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Life can take different turns, sometimes positive and other times negative, for fashion influencer Ghazal, it was a change for the better. Ghazal Ramadan, a Dubai-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle influencer first became aware of the term fashion at a young age. Like all young girls, Ghazal played dress-up and loved experimenting with different fashion styles. As she grew up, Instagram was the perfect platform for the fashionista to showcase her love for the industry and therefore began to upload posts that were related to fashion, but not of herself.
The change came when she decided to be in front of the camera rather than behind which excelled her online status to what it is today. We interview Ghazal on her journey to find out more about her content, her advice for aspiring influencers, and just some of the brands she has worked with.
What inspired you to become an influencer and how did you start?
GR: I’ve always had a love for fashion and new trends ever since I was 10 years old. I used to love to dress up and take pictures of myself wearing different outfits until I joined Instagram which made me even more thrilled to continue with my love for fashion.
I started in 2014 when I had an Instagram page (styleindubai) where I started as a fashion police. I used to repost all of my favourite looks that celebrities and influencers would wear and rate their looks, tag the brands they wore and choose my favourite looks. 3 years ago I decided to change the concept of the page and make it my own personal page where I post my style, fashion tips, beauty tips and snaps of my life with my kids.
I like it this way more as I feel I’m connected with my audience.
How do you engage with your audience and build a strong core of community around your content?
GR: Being real and honest is always the key. I’m always in touch with my followers and I answer all their questions. I share with them my honest reviews and feedback about new products that I try on myself and in return gain love and support from my audience.
What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date with trends in your industry, and how do you ensure that your content stays relevant to your followers?
GR: I always say that fashion is about setting the trends not following, so just wear what you want with confidence. Take small hints from fashion but never wear an entire look – Just dress in what you can afford and get a street fashion photographer to take photos of you casually walking in the street. Street photographers have a lot of power.
How do you handle negative comments or feedback from followers, and how do you try to maintain a positive and supportive online community?
GR: In everything you will do there will be positive and negative feedback from people. My advice is to do what you feel is right for you and as long as you’re not insulting others go ahead and never let anything stop you.
What advice do you have for influencers who are just starting out, and what are some of the biggest challenges they may face?
GR: My advice for others is to keep going and never stop!! You might get bored of not getting enough engagement or receiving some negative comments, and sometimes you might over-expect things and they might go not as your expectations. But never stop because one day you’ll be so proud of yourself when you begin to see the positive effects of what you’re doing.
How do you see the influencer marketing landscape evolving in the next few years, and what trends do you anticipate?
GR: These days it seems like everyone is trying to become an influencer. It’s easy to see the appeal: You can be your own boss, get sent on lavish trips, and receive products and clothing to test out and review for your followers. The influencer life may appear to be built upon one perfectly staged Instagram photo after another, but there is actually a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes in order to be a successful influencer.
How would you describe your personal fashion style?
GR: I would describe my personal style as simple with a twist. I love to wear simple outfits and style them with my touch of accessories. That’s how I love it.
Can you share some of your favourite collaborations or partnerships?
GR: L’Oreal Pro, Land Rover, Namshi, Farfetch, Styli, Noon, Porsche, Van Cleef, Sephora, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Izil Beauty, Centrepoint, and many more.
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