Fashion influencer Nancy Tyagi: 'Influencer success is a blend of hustle and heart'

In a move catering to the dynamic fashion preferences of Gen Z, e-commerce marketplace Meesho launched its #trendz campaign earlier this year. Further expanding this initiative, Meesho successfully concluded its #trendz contest. Held from February 1 to May 30, 2024, the contest offered a platform for aspiring and established content creators to showcase their talents and social media expertise. Participation was open to all, regardless of follower count.

Fashion influencer Nancy Tyagi, known for her popular "Outfit from Scratch" series on Instagram, served as the judge for the competition.

In an conversation with Storyboard18, Nancy Tyagi discusses her journey from civil service aspirations to navigating the glitzy realm of red carpets. She shares perspectives on influencer culture and offers advice on dealing with internet trolls.

Edited excerpts:

What drew you to partnering with Meesho on this particular project?

Meesho and I have a history! I've been a big fan of their platform for a while, creating content showcasing their products on YouTube. Recently, we took things a step further with an official collaboration. I had creative freedom to make the videos exactly how I envisioned them. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I'm excited about what we created together.

When considering brand collaborations, what kind of alignment do you seek in terms of values and overall message?

Creative freedom is definitely a crucial factor for me when considering brand collaborations. It's important that I can maintain my authentic voice and style while representing the brand.

How did you navigate such a transformative journey from civil service aspirations to the world of red carpets?

My journey wasn't exactly linear. I was all set for UPSC coaching, but then the lockdown hit. With resources tight, I had a tough choice: invest in coaching or take a leap of faith with a camera. It felt like a gamble at the time, but I knew this camera would be with me for the long haul, a constant reminder of the decision that changed everything.

Being an influencer comes with both challenges and rewards. What unexpected insights have you gained about the industry?

Building a successful online presence takes grit. I learned early on to develop thick skin and focus on creating content I believed in. There were times, with just a handful of views, when quitting felt tempting. But a decision to keep going led to my first viral video! It was a powerful reminder that consistency and passion can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

For all the Gen Z viewers out there dreaming of influencer life, what nuggets of wisdom can you share?

Influencer success is a blend of hustle and heart. Consistent hard work is key, but don't underestimate the power of a lucky break! My advice? Focus on creating content you're passionate about. When your heart's in it, the authenticity shines through. Tune out the comparison game and trust your own voice.

Dealing with online negativity is part of the influencer territory. What are your best strategies for handling trolls and maintaining a positive online presence?

The online world can be noisy. People throwing comments left and right, good and bad. Honestly, I don't get too caught up in it all. My brother might tell me about some, but for me, it's all about staying focused on what I love – creating!