How I Ended Up as an Influencer

Becoming an "Influencer" Happened Unintentionally

For me, “influencing” happened somewhat unexpectedly. I worked for years in PR agencies and occasionally managed social media accounts. Then I took a break from work to embrace the pleasures of motherhood. That’s when the idea came to start an Instagram profile, Moni and Almost Twins.

I Couldn't Find What I Needed

My second child was born just 15 months after the first, and when I was expecting my second daughter, I searched for inspiration, information, and a bit of reassurance. I quickly realised that while there were many “mom profiles” out there, there was almost none that focused on what really interested me. Specifically, how to handle two children born close together. I wanted to create a space like that for other mothers.

Another motivation was the need for self-realisation and the fear of professional “stagnation”. The goal wasn’t to make the profile my livelihood (which it still isn’t, perhaps because that’s still not the goal and I choose collaborations very carefully, making sure they resonate with me and my followers).

A Long Journey and Working on Myself

I started recording simple recipes for exhausted mothers and videos that honestly and somewhat humorously showed the reality of motherhood. For a while, followers grew slowly, but I kept creating and working on myself. Then came a period when a few very successful videos went viral, and within a few months, my followers grew to around 18,000. Today, the Moni and Almost Twins profile has 33,000 (mostly) mothers who make up a lovely community. I receive beautiful messages saying that what I do makes sense and that they’ve found what they needed here. I consider that my greatest success.

Yes, it cost me hundreds of hours. I edited videos at night while the kids were sleeping. When I finally had a moment for myself, I dedicated it to Instagram. Because it was fun and fulfilling. Now, as I’m working again (and picking up two kids from preschool, taking them to activities…), it’s a bit more challenging to find that time. But it’s still a form of relaxation for me.

Joy and Sacrifice at the Same Time

I put myself out there. I sacrificed a lot. As an introvert, I had to learn to film myself, speak to the camera, and most importantly, not take unpleasant comments and “hates” personally. I stepped far out of my comfort zone. But as they say, if you want to experience something truly and reach unlikely goals, you have to leave your comfort zone.

Monika

PR Account Manager at Impact_