#CreatorStory! A new series highlighting ShopStyle Collective influencers, their stories, learning experiences, and advice they have for other content creators who may just be getting started.
This month, we are celebrating Pride Month with Shavonda Gardner from (@sgardnerstyle) to hear about her unique journey becoming an influencer!
Read on for the full interview:
Shavonda Gardner #CreatorStory
Q: Tell us your story of how you got started as a content creator?
A: I started blogging back in 2012 as a way to stay connected to the world of interior design when I was transitioning out of design school during the recession. I knew I wanted to work in design in a different/non traditional way and when I discovered blogging it felt like the perfect fit. I felt like there was a big gap in the interiors blogging world as I didnt see any creators of color or that were openly gay then. From there I tapped into Instagram and here we are today!
Q: How can your followers support the LGBTQA+ community?
A: The best way folks can support the LGBTQIA+ community is by TRUE allyship. There’s A LOT of performative allyship out there and it’s harmful to the community. We live our lives 365 days a year so beyond just the month of June we should be celebrated. An easy way to do that is to follow us on social media, engage with our content, share our work, invest in our products/business and understand how beautiful and vibrant the world is because of our community.
Q:What advice would you give someone that wants to become an influencer?
A: Start where you are! You don’t have to have everything figured out. You don’t have to have a fancy camera or know how to use expensive equipment. Just come as you are and start. Before you know it you will find your footing and your community will grow.
Q: What obstacles did you have to overcome, if any, while becoming an influencer?
A: There were (and still are) several obstacles Ive had to overcome: being a unique voice among a sea of sameness, not being a white, heterosexual, “traditional American family”-so often our work or vision is not valued or seen as marketable or desirable, not liking or being inspired by white walls or farmhouse style, advocating for small spaces and downsized living as a designer when the majority aspire to a bigger is better mentality, not sharing ONLY the good and pretty-Ive always been really open about sharing real life even when it doesnt fit the curated standard, and lastly the fact that Ive had very clear boundaries from the beginning. Often people think that establishing boundaries is mean/rude so I’ve had to be very convicted in my desire to be treated with respect in the social media space.
Q: How do you typically support/spread awareness during Pride month and throughout the year?
A: Showing up in my truth, openly sharing my home, family and life, supporting queer owned and allied businesses, and also through activism is how I spread awareness all year long.
Follow Shavonda Gardner on her Instagram @sgardnerstyle
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