WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE | LOOKS STYLED BY & FEATURING T. RAY
On the blog this week is Digital Content Creator & Style Influencer T. Ray. I first learned of T. Ray while interviewing Ashlee Jackson, Owner and CEO of one of my favorite fashion brands, House of Rehab for my podcast. As Ashlee and I talked influencer culture, I learned that T. Ray was House of Rehab's ONE AND ONLY brand ambassador. This piqued my curiosity and I had to know what stood out about T. Ray's brand so much that caused Ashlee to select her as her sole influencer. Once I saw T. Ray's page, I instantly got why.
I realize that a lot of today’s aspiring influencers aren’t even aware that micro influencing is a thing. Many think need tens of thousands of followers to be successful. In all actuality, a lot of today’s most prominent brands are choosing micro influencers over mainstream ones because they’re more cost effective, they typically have better “engagement vs. follower ratios”, and their content comes off as more authentic and less “ad-like” to their audience, making them more likely to convert their supporters into actual customers for the brands they partner with.
T is micro influencing at its best. She knows well, the art of mixing the practical, everyday simple pieces that every woman needs in her wardrobe, with the perfect statement making articles of clothing that will stop you in your tracks to save the post in your #styleinspo.
Juxtaposed with the perfect pose, a simple yet sharp in-home lighting set up, and some occasional lifestyle content, T. Ray has been providing the girls with endless outfit inspiration all through the quarantine. Check out what the Detroit made, Jersey based style maven has to say on the topics of personal style & micro influencing.
Sharra: How did you first take an interest in fashion and style? Do you feel that your hometown has influenced your personal style in any way?
T. Ray: Fashion and style has always been something that I was 100% interested in. When I was younger I would spend hours watching the Style Channel, America’s Next Top Model, or any movie that expressed the importance of fashion & style. It’s even goes all the way back to me playing with dolls & understanding the importance of appearance. I definitely feel that Detroit helped influence my personal style. There’s no place like Detroit and as I get older and as my style constantly evolves, you can always see the Detroit in me.
Sharra: I was on the ANTM binge too! Before social media, it was basically our only access to the fashion industry for many of us.I can definitely see the Detroit influence through the flashier statement pieces you choose for yourself. So when picking out clothes, what's your checklist? What traits do you look for when shopping for pieces that speak to T. Ray?
T. Ray: When I’m shopping, I look for some type of comfort (not always 100% comfortable, because we all know beauty & style is pain lol but at least 90-95% comfort). Timeless pieces, things that I can wear over & over again but make it look different. Pieces that are black, you can never, ever go wrong with black & it’s always appropriate no matter the season or occasion.
T. Ray in baggy distressed denim from House of Rehab. Comfy vibes.
Sharra: I definitely agree with seeking out pieces that are timeless instead of trendy. Some trends are cool but I always urge my clients to invest in pieces that’ll still be relevant to their wardrobe seasons from now and I can definitely see that same concept reflected in your personal style! So, what is one thing you feel women often overlook or don't consider when shopping for themselves?
T. Ray: I feel like women often overlook or don’t always consider the longevity of a good piece. Regardless of the price or the brand.... I always think about how long or how many times I can wear it.
Sharra: Longevity is definitely important and I feel that goes hand in hand with timelessness when styling yourself, especially when investing in statement pieces. So speaking of a good piece, you often incorporate coveted pieces from one of my personal favorite black owned brands, House of Rehab. How did your brand partnership with House of Rehab begin and what would you say played a key role in maintaining that relationship?
T. Ray in the Runway Sweater & the Everything Bag by House of Rehab.
T. Ray: My brand partnership with House of Rehab began back in 2018 if I’m not mistaken, and it was just supposed to be a seasonal (Fall) collaboration and it ended up turning into me being the one & only brand ambassador. I believe the key role of maintaining the relationship with House of Rehab is delivering what’s asked of me and believing in the brand 100%. And I truly believe that Ashlee can see that in me, & I’m honestly forever grateful for her!
Sharra: Wow. Okay noted. So believing in the brand enough in order to personally promote it so heavily on a consistent basis is needed. Understood. Last but not least, many young women aspire to be an influencer on some level but are often discouraged because they have NO idea that micro influencing is even an option for them!
What would you say makes a good micro influencer and what advice would you give aspiring influencers who aren't working with a ton of of followers on how to still be impactful with their content? (Aspiring influencers, take notes on this part!)
T. Ray: A good micro influencer is someone who is confident in themselves and believes in whatever it is that they are sharing or posting. You don’t need tons of followers or the most expensive equipment to express your thoughts & feelings. Something that I actually learned from a macro-influencer was it’s good to be a micro influencer because you’re actually able to engage with your audience.
If you can’t engage now there’s no way you’ll be able to handle it as a macro influencer. And honestly, the best way to still be impactful with your content is to be consistent and creative. Don’t worry about if someone else is doing what you’re doing or sharing what you’re sharing... they’ll never have your thoughts or your style!
Thank you so much for dropping by the blog, girly!
Keep up with T. Ray's fire looks & see how bomb micro influencing is done in real time here!