Namibia Influencers share their experiences

Nandi TjiurutueTheres certainly a lot that goes on behind the carefully curated and seemingly glamorous content produced by influencers before it appears on our feeds.

To find out more, turned to our favourite influencers Robyn Nakaambo and Jamie-Lee Loss for advice.

If youre wondering what an influencer is, the Oxford Dictionary defines it as a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.

In a recent panel discussion on The Social Leak, the dedicated and lively television host, lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur Robyn Nakaambo (32) said for her, influencing is about celebrating what one has.

“I started taking pictures of things I have and brands decided, hey maybe she could make money for us because of her following,” she says.

Nakaambo says influencers create content that inspires their audience to want to buy or invest in what they are marketing.

“When it comes to influencing, we need to understand that our power is not only in our followers but in the ability of influencers to encourage buying power from your followers.”

Geneva Tashiya Crow (23), who also took part in the panel discussion, is a professional chef and influencer.

Crow shared that she found herself bored during the 2020 nationwide lockdown, and began to utilise her time by building her social media brand.

A year later, she now uses social media to connect businesses and consumers by promoting brands in her everyday activities.

“Whether its having lunch, going to an event or cooking at home, theres always a brand thats being promoted somewhere in the mix.”

Crow admits to being very calculated and articulate when it comes to what she posts on social media. Strategy and authenticity are both equally important when managing her social media presence, she stresses.

“Social media has grown rapidly over the past decade. You have to evolve with it or youll be left behind.”

It is no secret that most influencers definitely face their share of hateful and disapproving comments. YouTuber, beauty and lifestyle brand influencer Taimi Nuuyango (22) says one should have a deeply rooted sense of who you are to cope when faced with criticism on social media.

“Ignore, block, dont entertain it,” Nuuyango says.

“One thing you cant afford in this industry is being insecure,” Crow stressed.

Someone whose content aims to spread love and good vibes is teen influencer Jamie-Lee Loss (18).

A vibrant first-year student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Loss also owns her own baking business.

Bake with JLoss operates through Instagram and offers a wide array of sweet delights.

Sharing content on social media has contributed to the growth of her personal brand as a teen influencer, she says. However, Loss admits that she finds social media to be quite superficial and unrealistic, because most people only share the good side of their lives.

“For anyone who loves social media, I think its very important to know that this is social media [on one hand] and this is real life [on the other].”

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.