Meet Tonya Smith: Self-Branded Style Muse

Meet Tonya Smith, the effortlessly cool blogger behind @TheMopTop and our newest style muse. This Portland-based fashionista has been around since 2011 which means she knows a thing or two about the industry and growing your own brand. Follow her Instagram for a calming earth-tone aesthetic that’s sure to leave you double-tapping. This go-getter has designed her own New Balance sneaker, been named a Bohemian blogger inspiration by Elle Spain and been featured on Who What Wear – so, we know you’re going to want to hear what she has to say! Influencers, take notes!

 

Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started with social media? What encouraged you to start sharing your style with the world?

Yes! I actually first started my blog back in 2011, before instagram was even a thing. I was inspired by so many other blogs and decided to start one of my own. At first, I would only share styles of other people and then I slowly started to share my own and it grew from there!

We LOVE your blog’s catchy and original name, The MopTop. How did you come up with it?

Ahh thank you! I actually am a big Beatles fan and when I first got my bangs cut, I was inspired by the name “The Moptop” and that’s how I came up with the name!

What does “becoming your own brand” mean to you? How have you been able to develop The MopTop to reflect your personality and style?

It means everything. Expressing yourself in the way that you want is so important and rewarding. I love being able to inspire others while I share my style and ideas as well. I first started my blog when I was 18 years old and I have changed so much since then and so has my style. It’s all just been a learning experience and figuring out who I really am.

Can you share with us some major checkpoints you experienced in building your personal brand and any advice for those looking to follow in your footsteps?

Being able to work with and recognized by some of my favorite brands such as Who What Wear, Chanel Beauty, Isabel Marant and even designing my own New Balance shoe were some huge checkpoints and pinch me moments with blogging. My main advice to those trying to do the same is just do it all for the right reasons. Blog because you love it, not because you think you will wake up and get things for free. That’s not how it works! Just work hard, keep working after that. It takes time and heart and then it will all fall into place.

Let’s get real. If you could only use one social media platform for the next year, what would it be?

Instagram of course! Except I would miss Pinterest a lot…

When it comes to brand collaborations, how do you choose who to work with? Do you have any particular favorite partnerships you have done so far?

I always choose to work with brands that are true to myself and my style. I’m actually pretty picky! I never want to lose being authentic and real with those who read my blog. I love sharing brands that I am excited about!

It’s so hard to choose but I would probably say my collaboration with WhoWhatWear was the most exciting for me. And it was so much fun!

Do you have any mantras or guiding words that help you stay on track to meet your career goals? Any final words of wisdom on how to develop your own brand?

Just keep working at it! Evolve, go with the flow, learn more. There are so many little pieces that it’s hard to give just one word of advice. But just sticking with it and never giving up is one of the most important!

Tonya’s passion, style, and genuine voice shine through in her photos and blogs. We love her confidence, unique style and dedication to growing and evolving her personal brand. Tonya is proof that being an influencer isn’t all fun and games (or Instagram posts), but it is certainly rewarding work! We have seen where Tonya’s authenticity has gotten her so far, and we can’t wait to see where it will take her in the future!

 

At LMS, we believe in the power of social media and know how to grow your brand with the help of influencers. We’re here to help connect inspiring personalities, like Tonya, with your brand! Contact us at imgame@wearelms.com and check out our blog for more information.

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