With social media you have to be authentic, consistent, and create quality content. Do collaborations as much as possible also.
I hear people say that if you would do your job for free then you are doing what was purposed for your life. Are you ready to make your dreams a reality? René Daniella, also known as OwnByFemme, is making a big splash in the natural world. The native US-UK-German native goes by this cardinal rule: “Treat your brand like a full time job, not a hobby, and you will really see it grow.”
René’s love for travel comes as no surprise; her mom is from England and her dad is an African American US soldier.
She starting with splitting her time in undergrad between San Antonio TX, and New York City, then going on to receive her master’s degree in France. “It was during my master’s program that I started my blog, ownbyfemme.com. When I graduated, I decided to pursue blogging full time and it has been an amazing journey!”
The inspiration behind the Own By Femme brand
“The conversation surrounding natural hair is a powerful one,” René says. “It includes messages of acceptance, adversity, confidence, beauty, diversity, and so much more. I love how much our curls bring us together and allow us to celebrate self love! I think it is so important that those who have learned to accept and to care for their natural hair, do their best to spread their love and knowledge to those who have not.
She’s come a long way from DIY hairstyles…
“The first time I ever did a ponytail on my own I literally felt like the world was mine to rule. I was immediately empowered by that small sense of independence. My blog, YouTube, and social media channels are my opportunity to give others that empowering sense of independence!”
The formula to becoming successful?
“There are several things you can do to build a successful brand! With social media you have to be authentic, consistent, and create quality content. Do collaborations as much as possible also. Whether with events, brands, or other bloggers, collaborations are a great way to cross promote your brand to new audiences and to increase your following.”
The golden rule
“Stay organized! Be limitless in your goals but set some guidelines and parameters of what your brand will stand for and consist of. Get all your brand tools in order:
- Press Kit
- Media Card
- Website
- Bios
- Contacts, and so on. Treat your brand like a full time job, not a hobby, and you will really see it grow!
Now you know I had to get some tips on how René keeps her curls looking picture perfect. Here’s what she said:
1. Deep condition! Moisture is the key to healthy hair.
2. Scalp massages are so good for your curls. Get rid of some stress while also delivering nutrients to your roots.
3. My fave combo for soft, defined, moisturized curls: a light leave in conditioner, a flexible gel, and then a hair serum. Apply in that order to damp hair. Let sit for 30 minutes and then diffuse on cool or medium! Then fluff with a hair pic if you want more volume.
René’s final encouraging words…
“The world will love you for you, but you have to know who that is. Follow your dreams. Ask yourself what it is you really want. What will make you happy, bring you joy, uplift and inspire you? Do that. Share your magic with us.”
For more advice and curly hair inspiration follow René’s Daniella on Instagram @OwnByFemme
Read Un-ruly’s Antonia on Growing Up Black and Natural in France
