"Modern careers aren’t just traditional 9 to 5’s" with Mya Papolu
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Mya Papolu is an entrepreneur, shopping addict, and a passionate businesswoman – but that’s not all! She’s a mom and she’s a loyal friend. For Mya, nothing is more important than feeling inspired each and every day by the brands that she loves, which is why she strives to ensure that the everyday person can connect with their favorite brands on a deeper level than ever before.
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon with degrees in engineering and business, Mya went straight to Wall Street to pursue her new career. After a few years, she wanted a change of pace and sought to explore her love for retail. She worked at Chanel as a merchandising and planning analyst before moving back home to Silicon Valley. In technology, she worked with various Fortune 500 brands in the world of eCommerce, digital transformation, and social media.
Today, Mya has established Brandbass as a unique community where passionate shoppers and brand advocates can come together to discover new brands, to share ideas, to test new products, and to become the go-to expert for their favorite businesses.
What three things does someone starting in your industry need to know?
If you want to get your product or brand seen by millions of people in just one social media post, you can pay thousands (if not hundreds of thousands of dollars) for a celebrity or mega-influencer to take a picture promoting your product. These influencers don't have to like or use the product; they get paid just for the post and are often directed what to say.
As consumers become more aware of how influencer marketing works, it's lost its impact and feels contrived, becoming no different than traditional advertising--leading to influencer fatigue. During the COVID-19 crisis, especially, influencers appear to be unrelatable, and out of touch, their promotions and lifestyle posts seem tone-deaf to some. Ambassadors, on the other hand, are real people.
With a play on the term “Brand Ambassador” - Brandbass is a newly launched platform that allows new brands and ambassadors to build relationships to raise awareness and increase sales. Consumers looking to discover and partner with new brands can not only shop but also apply to the product detail page itself to become a brand ambassador! On Brandbass, we feature lifestyle products next to other complementary brands by clustering through advanced algorithms and data science. We're a launchpad for small and independent businesses.
How does your business use Instagram?
Because of influencer fatigue, many of our partner brands are searching for the "true voice of the consumer." Many brands prefer to partner with smaller influencers or just everyday people who share with their family and friends with more authenticity. Consumers are less trusting of mega-influencers and celebrities when they promote products; it doesn't feel real. Everyday creators, on the other hand, promote products they believe in and actually use. These are the true Brand Ambassadors who have higher levels of trust with their followers, seen as "real people" who actually use the products, which is relevant and relatable to increase traffic and sales.
How can entrepreneurs grow their Instagram followings and increase engagement?
At Brandbass, we’re all about loving what we do and doing what we love. Today, success looks different than it did 15 or 20 years ago. Modern careers aren’t just traditional 9 to 5’s. The internet and social media changed the workspace, allowing people to “work their way.” #WorkYourWay is creating your own path towards success, taking control of your life, and doing more of what you love.
Even if you have a “normal” job that pays the bills, you can explore what makes you happy whether it’s fitness or being a mom, and see if there’s a way to make that part of your “hustle.” There’s less pressure. You get to make the rules and put as little or as much time into it as you want. You can explore your passions and hobbies on social media, creating a community of people just like you, and even making money.
Discover new brands, test new products, and share them with your followers. Become the go-to expert. Work on your own terms and work your way up. What started as a hobby may turn into a new and exciting career. Brandbass’ #WorkYourWay Spotlight focuses on people who embraced their side hustles and passions and have even turned them into their full-time jobs. We share stories of inspiring people who are chasing their dreams and achieving great things in all different spaces, from wellness to fashion.
How can our readers get in touch with you?
Cassie Moorhead, Brandbass PR Director, Email: Cassie@myBrandbass.com
Website: https://mybrandbass.com
https://www.instagram.com/brandbass/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mraqWcdqey4&feature=youtu.be