The outdoor enthusiast turned Instagram star opens up about her experiences in the social media industry.
In today’s world, social media has given more people than ever before the opportunity to create a business online, or turn themselves into a brand all on its own. For instance, Australian influencer Eliza Harry has successfully managed to create a lucrative online business in a field that is otherwise typically non-profitable. Eliza is an avid hiker who posts breathtaking photos and videos of her experiences online, while at the same time sharing her expertise and tips with her followers. Instagram is where she first began her business at a young age, and she has now grown it to almost half a million engaged and dedicated fans.
So how did she do it? We spoke with the outdoorswoman to see what it really takes to make it as an influencer in the travel and hiking space.
- Eliza, how did you get your start on Instagram? Tell us about what makes you unique, and how you differentiate yourself in such a saturated industry.
I’m a self-confessed geography nerd and hiking enthusiast who had a dream of starting an Instagram page to share my passion for the world. I have been running a hiking Instagram page since I was 15, sharing photos of Australia’s iconic landscape. When I was 21 years old, I travelled overseas for the first time. I went to Nepal by myself to trek through the Annapurna Mountain Range for two weeks. It was an incredible experience. I knew that making a lifestyle Instagram page was right for me because it didn’t feel like work. It was an escape from my 9-to-5 job working as a junior financial adviser at the time.
If you’re smart about it, brands that align with your passions will work with you. So, I was able to begin monetizing my content. I think what makes my profile different is that I provide a unique peek into the lifestyle of an Australian corporate worker during the week, and nature enthusiast on weekends. I’m just being myself online and showing all that comes with it.
- What would you say the greatest challenges in your profession are, or when starting a business in general? How do you overcome these challenges?
I would describe the greatest challenge of my profession to be the “pull” of social media. It’s tempting to spend all of your time on your phone. You really need to focus on why you’re doing this and make sure you make time to keep doing the things you truly love and enjoy. I’m lucky that I have people who motivate me and keep me on track surrounding me. I pride myself in having amazing and supportive friends. It’s so important to have a home base. A group of people that light you up and make you excited about life. When times are tough, these are the people that pull you through and remind you how good things are.
- You have achieved a very large following on Instagram, something many people online strive to accomplish. What’s your secret to scaling a business online?
I believe the most important part of scaling a business is the people. If people are excited about what you’re doing and believe in your mission, they will refer other like-minded employees. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I firmly believe that when hiring a team, the most important thing to look for is that your values align.
Additionally, it’s important to keep what you are most passionate about in mind as well. Remember why you started in the first place, and never lose sight of where you want to go. Anyone first starting out should take the time to clearly articulate their vision, then set small achievable goals to get there.
- Eliza, thank you for joining us today for this brief interview. Where can readers keep up with you online?
Thank you! Readers can feel free to follow along with me on my Instagram.
