When she began her brand in 2018 as a mere passion project to showcase her fashion and beauty favorites as a college student at Arizona State University, Alyssa Fierro had no idea she would generate a following of over 2,000 on Instagram and 70,000 on her Poshmark account. Now, as a recent college graduate, she continues to repost new pieces on her Poshmark frequently, where she’s made a plethora of sales, making second-hand clothing look trendy and chic. But how do you become such a skilled “Reposh-er”?
Her Campus: Tell us about your site/platform and why you launched it.
Alyssa Fierro: I started creating content revolving around fashion, beauty, and lifestyle back in 2018 for my Instagram account @___alyssamariah. I’ve always enjoyed trying out new products and sharing my experiences with my followers, and since then have dedicated myself to creating a space where people can come and feel inspired to try out a new foundation or go to a concert for an artist they’ve never listened to.
HC: What do you hope your followers get out of following you?
AF: I hope my followers feel like they have a safe space to enjoy all the benefits of social media without the heavyweight and pressure of feeling like they need to fit in or look a certain way. I understand the struggle of going onto Instagram and constantly comparing yourself to others and try to tailor my content in a way that prevents that.
HC: What does your week currently entail?
AF: My week is typically quite routine. I don’t have a set content schedule like most people do and typically post as I feel like or when I get a burst of inspiration. I’m a part-time reseller through the Poshmark platform (@longevibellame) and I typically spend a good part of my day sending offers, packaging orders, and sourcing online for items I can flip. I also have taken the initiative to gain more professional skills, and have been taking online courses to keep me busy and learning. In between all of that, I scroll through Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for inspiration for my future posts and create mock-up posts so when I do have a product I want to share or a quote I like, the storyboard is there waiting for me.
HC: What’s the best part about being an influencer?
AF: The best part is having a community of people who support you! Being an influencer opens your eyes to how many people there are out in the world. Sometimes I can feel so alone and defeated, and then I log on to my account and realize there are people out there ready to support me and uplift me the same way I do for them. It’s crazy how people you have never met can be some of your biggest supporters and that’s the true beauty of social media.
HC: What advice would you give to a college woman with similar aspirations?
My advice would be to stay true to yourself and don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing. Embrace your own, authentic creativity!
HC: Is running your platforms your full time job or a side hustle? Why did you make that decision?
AF: It is definitely a side hustle (at least for now). I’d love to eventually do this full time – and it’s one of my – however I’m just not there yet. This is something I truly enjoy doing as a hobby, and I don’t want to make it feel like work.
HC: Which people have had the most influence on you, and why?
AF: My favorite Instagram account to follow for fashion inspo is @OliviaCulpo. I love how classic and sophisticated her outfits are and would kill to raid her closet. My favorite Instagram account for skincare advice and recommendations is @drdrayzday. She’s a board-certified dermatologist and recommends products that contain ingredients that are beneficial for the skin. I love all her tips and product recommendations and I love that she has credible knowledge in the field.
HC: How has being an influencer affected your friendships and relationships?
AF: I’d say it’s actually strengthened my relationships, and has helped me formed new ones. I’m super grateful for Her Campus and the InfluenceHer Collective for creating a community that helps me connect to other influencers with similar interests and goals. The community has encouraged me to network and form friendships with people across the country.
HC: What’s been the most surreal thing that’s happened to you as an influencer?
AF: The most surreal thing that’s happened to me was getting my photo reposted onto the Peter Thomas Roth Instagram account. I put a lot of work and research into each of my product photos trying to make sure all details align with the brand and campaign. I felt so accomplished knowing that my content did exactly that.
HC: What are your three favorite tools for content creation?
AF: My absolute must-have is my tripod and Bluetooth remote. They’re fairly inexpensive, and can help elevate your content especially when you don’t have anyone to take photos of you. My other two favorite tools are the Tezza app and Dazz Cam app. I love the filters on both of the apps and the various features they provide.
HC: What does the future of influencing look like for you?
AF: In my opinion, there’s always room for growth in anything you’re doing. I hope to continue growing my outreach and inspiring other people to take on influencing. As someone who has a small following, it can be much harder to find brands who want to work with you but I like to use that to my benefit. It’s not always about numbers, but the community you create. I hope I continue to challenge my creativity and even branch out with more video content.
Behind the Feed is a weekly series showcasing a different member of the InfluenceHer Collective every week. Are you an influencer? Apply to join the IHC, and you could be featured in the future!