Emily Layne, a graduate student at the University of Denver, is here to fulfill all of your travel-starved needs. With the most beautiful nature backgrounds on her Instagram – where she’s gained over 23,000 followers – and plenty more content to go around on her blog and TikTok, the 24-year-old wants to encourage followers to chase their own dreams, and find adventures in even the smallest of things.
Her Campus: Tell us about your site/platform and why you launched it.
Emily Layne: I started my site as a way to share my passion for travel and fashion. Once I began to witness the incredible community of creators, I started building relationships online and growing from there. I absolutely love to connect with my followers, friends, and family through my photos, captions, and stories. It’s like a little photo album full of my favorite life moments.
HC: What do you hope your followers get out of following you?
EL: I aim to inspire my followers with the imagery I create, and above all else, encourage them to chase their dreams. There was a time where I didn’t believe in myself and my own dreams, but they have come true with hard work. I want everyone to know their potential and worth!
HC: What does your week currently entail?
EL: I definitely stick to a routine, but each day looks different for me being a full-time content creator. Twice a week I’ll do admin work such as respond to emails, post on socials, submit content for approval, and complete invoices for brands. Other days I’m out shooting all day for my own personal creative shoots or for brand campaigns.
HC: What’s the best and worst part about being an influencer?
EL: The best part of being an influencer is connecting with my followers and other creators online. My very best friends are creators I’ve met through Instagram!
The worst part is having to go through the motions of IG’s new algorithm changes. BUT it doesn’t get me down. Creating is fun for me, and I never truly let the numbers get to me.
HC: Is running your platforms your full time job or a side hustle? Why did you make that decision?
EL: It’s my full time job, and I’m a micro influencer. I push myself very hard to achieve my goals, and was fully committed to it before I even made a dime. I made this decision to go full-time a year and a half ago, and it’s led me to be fully confident in my career direction. I absolutely love getting to create, and it’s a bonus to be getting paid for it.
HC: Which people have had the most influence on you, and why?
EL: Julia Berlozheimer was the first blogger I ever followed, and she’s the reason I started dipping into the fashion space. I was so drawn to her because of her authenticity and originality. There are certain people you follow who you have no doubt are genuine, real people on AND off the screen. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to share my life with my followers in a meaningful way like her.
HC: How has being an influencer affected your friendships and relationships?
EL: I’ve really gotten out of my comfort zone by being an influencer. It’s challenged me to really step up and be there for many people online. I read and respond to almost every DM as I want everyone to be seen and heard. The friendships I’ve made online run so deep. You truly get each other and your passions, it’s a beautiful relationship full of trust and quality companionship!
HC: What has been the most surreal thing that’s happened to you as an influencer?
EL: The absolute most surreal thing I’ve experienced is getting to work with Macy’s. I never would have thought that I’d be working with one of the biggest companies in the world!!!
HC: What are your three favorite tools for content creation?
EL: Lightroom Mobile for photo editing, Splice for video editing, and the mountains as my prop!!! I’m a Colorado lifestyle creator, so I’m always using the beautiful scenery here as my prop and background. Nature and flowers inspires me the most.
HC: What does the future of influencing look like for you? What’s next for you personally?
EL: I have big goals and even bigger dreams. I would love to take my Instagram even further of course, but I’d love to start my own business full of my favorite things, maybe even my own store! I’d also love to help other businesses with their digital marketing strategies and become a brand manager or digital marketing specialist for major companies in Denver. I want to dip into a few different things after I finish my degree and do it all!
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!