Meet Claire Wenrick | Content Creator & Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Wenrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, how do you think about risk?
I think coming into the influencer industry is a HUGE risk in itself. You have to take the risk of posting everyday as if you are famous until you make it. There is a large difference in a normal college girl’s Instagram where they post photos of tailgates, their friends, and themed parties to someone who only posts photos of themselves and their outfits. During that time when you are transforming your account you lose followers, people you know make fun of you, and most of all you have a lot of self doubt. It’s a big risk putting yourself out there to be judged by people close to you and no one thinks you’re going to make it until you do which is why it is so important to believe in yourself. Another big risk was deciding to do influencing full time post grad. At the time I was growing like crazy and didn’t have enough time to create content I loved during my busy class schedule. I also knew that if I went right out of college into a 9-5 all my hard work on social media would take a back seat while I was adjusting to my new life. I knew that doing social media full time was a large risk, but one I was willing to take since it was something that made me so happy. Since only focusing on social media, I have been able to create more content that I am proud of and take on more amazing brand campaigns.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Once hitting my senior year of college a year ago, all my friends were looking into getting 9-5 jobs for post grad. I had internships in the past that gave me a taste of the 9-5 life and just knew I wouldn’t be my happiest doing so. I always loved Instagram and had been posting fashion content on there since I can remember. Once I decided to start taking influencing seriously, I created a TikTok account to document my journey. My TikTok page shared how I was reaching out to brands for collaborations, creating a media kit, figuring out my rates, and all other things influencing that no one was really talking about. I started to grow this community of others who wanted to do what I was doing along with me and brands started finding me from there. I think being transparent with my audience and sharing the highs and lows of the industry is really what made my business grow into what it is now. My main message I share on all my socials is anyone can do what you set your mind to. I started my account from zero followers like everyone else so if I can do it, you can too. I try to give my audience all the tools I wish I had while growing in order to make it easier for them to achieve their social media goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
At the moment I am spending my time in Santa Barbara, California which I personally think is the most beautiful spot to live. The architecture here is beautiful and there are cool views wherever you go. My favorite place to eat in Santa Barbara is Boathouse because not only do they have a great happy hour, but the restaurant is on its own personal beach. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the water. If you are into Mexican food you have to check out La Super-Rica Taqueria. They have really good dishes that are super inexpensive and is a place I take all my friends and family when they visit. The Historic State Street Plaza is the perfect place to take a stroll and go shopping. They have every store you could ever imagine with cute local stores as well. Also if you like wine, Santa Barbara is the place to be with over 200 wineries it is the perfect place for a wine tasting tour.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The first company that ever believed in me and allowed me to see the potential in my work was the influencer agency Riddle & Bloom. I worked with them during an Amazon Prime Student Ambassador program and immediately connected with the team. They have always been there to support my work and since starting I have gotten the opportunity to create content for the Prime Student social accounts which has been great for my career.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireliz_/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@claireliz_