I eat teddy bear for breakfast 😂
Favourite face filter?
My Harry Potter filter that I created!
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