In the last six months, I’ve gotten a bunch of new followers on Instagram (mainly people hopping over from Tiktok I think) and have been fielding lots of questions in my DMs about what I do for living, how I make money, etc. It’s the kind of stuff that I usually keep pretty private, because I’ve always thought that explaining what goes into this job kinda ruins the illusion for people, and I’ve also seen influencers get absolutely torn apart for suggesting that what they do is hard, so I decided that a Q&A would be the easiest way to answer everyone’s burning questions without getting myself into too much trouble. And yes, I think about how I could get myself into trouble every day.
FYI, the email went out with Leah as the writer because she was the one who started the document by putting all the questions in for me to answer. I forgot that substack would default to whoever initiated the post as the writer. I hope people weren't confused when they opened the email. I obviously wrote this! Uggggh, hate when I work all day on something and then make a stupid mistake that might impact people reading my stuff.
I think you are right on with agencies/brands wanting to work with you because of your history with your audience. I buy more things through/because of you than I do any other content creator. I have been a follower since little Harlow! I trust your recommendations and with my oldest being the same age as Harlow I feel confident that you “get” this stage of parenting.
I’ve been following since hilarious insta2yearold but only found out today that your last name isn’t Shorts so clearly not paying as much attention as I thought 😂 Great read!
I just did a not so quick scan through your posts to see when I began following you. As far as I can tell I began following you during the fall of 2019 when you immediately became my favorite follow. I have always loved NYC and been intrigued by New Yorkers and how they go about their daily lives in such a huge city. I also needed a connection with people (you and a few others I follow) who share my political beliefs. It's hard to find that in an almost solid red state. Thank you for great content which always comes across as genuine and authentic.
Hey Ilana! What an interesting blog this time around. I wondered as you shifted your content and gained more followers how that looked in general. I also wondered and assumed if you have a private fb /insta where you DO post more to your selected chosen friends/family like celebrities. 😉 I am planning a trip to NY this spring so we can go to broadway and visit the march hare plus all the hidden gems you've shared over the years. I did wonder if you'd ever think about doing a mommyshorts road trip travel. Visit national parks/monuments etc along with funky/hip places that you always seem to find! Also, the pinkinnyc had a missed opportunity with the barbie movie I think! Could have made a cool comeback! 😉😘 Still love your content. Connections has been a fun addition and althought the harlow vo was awesome, i also totally understand the maybe it was just a one time thing. I think that is another reason that I follow you more; you respect the boundaries of your kids and don't use them to gain more "followers" or views etc.
Thanks you for sharing this. I found it really interesting, I enjoyed the insights from the perspective of someone who manages social media for my employer, and also as a parent whose eldest is a little younger than Harlow, it’s a glimpse into a future with big kids! I can’t wait for the rest of the Q&A sessions 😊
Wow! I am impressed that Mike left his job and this influencer gig is supporting your family! Congrats to continuously staying relevant and relatable during each of of these life shifts and pivots. I’ve been following since Harlow was a baby. ❤️
I've been following you forever since Harlow was a baby. I love this series. I'm in my mid 40s and my only child is a 4 year old little boy. I love seeing you with your big kids...has made the struggles of parenting a small child easier. Like I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
FYI, the email went out with Leah as the writer because she was the one who started the document by putting all the questions in for me to answer. I forgot that substack would default to whoever initiated the post as the writer. I hope people weren't confused when they opened the email. I obviously wrote this! Uggggh, hate when I work all day on something and then make a stupid mistake that might impact people reading my stuff.
I think you are right on with agencies/brands wanting to work with you because of your history with your audience. I buy more things through/because of you than I do any other content creator. I have been a follower since little Harlow! I trust your recommendations and with my oldest being the same age as Harlow I feel confident that you “get” this stage of parenting.
I’ve been following since hilarious insta2yearold but only found out today that your last name isn’t Shorts so clearly not paying as much attention as I thought 😂 Great read!
This was such a fun glimpse into your world. I loved it! Thanks for sharing!
This was great to read and also thanks for already answering my question about the Leah headline 😂
Enjoyed this immensely...so authentic! I feel like I just went backstage at a Broadway Show and realize how you produce Mommy Shorts ....in NYC!❤️
This was a great read! I can’t wait for the rest of the questions.
P.S. I want a DITL from Leah’s POV!
I just did a not so quick scan through your posts to see when I began following you. As far as I can tell I began following you during the fall of 2019 when you immediately became my favorite follow. I have always loved NYC and been intrigued by New Yorkers and how they go about their daily lives in such a huge city. I also needed a connection with people (you and a few others I follow) who share my political beliefs. It's hard to find that in an almost solid red state. Thank you for great content which always comes across as genuine and authentic.
Hey Ilana! What an interesting blog this time around. I wondered as you shifted your content and gained more followers how that looked in general. I also wondered and assumed if you have a private fb /insta where you DO post more to your selected chosen friends/family like celebrities. 😉 I am planning a trip to NY this spring so we can go to broadway and visit the march hare plus all the hidden gems you've shared over the years. I did wonder if you'd ever think about doing a mommyshorts road trip travel. Visit national parks/monuments etc along with funky/hip places that you always seem to find! Also, the pinkinnyc had a missed opportunity with the barbie movie I think! Could have made a cool comeback! 😉😘 Still love your content. Connections has been a fun addition and althought the harlow vo was awesome, i also totally understand the maybe it was just a one time thing. I think that is another reason that I follow you more; you respect the boundaries of your kids and don't use them to gain more "followers" or views etc.
Weird one, did you sell your old apartment?
Thanks for the very interesting article!
Thanks you for sharing this. I found it really interesting, I enjoyed the insights from the perspective of someone who manages social media for my employer, and also as a parent whose eldest is a little younger than Harlow, it’s a glimpse into a future with big kids! I can’t wait for the rest of the Q&A sessions 😊
Wow! I am impressed that Mike left his job and this influencer gig is supporting your family! Congrats to continuously staying relevant and relatable during each of of these life shifts and pivots. I’ve been following since Harlow was a baby. ❤️
Loved this insight into your work life. Super interesting for a “non-influencer” to learn about the behind the scenes. Thanks for sharing!
I've been following you forever since Harlow was a baby. I love this series. I'm in my mid 40s and my only child is a 4 year old little boy. I love seeing you with your big kids...has made the struggles of parenting a small child easier. Like I see the light at the end of the tunnel.