Icing & Glitter
A Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blog
Fashion

Elaborate

Elaborate

Jeans: Topshop (similar here and here); Coat: Revolve (similar here and here); Shoes: Gucci; Hat: Club Monaco (identical)

So I wanted to start today’s post by thanking all of you for reading my last one! I was so happy to hear how so many of you found it helpful. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the number of questions I’ve received following my post. So since so many of you had similar questions, I thought I’d put it into an article.

What’s this about working with an agency?
As I stated in my last post, I do work with an agency. Any time a brand is looking to work with me, they handle negotiations which includes the financial aspect of things along with deliverables. I had a lot of you asking how I found my agency, and truth is, they found me. They contacted me when they launched their influencer agency, and I’ve been with them since. I think the reason it works is because I have a great relationship with my manager, Amy. She is an absolutely superstar, who always listens to exactly what I’m looking for, and delivers. I also make sure I follow up, and clearly communicate what I want. Just because you have an agency doesn’t mean you should sit on your ass and expect them to do all the work. If you want something, make it clear.

Do you buy followers?
Absolutely not. No hate for people that do, but I just don’t think it’s smart business sensibility, at least not for myself. If I have to buy my influence, then I’m not really all that influential.

How do you deal with losing contracts to people who bought followers?
It’s never easy. But you know what, I know who I am. Sure, numbers matter, but that isn’t why I got into this in the first place, and it isn’t how I’m going to determine my worth. If a brand works with me, they know that I’m going to hustle and produce content I’m proud of. If they decide to go with someone else, it’s really none of my business. My job is to focus on producing the best possible content, stay original, and be easy to work with.

Do you ever work for free?
I’m often gifted things by brands or given goodie bags events. If I love a brand or a product, then I post about it, but if not, I don’t. If a brand reaches out to me to work for free, most of the time I say no. I’ll break this rule if I see prospect of developing a longterm relationship with the brand, or if it’s young brand that needs support.

I got so many good questions, but these were the ones I could touch on for now. If you have more questions, please feel free to email them to me, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram. I love hearing your feedback!

        

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44 Comments

  4. Manu
    March 11, 2017 / 8:25 pm

    I like your outfit 😉 And I agree with you, I think it feels better to earn the followers than to just buy them.

  5. Laura
    March 11, 2017 / 8:26 pm

    I love the look! The coat looks so cozy 🙂

    Laura
    Pink Frenzy

  8. Iva
    March 12, 2017 / 3:17 pm

    Amazing dark photos!!
    NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG

  9. Nevena Krstic
    March 12, 2017 / 7:54 pm

    Thanks for sharing this with us! I personally think it’s really interesting but there aren’t many bloggers who will talk about it 🙂 You also look lovely in these photos! 🙂 xx

  12. Saida - She talks Glam
    March 12, 2017 / 9:36 pm

    Another super useful post and another super cool look, Siffat
    Loving the badass vibe you have going on here

    Have a great start of the week!
    ♡
    Saida | She talks Glam

  15. Edye
    March 12, 2017 / 11:22 pm

    Love the hat and lip color you’re wearing! I really enjoyed reading your answers to these questions. I’m sure so many people loved hearing your insight <3

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com

  17. Miri
    March 13, 2017 / 9:59 am

    Hi sweetie,

    Thank you for answering those questions. I really enjoy reading your blog and I always learn a lot! You are the best! And authentic.

    X
    Miri
    http://currentlywearing.com

  20. Len Parent
    March 13, 2017 / 2:00 pm

    You look absolutely gorgeous darling! I’m obsessed with your fur coat. Looks comfy and thick.
    I hope you have had a good start to the new week.
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

  21. Tina
    March 13, 2017 / 2:18 pm

    What a cool look babe – perfect streetstyke ♥
    That fake fur is amazing on you!

    Never thought about working with an agency but it does seem to make the work a bit easier… Thanks for your insights 🙂

    xxx
    Tina

    http://www.styleappetite.com

  23. Serene Summerfield
    March 13, 2017 / 2:32 pm

    Thanks for the extra info! Your look is so fun here 🙂 I love the fur coat!
    Xo,
    Serene

  24. emily
    March 13, 2017 / 2:52 pm

    Omg I am totally crushing on this whole look babe! Perfectly styled and that coat is tdf!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

  25. Catarine Martins
    March 13, 2017 / 3:07 pm

    I absolutely love these “into the business” posts, dear. You make it really clear and i totally agree with your point of view.
    Anyway, i would love you to make a post with tips on blogging full time. I’m gonna e-mail you, but truth is i got jobless in december and i’m investing all on my blog now. But, as you may know, it’s not easy everyday.
    I love your outfit as always, by the way.
    Have a great week.
    lefashionaire.com

  27. Tamara
    March 13, 2017 / 5:32 pm

    I always love your Honesty Siffat!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  28. Kumari
    March 13, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    Wow!!! Look at you Siffat!! Beyond stunning darling. Absolutely LOVE this look on you.
    Love your blog ethic too. Totally agree about the ‘buying followers’ bit. Quality over quantity any day
    xo

    ♥Kumari
    http://stylesociety.co.za

  29. Jalisa
    March 13, 2017 / 7:58 pm

    Such a great post girl, I enjoyed the first part and reading your responses to some of the questions you’ve received here. In regards to your outfit, I love that coat, it looks so good on you and super warm! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a great week ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

  32. Kathryn
    March 14, 2017 / 4:30 am

    I really love these posts about the “business” side of blogging – it’s so interesting so read about other blogger’s perspectives and ways of doing things. Thanks for sharing! Also, your coat is such a rad piece! It brings a great texture to the look.

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  34. Amy Arnold
    March 14, 2017 / 1:40 pm

    This is such a fun look! I liked learning more about your work with the agency. That is something I have been curious about.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  37. Anouk
    March 14, 2017 / 7:42 pm

    I love the coat and the shoes! Great to learn more about you as a blogger.

    ANOUK

  42. Rina
    March 14, 2017 / 8:25 pm

    I am loving all the levels of layers in this outfit! You always inspire me to think outside the box and try something new! Thanks babe!

    xoxo
    Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

  43. Ciara
    March 15, 2017 / 1:29 am

    This is such useful information – thanks so much for sharing! That fur looks so great on you. You totally pull it off!

    Ciara
    http://www.ciarasalloum.com

  44. Miki
    March 15, 2017 / 1:58 am

    I love your outfit. This coat is so gorgeous and you look beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this post. I heard so many stories about people buying followers and that’s such a huge shame. It shows a huge lack of integrity and is so unethical to me. I have never used an agency before, but have been told that I should eventually get one. It’s something I’d definitely want to think about later on as I grow. Thanks for sharing. Loved reading this.

    Xo,
    Miki
    http://mikialamode.com

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