What does it take to be a social media influencer? We wanted to find out. We spoke with Jessica Madison, a blogger, mother of twins, and DIY design guru who harnesses the power of social media to build her brand and spread her message. And it’s paid off — she boasts more than 25,000 followers on Instagram alone!

Q: What are your account handles and what do they focus on? Tell us about your company!
A: My account is Jessicamadisonhome. I decorate my home and share it with my followers and also show them some examples of affordable fashion choices. I also love to share stories about my life and motherhood and often chat about these things on the story feature on Instagram.
Q: How did you get started with becoming an influencer? Was this something that you set out to do, or did it just kind of happen once you started?
A: I just decided one day about a year ago to make my account public and see where it took me! I didn’t truly think it could ever become what it is now and it has been the most pleasant surprise…but also a LOT of work.
Q: How long have you been an influencer? Was your success gradual or did it seem to happen quickly? How many followers do you have? 
A: I have been an influencer for almost a year! I would say I’ve grown a large following fairly quickly compared to some others. I currently have more than 25,000 followers and started with around 300.
Q: What was the original goal with the account when you started? How has that goal evolved?
A: Originally I don’t think I had many big goals. As things started happening and I got more comfortable, I set a goal for myself to try to reach 10,000 followers in a year and never thought I’d get there. Now I’ve more than doubled that goal. I can’t wait to see where this next year takes me. I’d love to see my account continue to grow in an authentic way!
Q: Is this something that you do full-time? If so, how did that switch happen from having a more traditional career to then being an influencer? If you don’t do it full time, is that the ultimate goal? How quickly do you see that happening? 
A: I’d say this is a full time gig ALONG with working my job at an elementary school. Social media doesn’t follow normal business hours. Putting in so much extra time is just something that has to be done, especially in the beginning. I’d love to be able to turn this into a stable career of its own so that I could quit my job at the school and focus solely on influencing. I’d love for that to happen this coming year, but we will see how things progress!
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get started in this space?
A: BE YOURSELF. Don’t be a carbon copy of someone else. People will see right through it. Push yourself everyday to get out of your comfort zone. Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t get caught up in the number of followers you have. Stay true to yourself and don’t sell yourself short.
Q: I know you also have a blog to complement your Instagram. Did the blog come before or after you started your Instagram account? How do you use them to complement each other?
A: I started my blog before my Instagram started to grow. I honestly don’t blog as much as I’d like to, but there just isn’t enough time at the moment to be able to devote to both!
Q: Have you received any backlash since starting your account? How do you deal with the “haters”?
A: Oh goodness. YES. This happens more frequently as my account grows. I usually call my haters out a bit. I don’t like to let people feel like they can get away with being nasty to others, especially behind a computer screen. I’m getting better at ignoring it, but sometimes people just go too far.
Q: What are some of the exciting developments that have happened since starting on this journey? What are you most proud of?
A: So many cool opportunities have come my way! I did the Indianapolis Home Show last year and that was incredible. I’ve been featured in a magazine, I’ve worked on several collaborations with small businesses and most recently got the opportunity to work with Hobby Lobby. I also was just featured on the Better Homes and Gardens Instagram page. So many really amazing moments!
Q: Where do you see your account going from here? What are you goals moving forward?
A: I’d love to continue to connect with the people who follow me and have my account grow at the pace it has this past year. I’d love to be able to work with larger companies and also still collaborate with the smaller businesses. I’d also love to be featured in a major print publication! The most important thing to me though is staying grounded and building relationships with the people who take the time to support me everyday.

Read Jessica’s blog and find links to her social media at jessicamadisonhome.com.