We were lucky to catch up with Jeanelly Concepcion recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jeanelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on has been rebranding as a Conscious Content Creator and going independent to create an impact in the sustainable lifestyle and fashion space. The backstory behind this project is rooted in my journey as a blogger nearly a decade ago. From the beginning, I wanted to use my platform to promote sustainable living and ethical fashion choices, but I soon realized that the space was dominated by limited perspectives, unattainable standards, and lacked diversity, making it inaccessible to BIPOC creators like myself.

Undeterred, I decided to take matters into my own hands and slowly built my community by immersing myself in learning about the fashion industry’s harmful practices and the solutions advocated by pioneers in the small sustainable community. It was a challenging process because I had to pave my own way and find my authentic voice amidst the prevailing norms.

As I began advocating for sustainable living and ethical fashion through my content, I faced resistance from some quarters and was often ignored. However, I remained resolute in my mission. Over time, my efforts started resonating with a growing audience that appreciated my compassionate and non-preaching approach to connecting with people.

Today, my focus is on showcasing the most attainable and impactful sustainable hacks that people can incorporate into their daily lives. By approaching the topic with empathy and understanding, I have been able to engage more effectively with my audience, encouraging them to make conscious choices without feeling overwhelmed or judged.

This project has been deeply meaningful to me because it allowed me to create a space where sustainability and ethical choices are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of their background or identity. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and empower them to make small but meaningful changes in their lives that collectively contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Through this journey, I’ve not only grown as a content creator but also as an advocate for positive change in the fashion industry and beyond. The impact I’ve been able to make, no matter how small, reinforces my belief in the power of individual actions and collective efforts in creating a better, more sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. This project has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond personal success, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and passions.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share more about myself, my brand, and my journey.

I began my career as a fashion blogger over a decade ago, initially writing about my favorite trends and red carpet looks. It took me almost a year to muster the courage to do a self-styled post, and from there, I started focusing on style on a budget. However, as I delved deeper into the world of fashion, I couldn’t ignore the environmental and ethical issues plaguing the industry.

While researching sustainable brands to promote, I realized that many of them were expensive and not accessible to a broader audience, including myself. This realization led me to shift my focus to finding alternatives like shopping one’s own closet, restyling and re-wearing clothing, and even creating small capsule collections with intention. I wanted to prove that sustainable fashion could be affordable and attainable for everyone.

As I continued to explore the fashion industry’s impacts, I decided to use my academic background in Natural Resources Conservation & Management to conduct thorough research. The turning point that truly fueled my passion for sustainability was the tragic Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh on April 24th, 2013. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 1,134 people and countless injuries. It was a stark reminder of the human and environmental cost of the fast fashion industry’s extreme demands.

This life-changing event solidified my commitment to advocating for sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. I couldn’t stand by silently while harmful practices continued to harm our planet and its inhabitants. I knew I had to use my platform to raise awareness and drive positive change.

However, despite my dedication, I encountered challenges within the blogger and influencer space that held me back from fully embracing my new direction. Despite this, I persevered, recognizing the importance of creating value in the sustainable lifestyle space.

Today, I am a Conscious Content Creator, independent from the typical fashion influencer mold. I provide content and resources that inspire and educate my audience about sustainable living, ethical fashion choices, and conscious consumerism. My goal is to make sustainability accessible and attainable for everyone, regardless of their background or budget.

I take pride in showcasing practical and actionable tips to make small but impactful changes in daily life. I aim to connect with people in a compassionate manner, promoting positive change without judgment or preaching. Through my work, I want to empower individuals to make conscious choices that align with their values and contribute to a better world.

What sets me apart from others in the sustainable lifestyle space is my unique perspective as a BIPOC creator advocating for inclusivity and accessibility. I’ve navigated challenges and resistance, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to promoting sustainability and ethical practices.

I am most proud of the community I’ve built and the connections I’ve made with people who share similar values. Witnessing the positive impact my content has on individuals and seeing them embrace sustainable choices brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

I am dedicated to being a force for positive change in the fashion industry and beyond. My brand is a space of inclusivity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone interested in sustainable living and ethical fashion. I want potential clients, followers, and friends to know that my work is driven by authenticity, passion, and a genuine desire to create a more sustainable and compassionate world. I believe that together, we can make a difference and leave a positive legacy for future generations.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media was a gradual and sometimes challenging process. Initially, I experimented with various types of content, trying to find my niche and what resonated with my audience. I must admit that the growth was slow, and at times, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of which direction to take.

However, I noticed a pattern. Whenever I posted open, honest, and authentic content, I received the most engagement from my audience. It was during these moments of vulnerability and sharing my true self that I felt the most connected with my followers. Realizing this, I decided to focus on creating content that genuinely represented my personality and brand. Not only did this make me happier, but it also fostered a stronger bond with my audience.

Along the way, I made a few mistakes, falling into the trap of using “growth hacks” that promised quick results but ended up hurting my engagement and stunted my growth. I learned from those experiences and became transparent about them, using them as opportunities to grow and improve.

One of the most significant shifts in my social media journey was when I decided to prioritize connecting with my audience over merely influencing them. By genuinely engaging with my followers, listening to their feedback, and responding to their comments and messages, I noticed a significant uptick in my growth. Building a community and fostering meaningful connections became the foundation of my social media presence.

For those who are just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to create content that reflects your true self and brand with the utmost sincerity and heart. Avoid getting overly fixated on the numbers and metrics; instead, focus on building genuine connections with your audience. Be open, honest, and authentic in your storytelling, as this will help you resonate with the right people.

Remember that it’s not about having millions of followers; it’s about making a positive impact on even a single person’s life. If your content helps, inspires, or educates just one individual, then you have already succeeded. Building a loyal and engaged community takes time, but the effort you put into connecting with your audience will be rewarding in the long run.

Stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to share your journey, including your successes and failures. People appreciate authenticity, and when they feel a genuine connection with you, they are more likely to stick around and support your journey.

And last but not least, be patient and persistent. Building a social media presence takes time, consistency, and dedication. Don’t be discouraged by slow growth or setbacks; keep pushing forward, stay true to yourself, and focus on creating meaningful connections with your audience. With perseverance and authenticity, your social media presence will gradually flourish, and you’ll make a positive impact in the lives of those who follow you.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I often heard advice from well-meaning individuals that if I wanted to excel, I should pick a single path and stick to it. This advice was reinforced by societal norms that praised specialists and experts in a particular field. I was going to be a lawyer and that was the career path that I had set my heart on, but as I excelled in advocacy for the environment and joined volunteer efforts for cleanups, conservation and preservation, I knew where my heart really was.

As I embarked on my journey as a content creator and entrepreneur, I initially followed this advice, trying to narrow my focus and stick to a specific niche. I believed that success would come from becoming an expert in one area and building a brand around that singular identity. However, I soon realized that this approach felt restrictive and stifled my creativity.

I had a passion for various subjects, and my creativity burst forth in multiple aspects. I found joy in exploring different interests and expressing myself in various forms, like advocating for women’s reproductive rights by sharing my personal reproductive journey and showing how I car for my curly hair and advocating for self-love and wellness. Despite this, I felt torn between conforming to the conventional wisdom of sticking to one thing and embracing my multifaceted nature.

The turning point came when I started to recognize that my various talents and interests were not a weakness but a strength. Embracing my multifaceted nature allowed me to tap into a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and experiences. I began to see how these different aspects of myself complemented each other and enriched my work.

By unlearning the idea that I had to limit myself to one niche, I found a new sense of freedom and authenticity. I realized that I could create a brand that reflected my multifaceted identity and connect with a broader audience who shared my diverse interests. That’s when I decided to rebrand from The Fashion Lotus to Blooming Lotus as this shift made sense for my personal brand and for me as an individual

Embracing my true nature allowed me to bring unique perspectives to my content and business endeavors. It opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations that I might not have had if I stuck strictly to one path.

Today, I celebrate my various talents and interests, recognizing that they make me who I am as a content creator and entrepreneur. I’ve learned that success doesn’t have to come from conforming to traditional norms or limiting ourselves to a single identity. Instead, success can be found by embracing our authentic selves, including all our passions and talents.

The lesson was a liberating one, and it allowed me to fully embrace my creative potential and pursue a fulfilling and multifaceted journey. I now encourage others to explore their diverse interests and talents, knowing that they too can capitalize on their multiple gifts to create a unique and meaningful path to success.       

Contact Info:

• Website: thefashionlotus.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/bloominglotus_j
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomingLotusJ
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanelly-concepcion-91774321/
• Twitter: twitter.com/bloominglotus_j
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BloomingLotus

Image Credits
Annakyi Dial Stefani Elle