Elyse Knowles is the kind of person who lights up any room she enters. With a smile that takes over her whole face and a down-to-earth bubbly personality to match, the 22-year-old is quickly climbing the ladder to success. Adding another rung to that ladder, yesterday saw Knowles named the new face of cosmetic brand .
The role comes on top of other highly sought-after gigs - including being the ambassador for Rolex Formula Grand Prix and the Spring Racing Carnival. But if gaining success in the modelling world wasn’t enough, Knowles is also kept busy with her business on the side - her Evrryday fashion label. This is one lady going places.
In light of her new role with Ulta3 and the impressive 456,000 Instagram followers she has to her name - BD sat down with Knowles to discuss all things social media and brand ambassadorships...
Why do you think you have been so successful on Instagram?
I’ve always been true to myself, really showing who I am - which is that tomboy side of me, but then I can be dressed up as a real girlie girl. People like to see the transition of me being a tomboy to me being a model.
Did you always mean for Instagram to become a business or did you just start it for fun?
It was my girlfriends actually who made me do it. I was never into posting photos just of me, of myself or of my face… it would always just be me wakeboarding or on a motorbike or something. My girlfriend said, “No, this is actually really important. Social media is getting huge - you really need to push it in a way where it’s going to become a part of your business.” Thanks to them, I am still doing it!
Did you imagine you would gain such a large social media following when you first started your account?
I was about 18 at the time, so you never really have an idea of how far social media can go. It’s been over the last two to three years that it has just exploded, so you’ve got to take advantage of these things and you’ve got to go along for the ride - otherwise you just get left behind.
What are your top tips for someone wanting to grow their Instagram account?
My number one tip is to always be yourself. Stay true to who you are - but remember it is a business as well. Just be smart - you don’t want to be posting the wrong things because it will bite you on the bum one day.
Do you feel there has been a recent backlash between sponsored posts and non-sponsored posts?
I think you have to be really smart. It is a business, but then you can’t be doing too many [sponsored posts] because that’s when people notice.
Do you do a mixture of professional shots and using your phone?
I mix it up. I feel the photos on your phone are more natural - it’s you taking a snap walking down the street or something similar. I think people love that because it’s real, it’s happening, whereas off a camera it is awesome quality but it’s a bit more staged.
Do you do a lot of filtering?
I like a bit of contrast and to brighten it up a bit - but my Instagram is quite colourful and bright, that’s who I am, so I stick to those two features.
Do you have any favourite apps you use?
AfterLight is awesome. You can crop your images and you can highlight, contrast, brighten - it’s everything I really need in an image.
How do you choose what brands you want to work with?
It’s important to choose brands that you would use on a daily [basis]. It comes across to your audience more naturally if you choose products that you would wear and that you would use. It makes them realise that you do love the product.
What was the appeal of Ulta3?
It’s such a fun brand. The variety they have. Every single day you can have a different colour on and your expenses won’t be massive. That’s what I really love - you can have so many products for such little money. It’s an awesome, fun, exciting brand that is changing as we go on.
Do you ever approach brands or do they mostly come to you?
They come to me a lot of the time. I work full-time doing modelling and I’ve got my own business as well - so I don’t really have time to go, “Oh, I want to work with you!” - I would if it was something big but I have a mailbox full of people all the time.
