MADE Maven October Issue MADE Magazine | Page 67

MADEUS SOPHA Rush There’s so many perspectives about what it means to be an influencer. What does the term “influencer” mean to you? My platform has given me such an amazing community who I have the privilege and honor getting to share my story with them. To me, an influencer is someone who inspires, encourages, and can be trusted. @sopharush What I love about social media is the connections that are made, the opportunities to do sponsorships and share honest reviews with my community. I will not take on a campaign just for some money if I don’t use, nor believe in their brand. Too many influencers who compromise themselves and their brand for a few extra dollars. As an influencer, it’s important to remain your true self, not lose yourself for more followers, likes and comments. That means nothing, if you lose integrity in the midst of it. You started a separate account from @livedeeplyrooted. Why was it important for you to separate yourself from your brand? Yes! And I am so glad I did. There were many reasons why I wanted to seperate the two. I believe it was important for me because I wanted all accounts to be easily accessible via all my social media platforms. I needed them to be cohesive and consistent. For branding purposes, I wanted a platform where I could share potential merchandise, testimonies, and inspiring quotes. A platform that is still connected to me, but also used for more. What are some of the challenges that come with having a platform like yours? Do you ever get overwhelmed? If so, how do you deal with that? Some of the challenges I’ve faced with having a platform like mine, if I’m to be completely honest is comparison. It’s so easy to get trapped into feeling like I’m not doing enough, or that my gifts aren’t as important as his or hers when in reality, what’s for me will be just that. I don’t have to compete for God’s favor, or his hand over my life. The gifts I’ve receive, are mine and no one else, but what’s for me will be just that. #mademaven 67