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Hello, I am Freya Settergren, and today we're getting ready together while I answer some business questions for Roe Magazine.
What was your first approach to monetizing your platform, & has it evolved over time?
My first approach to monetizing my platform was in the beginning, it was a pleasant surprise, a really good extra income when I was a student. After a while it became really hard to keep my normal job as influencer jobs come like very sudden and at random times usually. For now my only income is Instagram and TikTok.
How do you handle the income fluctuations that are common in the influencer industry?
Handling the income fluctuation is for me the hardest part. I'm not naturally a very organized person so I've had my challenges with this. But it's about putting aside when you have a lot of money and then live on it when you don't have a lot.
What is your long-term goal for yourself?
My long-term goal is to not be dependent on my social media platforms. That's why I built Rent Club, that now I work on maybe like 70% of my time. I started Rent Club two years ago with another girl. It's an app where you rent designer and vintage clothes for short-term or up to two weeks, based here in Paris, France. For now I don't pay myself a salary yet, that's why I depend on my social media. But the main goal is to do that in the future. I don't want to count on my Instagram and TikTok working forever. Hence, why I'm building Rent Club and I'm sure that in the future it will be my only job.
What role do analytics and data play in shaping your content and business decisions?
Honestly, I'm not good at analyzing my data, mostly because sometimes it's super random what works and what doesn't. It kind of unmotivates me, but I should get better at it as I'm sure it would help me.
What have been some unexpected challenges or costs associated with being an influencer?
Some challenges lately for me have been deciding when to actually work, and do content, or attend different events. I can get caught up in it all, especially during Fashion Week. And then I don't have any time to actually work.
How do you approach building a personal brand that stands out in a crowded digital space?
Rent Club, my company, and my personal brand have been able to help each other. I wasn't expecting that when I started Rent Club, but a lot of people follow me because I run my own sustainable fashion company. Likewise, I've been super blessed with having a base already of following for my completely new business, so I'm so happy and I think that is how I stand out. I'm doing something really special, it's not a regular clothing brand. It's not a vintage store. It's a rental company. It's not something that everyone has started yet.
What advice would you give aspiring influencers and brands?
I always say this, don't do it unless you truly love it, unless it's your passion, because it's going to shine through if it's not, if it's forced, and nobody enjoys watching fake stuff, even though maybe sometimes we don't realize it's fake. There are already a million brands and million influencers out there, we don't really need another one. Only do it if you whole heartedly enjoy doing it and if you're doing it for yourself.
Voila. That's all.
Thank you Roe Magazine!
Freja Settergren