Tomi Obebe
How did you secure your first travel partnership? What work came before that?
Since I’ve started blogging, I’ve always loved sharing my travel experiences! I’d often travel with my parents for their work, visiting my family across 4 different continents, and study abroad opportunities. My previous content caught the eye of some people at Hyatt and I was able to get my first international partnership in Punta Cana! My friend and I had an amazing time documenting our experience at an all-inclusive resort. I think a lot of people want travel collaborations without examples of what they can offer. The best thing is that it’s not about going to exotic places, but offering something of value for your audience! Even if it’s a weekend getaway or hidden gems in your city, it’s great material to use when pitching companies.
How do you feel about the state of diversity in the influencer industry as a diversity advocate?
I think the fact that we’re even able to have these conversations on this scale is a huge step in the right direction. Larger companies like Aerie, Target, Universal Standard and Fenty really show what it means to have inclusive marketing and not just ticking “diversity” boxes! But it seems like there’s a new story about a brand with offensive marketing or all white influencer trips every day. We can’t expect change if we don’t demand it and I’m proud to be apart of the conversations that help keep brands accountable. Everyone deserves representation!
What are three items you recommend every fashionista must have in her wardrobe?
Three items I think that every fashionista must have in their wardrobe are a good pair of jeans, a basic white tee and nice statement earrings (or jewelry). I think with that combination alone you can have so many different options but separately they can really help dress up or down any type of look that you’re going for!
We’ve loved seeing the content you’ve been creating and sharing surrounding Black Lives Matter - how has the way you’ve been using your platform shifted in the past few weeks/months? Have you seen a shift in how the influencer industry (brands, agencies, other creators) has reacted?
My platform was created with the sole intention of providing a space that looks to elevate black women in the influencer industry. It has been amazing to see creators who have constantly been overlooked finally get the opportunities that they deserve! Of course, I’m happy to see such a shift in the way that brands are looking to partner with more women from different backgrounds but it’;s disheartening that it took such a traumatic and heartbreaking moment for them to realize representation was necessary. So, let’s just say I’m cautiously optimistic for the change within the industry as a whole. I welcome them, but I will continue to push for diversity and inclusion in these spaces until I see true changes that go further than performative actions.