Erica Black Sapes Fashion and Lifestyle Influencer

Could you briefly introduce yourself to than to get to know you better?

My name is Erica and I am 54 years old, influencer Fashion and Lifestyle. I divide my time between Bordeaux and Paris.
I've had quite a few different jobs, including being the mother of 4 children. I do a lot of sport, on average 5 hours a week. Which takes up a lot of my time every day.
I like to try out new things that arouse my curiosity in many different areas. sport, care, leisure etc ...
I have a passion for shoes ( more than 250 pairs ). I recently participated in a documentary on this subject to be broadcast on the TEVA channel in the near future. It was a wonderful experience, original, enriching and fun.

I love fashion in the broadest sense of the word; for me it's a game, a pleasure. I'm not necessarily a fashion victim, I don't enjoy following trends.
Travelling, music, good food and all that goes with it are all part of my pleasures. fundamentals

Date of creation of your social networking activity as afashion and lifestyle influencer ?

I can't remember exactly, but I think it must be about 10 years old. Initially for fun and for the pleasure of writing small posts on my blog www.blacksapes.com
Very quickly I switched to Instagram to have another faster, more visual.
Contact with my community is simpler and more spontaneous!

What community and audience are you targeting?

I'm not targeting anyone in particular.I'll say "those who love me, follow me".I think that the women who see themselves in what I post subscribe, whatever their age, style or location. From 25 to 70 years old!
Things have to happen naturally. I don't conceive of publishing with a particular target in mind.

What triggered you and why did you embark on your networking adventure?
social?

A bit by chance, following a professional change, a little soul-searching...
I needed to "create" something that had a little to do with fashion.
At first it was just for fun, but then things became more professional at the
as we go along

How much time do you spend on your posts and/or videos? Creating, directing,
assembly...?

There are no rules.t can be very quick 1h, 2h or much longer for some Stories where I have to give explanations or some of the more technical realities. I have a perfectionist streak, sf I'm not happy with a detail, I can start over dozens of times.I don't publish if I don't like what I propose.
What's more, I do everything on my own (with my iPhone for Instagram and my Canon for the blog) which obviously takes much longer.

How do you manage your time between family, work and networking?
social activities? Do you have a job or activity other than your work as a social worker?fashion and lifestyle influencer ?

I have the feeling that it's taking over more and more of my time.t's sometimes difficult to understand for those around you, who can't see what's going on.
it as a real business. Social networking plus sport and already the day is well under way!
I'm about to start a new consulting business in image. I'm in the middle of preparing my new site.onc things aren't going to get any better!
You have to be well organized to waste as little time as possible and succeed. to keep a place for the rest, family, friends, leisure ...

Where do you find most of your inspiration? And which social networks do you use the most?

I find inspiration everywhere, all the time.he street, instagram and Pinterestmagazines, travel.
It's all mixed up and printed somewhere in a little corner of my head jntil an idea germinates.

What was your strategy for developing your Instagram community?

Unfortunately I don't have a strategy. I let things happen naturally and sincerely with something that I think looks like me, II admire those who develop their account like a business with lots of rigor, studies, analyses and action plans. I'm completely "freewheeling", trying above all to to be sincere and rigorous about what I present.

Do you have any organizational tips for other influencers? fashion and lifestyle ? What are your 3 tips for someone new to Instagram?

Not really! I think it's getting harder and harder to make a little with an algorithm that sometimes doesn't help us. Just tell them to be themselves, not to try to fit in. to trends and to look like others. At times, we see the same things done in the same way, uA little bit of originality and sincerity, for crying out loud!

What do you think makes a successful collaboration proposal?

To have enjoyed doing the work expected of them, to have had the opportunity to propose something new. something I find interesting, to be able to honestly inform my community. Get positive feedback from them and the brand. I love collaborations that brings real credibility. I have no desire to turn myself into a "TV shopper". I only select what pleases me, corresponds to me, seems to me Interesting. I'm not in the collaboration race!