Meet the Influencer: Limavady's Amanda McMichael talks fashion, business and TikTok

Influencer: Amanda McMichael

Tik Tok: @amanda.mcmichael (12.8k followers)

Instagram: @amandamcmichael_ (2k followers)

Local businesswoman and TikToker Amanda McMichael talks to Aoife McManus about how she got started in the industry, her inspirations, what it takes to make it in the influencer world and her favourite looks of the year

Q. Tell me a bit about how and why you got started in the industry? 

I’ve always had a creative side to me but growing up I never knew how or what to channel that creativity into. I followed the stereotypical path of life, doing A Levels and going to university but I knew that wasn’t the right path for me. With a lot of encouragement and reassurance from my mum, I left university after 2 years as I was so unhappy. I always had a desire for makeup and beauty so I decided to take the plunge and trained to become a fully qualified makeup artist and beautician. At the age of 20 I started my own business Blush Beauty by Amanda and I’m now extremely grateful to have a busy salon and amazing clients. I used to do makeup tutorials on my Instagram but as of last year I decided to post on TikTok. This then escalated from get ready with me’s, to sharing my outfits to now vlogging daily everyday life which I absolutely love. I feel between my job and through TikTok videos I’ve found my creative outlet and I’m so grateful.

Q. What does Fashion mean to you? Who inspires you?

Personally I think fashion means wearing whatever makes you feel confident. I always try to live by the mantra “if you look good, you feel good”. When I’m unsure of an outfit my deciding factor is always do I feel good in it? That’s the most important thing to me. 

I love to follow local girls and there’s so many whose style I love, one being Jane McDermott. Honestly from her holiday outfits, wedding guest dresses and even how she styles everyday outfits I’m obsessed. Another local girl who I love to follow is Melissa Ridell. Her style is so timeless I feel like she has mastered the art of a capsule wardrobe (which I definitely haven’t).

Q. Have you worked with any brands and who is your favourite to work with?

I’ve been really grateful to collaborate with a number of brands over time. The biggest one being e.l.f. cosmetics which was a dream come true for me. However, local brands do have my heart. I’ve collaborated with Unaltered whose ethos is empowering and uplifting women which has given me even more admiration for the brand. I also work with Dylan Oaks, their attention to detail and thoughtfulness sets them apart. There’s hardly a day I’m not wearing one of their necklaces, and honestly that’s the best testament to how much I adore their pieces. Speaking of jewellery I have to mention Confetti by J/A. I recently had the chance to work with them on a shoot featuring their beautiful pieces, everything about their brand is so aesthetic. As with Dylan Oaks, I love how they’re collaborating with local small creators to showcase their brand — it really feels like being part of such a supportive, creative community. 

Then finally, they may not be a fashion brand, but working with The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a collaboration I won’t forget anytime soon. I’ve been lucky enough to work with them twice — real pinch-me moments. They make you feel genuinely special, and it’s always a pleasure to work with their team. 

Q. What trends are you excited about at the minute?

I'm so excited that statement accessories are making a comeback — especially charm necklaces! I’ve already stocked up for my summer holidays, along with crochet handbags embellished with fun patch designs like palm trees, seashells, and all things tropical. Embellishment is definitely the way to my heart, it just makes everything feel that little bit more special and unique. Personally, I love all things girly so if a trend fits my vibe I’m all for it but if it’s not me, I won’t follow it just for the sake of it. I’ve recently seen that polka dots are making a comeback, which I think is so cute!

Q. What skills do you think you need to be a successful influencer? What would you tell someone who is thinking of doing it?

I would say I’m a long way away from being a successful influencer or even just an influencer at that, but from what following I have gained I would say the most important thing is to just be yourself. Let your personality shine through because no one else is you and that’s what makes you special. Consistency is also definitely key which is something I’m still working on so I could do with taking my own advice on that. 

To anyone thinking of doing it I would say 100% do it. Post what makes you happy, not just what you think will be approved by others, the more authentically you show up the more you attract the right audience and the right people for you. Before starting TikTok I would never have imagined the opportunities that I have been given so far. As the saying goes - post the silly little video, you never know where it could take you.

Q. What do you love the most about what you do?

There are so many things I love about what I do, but when someone says “I love watching your TikToks” it makes my whole day. Knowing that a video helped someone or that they loved a product I recommended means the world. It sounds so silly but I actually love editing and putting videos together, it allows me to be creative in my own way. 

Lately, one of my favourite things has been meeting some of the loveliest local creators, girls I’ve loved watching and felt like I already partly knew through their content. I feel incredibly lucky to have been invited to events like the Girls Groupchat Podcast launch party and more recently, the Revive Fashion Fest. I met so many lovely girls I’ve followed for ages and finally got to see in person. Being around like-minded people you genuinely connect with is such a special feeling. Tiktok has opened the door to connecting with so many people I never would’ve met otherwise, and I honestly think that’s amazing.

Working with brands is also something I’ll never take for granted, the fact that anyone wants to send something to little old me still blows my mind. I’m just so grateful

Q. Have you encountered any drawbacks or is it all positive?

Thankfully, it’s been mostly positive and the few downsides have been pretty small in the grand scheme of things. You can definitely feel a lot of pressure to be constantly posting or creating content but I’ve learned to remind myself that it’s really not a big deal if I take a break or don’t post all the time. Working full time means I have to be mindful of balance, especially with how much time I spend editing videos. It’s all about doing what feels sustainable and not burning out over something that’s meant to be fun and creative. It’s easy to get in your own head. I think I’ve experienced a lot of imposter syndrome at times, comparing myself to others and wondering why these amazing brands or people would want to work with me. But the whole journey has taught me to believe in myself a little more and it’s really helped build my confidence.

Amanda’s top 3 favourite outfits: 

Look 1 : This is my favourite dress that I wore in my favourite place - Dubai. I’m such a magpie when it comes to anything that sparkles and when I saw this Meshki dress I knew I had to have it. I remember feeling so confident wearing it. It’s definitely not something I’d wear at home, which is why I love holiday outfits, it gives you the confidence to wear what you want and not worry because you don’t know anyone there anyway! 

Look 2: This House of CB dress I wore to a wedding is the epitome of girly, I thought it was so cute. It made me feel really feminine and if you know me, you’ll know that pink is my favourite colour ever. Plus, the quality of House of CB dresses is truly unmatched.

Look 3: Finally, I’d say this is one of my favourite tops ever. Partly because it’s what I wore to the Girls Group chat launch party where I had the best time but honestly I’ve never had so many compliments! As I said earlier I love anything embellished as it makes the piece stand out and that little bit more special. An easy way to be dressy without having to try too hard.