Katerina Leroy: A Feeling For The Extraordinary
Interview by Mariia Grazhina Chaplin
A creative mind with precise eyes: Aided by her flair for beauty and natural charisma, Katerina Leroy uses her social media accounts as platforms to share her passion with an appreciative audience of people from around the world. With over 8 years of experience as a freelance creative director for print magazines and advertising campaigns, her international clientele ranging from Great Britain to German-speaking countries, the veteran is as solid and reliable as rock and incomparable professional assets. Fluent in four languages, she’s now pursuing a master degree in Advertising and PR in Richmond University in London. Having a great taste, sound judgement and excellent communication skills, she knows her stuff when it comes to social media, PR and advertising. With a proud following of almost a half a million followers on social media she reveals her insights into the media industry and shares her best practical guidance.
Do you feel your Internet popularity in real life? Do people recognize you on the streets?
Munich is a metropolis with small-town charm, so I would definitely say yes. Whether it is an event or a small restaurant, I daily bump into person I know and someone who follow my social media performance.
How much time takes up your Influencer activity? And how long it take to create content?
Influencers have become powerful allies in the marketing world. Consistent, passionate, punctual, and dedicated individuals carved a successful career as an influencer or bloggers. Doubtless, today it can be considered as a significant full-time job. As for me, I started with my Master Program in London university last year, what requires a lot of energy and concentration, however, I try to invest up to 15-20 hours per week in my social media activity.
How to learn to be open with a million audience? How to deal with hate, and is it worth it?
Our attention determines the experiences we have, and the experiences we have determine the life we live. Said another way: we must control our attention to control our life. Our feelings and behavior affect other people’s feelings and behaviour and other people’s affect us – in a positive or negative way. I pay a high attention to the information I consume, analyzing the emotions and feelings it evokes. I just let go all person, circumstances, satiations, and experiences that evoke negative emotions of me, suggesting that an optimistic attitude brings incredible results into a person’s life. And this magic truly works. Since I realized how this simple philosophy can be implemented in daily life, I don’t have to deal with hate at all, staying authentic and open to my loyal audience.
What is the most influential social network, in your opinion?
Statistics say Facebook, but to my opinion YouTube and Instagram take a leading position in the field of social media.
Which kind of products you present to your audience with a great passion for?
For women jewelry is surely the most superlative item. Whether it is about necklaces, bracelets or earrings, jewelry has the ability to highlight women’s personality and bring out the best features when wearing the right pieces for the right occasion. One of my favorite brands is Thomas Jirgens Juwelenschmiede – this jewellery creates absolutely different women look, confident and strong, but at the same time very sensuous, lightly and elegant. Thomas Jirgens creations are subtly portrayed as “whispering” and captivate the soul to become a discreet part of their wearer – with quality, luxury and sophistication. So I don’t miss the opportunity to accomplish my look for the photo-shootings or special events with the extraordinary jewellery.
Whom are you following? Whom do you consider as fascinating bloggers now?
To my opinion, fascinating content produce Sam Kolder and Toni Mahfud.
What programs do you use while working on your blog? Can you recommend some tips for bloggers who are beginners?
I retouch my photographs in Photoshop CS6, sometimes also in Lightroom. After that, I use UNUM app, where you can plan your feed and schedule the Instagram posts. Moreover, Prepper is a very useful tool, which helps you optimize your efficiency and prove your ROI on Instagram. Users can go auto with direct publishing or semi-manual to receive reminders when it’s time to hit “post” on Facebook and Instagram.
What is your approach toward goals and expectations in the workspace?
I celebrate diversity in my everyday life: impressive personalities, different countries, and engaging projects. One of my first priorities is attention to detail, empathy, organization, and getting things done fast but with a good quality. Self-discipline is an important trait to develop, no matter your career level or industry. Much like other qualities that might contribute to your overall success, self-discipline produces sustainable success over time.