+ SOMEONE You Should Know
How to Become a
Social Media Influencer
This Windermere resident became an Instagram influencer
by combining his passion for beauty and social media.
Getting paid to post on social
media is a dream for many
people. They envision unboxing
oodles of free products, creating
artistic and compelling content
and garnering cash flow from their
online activities. However, the reality
is that only a select few have what it
takes to make the cut.
With nearly 85,000 followers on
his Instagram account, Windermere
resident Tommy Berry has turned
his passion into a paycheck as an influencer
using the @Tommys.Beauty
handle. So how did he build a following,
create a public personality and
become an influencer?
“Theater was my first experience
with makeup,” he says. “Seeing how
it could completely transform people
was really mesmerizing, and I think
that’s what sparked my initial interest.
I started sharing pictures with friends
who then encouraged me to post it on
social media.”
Authenticity and a genuine love
of social media, combined with passion
for the products he posts, are two
of the reasons for his success. It’s also
most likely the impetus for national
brands like Loreal, Covergirl and Lancome
wanting to work with him.
“As a super social person, the idea
of being able to work on content and
share it with thousands of people is
amazingly appealing,” Berry says. “I
love to interact with people who have
that same passion.”
Commitment to quality and belief
in himself sets Berry apart from
other beauty bloggers.
58 Central Florida Lifestyle | August 2019
“Early on, I made the decision
to buy professional studio lighting,”
he says. “At the time, I was
working a minimum wage job
and hadn’t really started making
money on Instagram. I took the
chance and hoped that I would
have the opportunity to make it
back through Instagram.”
Do you think you have what
it takes? Berry’s advice is to be
consistent and stay honest with
your viewers.
“As relationships with brands start
to become more important, it is crucial
to remember what got you into social
media in the first place,” he adds. “At
the end of the day, your audience is the
most important thing.”
COURTESY OF TOMMY BERRY
By Gretchen Hahn
Share your passion with the world!
• Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine has upgraded its website with
state-of-the-art features and functions that now allow users to become
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• Creating a profile is quick and easy at www.UnlockProfile.com
• The more you interact, post and share through the site, the more
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the way up to super influencer.
• Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine has been a leader in providing
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/www.UnlockProfile.com
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