"Authenticity sets you apart in a crowded space. The moment you try to be someone else, you lose the uniqueness that makes people connect with you."
1. How did you transition from a marketing manager to a fashion influencer?
During my university years, while pursuing both my BTech and MBA, I discovered my passion for fashion through participating in fashion show ramp walks and winning several competitions. This early exposure sparked a lasting interest. After graduating, I moved to Mumbai to start my marketing career in 2017. Around that time, Instagram was gaining popularity, and I recognized the potential of content creation.
I already had around 10K followers from my university days, which encouraged me to explore social media more seriously while continuing my full-time job. From Monday to Friday, I focused on my corporate responsibilities, and weekends became my creative outlet. I dedicated Saturdays and Sundays to planning, shooting, and posting content on Instagram, which back then featured IGTV instead of reels. Over time, consistent efforts helped me grow my following, and soon brand collaborations started coming in.
Managing both roles has been demanding but deeply rewarding. Creating content on weekends gives me a sense of fulfillment and recharges me for the workweek. My journey as a fashion influencer has evolved since 2017, and both my corporate and creative sides continue to inspire me.
2. How do you balance your corporate job with your fashion career?
Balancing my corporate job with my passion for fashion is all about effective planning. Monday to Friday, I focus fully on my marketing role, and weekends are reserved for content creation. I use these two days to plan shoots, execute collaborations, and brainstorm new ideas.
During the weekdays, I also spend some evenings mapping out my weekend content so that I'm fully prepared when Saturday arrives. If any events align with my office hours, I try to attend them after work to maximize opportunities without compromising either role. This structure ensures I stay productive and maintain my creativity throughout the week. Balancing both worlds keeps me motivated and energized.
3. Can you share a memorable moment in your fashion journey?
One of the most memorable moments in my journey was reaching 100K followers on Instagram. It felt incredibly validating to see my hard work recognized on such a large scale. But beyond the numbers, some of the most special moments are when followers recognize me in public.
I distinctly remember the first time someone approached me for a selfie—it was surreal and humbling. These interactions remind me that my work resonates with people and makes an impact. Winning awards and being featured in interviews on various platforms have also been deeply fulfilling milestones. For me, the journey isn’t defined by one specific achievement but by the accumulation of such experiences.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring influencers juggling multiple commitments?
The key is to stay true to yourself. Authenticity sets you apart in a crowded space. If you try to copy others or follow trends that don't align with your personality, you lose the uniqueness that attracts followers. People follow you for your originality, not for a formulaic approach.
Planning and prioritization are also essential. Focus on what matters most and put your energy into things that align with your personal goals. It’s okay to take inspiration from others, but make sure your content reflects your personal story. Juggling multiple roles can be demanding, but if you manage your time wisely and remain authentic, the journey becomes far more rewarding.
5. What do you look for in a collaboration with brands?
When collaborating with brands, I prioritize authenticity and alignment with my personal values. It’s not about the brand’s size or popularity—it’s about whether their values resonate with my audience and me. I’ve collaborated with startups, high-end brands, and everything in between, but my focus is always on delivering genuine opinions.
Before accepting a partnership, I thoroughly research the brand to understand its ethos, market presence, and goals. My background in marketing gives me an edge in evaluating whether a collaboration aligns with my brand and audience expectations. I ensure that every product or service I promote reflects my values and resonates with my followers.
6. How has your marketing background influenced your content creation?
My marketing expertise plays a huge role in my approach to content creation. I understand that every brand collaboration is about visibility and audience engagement, which helps me craft content that meets both the brand's objectives and my personal style.
For example, if I collaborate with a fashion brand, I ensure the outfit is the centerpiece of the content, rather than focusing solely on myself. Similarly, for travel collaborations, I highlight the destination or property while maintaining visual appeal. This balance allows me to stay true to my aesthetic while fulfilling the brand’s goals.
7. Among all your roles, which one do you find the most fulfilling and why?
Being a content creator is the most fulfilling role for me. While I enjoy my marketing job, content creation allows me to express my creativity and passion for fashion, travel, and lifestyle. It’s rewarding to connect with my audience, collaborate with brands I believe in, and bring my ideas to life.
The joy of inspiring others, receiving feedback, and making an impact—no matter how small—keeps me motivated. Balancing both roles gives me the best of both worlds, where my creative work complements my professional career. Content creation isn’t just a job; it’s a form of self-expression and a constant source of inspiration.
8. What are your future aspirations in fashion and lifestyle?
I aspire to expand my international collaborations, building on the experience I've gained from working with travel destinations and hotels abroad. My goal is to collaborate with globally established fashion and lifestyle brands, creating content that resonates with diverse cultures and trends.
I also aim to explore new creative concepts, blending my love for fashion and travel. Ultimately, I want to establish a presence on a global platform, inspiring audiences worldwide while staying true to my authentic style.
9. If you could travel anywhere for a fashion shoot, where would it be and why?
If I could choose any destination, it would be Santorini, Greece. The island's white-washed buildings, vibrant blue waters, and stunning landscapes offer a perfect backdrop for fashion photography. The combination of unique architecture and natural beauty provides endless opportunities for creative storytelling.
I envision blending contemporary fashion with traditional Greek elements to create a fusion of styles that reflect both the location’s essence and my aesthetic. Santorini’s charm, combined with its cultural richness, would make it an unforgettable shoot destination.
Bio:
Shreyal Pandey is a Mumbai-based content creator and Marketing Manager, known for her dynamic presence in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle space. Originally from Madhya Pradesh, Shreyal pursued her BTech and MBA before moving to Mumbai in 2017, where she began balancing her corporate career with her passion for fashion.
Her journey as an influencer officially began in 2018, building on her early love for fashion cultivated through university ramp walks and pageant competitions. Today, her Instagram handle, @shreyalpandey, showcases her bold, chic style through collaborations with both emerging and luxury brands.
Shreyal’s content spans across fashion, lifestyle, and travel, with partnerships that include luxury hotels and renowned designers. Her ability to balance a demanding corporate job with content creation reflects her dedication and meticulous planning. Each Sunday, she maps out her week to manage both roles seamlessly.
Her aspiration is to take her talents to an international platform, collaborating with global brands and inspiring her audience worldwide. Through every challenge, Shreyal remains true to her authentic style, leaving a lasting impact on the ever-evolving world of fashion and lifestyle.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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