The world of fame has always had an appeal — full of money, glamour, and mystery — but the rise of social media has given the masses a better glimpse behind the scenes of all those flashing. Like many others, this mystique is one of the things that drew Justin Borbe, perhaps better known as his Instagram handle @igjustin, into the realm of becoming an influencer. However, Borbe’s foray into social media influencing had humble beginnings.
We discovered Justin’s social media page and is drawn to the different perspective he offers compared to your typical social media influencer of today. He is a micro influencer and his page can be described as a reality show; Where he mixes elevated fashion and lifestyle with beautifully curated New York photography and places to visit. He was able to share his story and his mentality which led to success in this field.
“My page started as a hobby, an album just to collect pictures and memories,” he says. Now, Borbe is a bonafide lifestyle blogger, sharing his experiences, fashion tips, and lifestyle with more than twenty thousand followers on Instagram. Companies took notice of how this simple hobby could be monetized. “It’s awesome that [my] audience thinks the things that I post are cool, and one day, a brand reached out for a partnership, and I thought, ‘There is something here’ and started to take social media more seriously.”
Since then, Borbe has worked hard to hone his skills as a photographer and figure in the fashion and New York photography space. This has paid off, too, as he has collaborated with high-profile brands such as Jack Daniels, Gillette, Expressmen, Alo Yoga, and Florsheim.
Many Instagram influencers and lifestyle bloggers alike focus on fashion, and while this may be one of the most lucrative avenues for both brands and influencers, Borbe says he doesn’t like to box himself into only one category.
“On Instagram, they say you have to be very specific in your niche. If [it’s fashion], only [do] fashion,” he explains. ” But I like sharing things I am passionate about. Such as fashion, travel, lifestyle, and photography. With photography, it has no words, but maybe other people can see or feel my emotions and my perspective through the way I frame a photo or the way I edit, different angles, different perspectives.”
Most of us can’t imagine having over twenty thousand people listening or seeing us each time we post, and to tell the truth, it might be a little overwhelming. Borbe explains that it was surprising at first, but now sees his followers as more than just people behind a screen.
“On social media and Instagram, I feel that [some] people have the wrong mindset, of becoming famous or making money,” he says. “In my mind, I like to call my audience [my] friends. And I still treat my page as a hobby, and if they go to my page and want to be there [with me] in my journey [and] community, then I’m grateful. Each new audience is a bonus on top of already something great.”
Thankfully, Justin Borbe hasn’t gotten too caught up in his internet fame just yet, as he says that the greatest gift that social media has given him has been experiencing new things and meeting new friends.
