Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan De La Rosa.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
This adventure started back in December of 2014 with a random #ootd picture I took and uploaded to my Instagram. At the time I had but a mere 240 followers. Mostly close friends and/or acquaintances. That individual post amounted to over 300 likes in the days following the original post.
Two weeks later, I was approached by a small tie brand on Insta with an offer to send me 2 or 3 ties to showcase, and all I had to do was tag the brand. I was confused, excited and nervous all at once because at this point the “influencer” game was still in its infancy.
There was no guide or rules to follow so I just went with my gut and did what I felt right.
Now, I’ve never been one to want or need high-end brand products or apparel. The following weeks I continued to post my outfits and got more notice from other brands as well as my following began to grow, little by little.
From day one, I’ve been a firm believer of the fact that you don’t need to go and spend thousands to look good. You can shop sales and clearance, and no one will know, all as long as you know how to find the right fit and the style that best suits you.
To this day, I try to stay true to that belief. While I do showcase higher-end products that cost a bit more, I do try to make sure to arrange a deal with the brand where I can offer my followers a special discount.
Ultimately I try to think about the people that follow me and my “brand.” What is the point if getting and showcasing a $500 pair of boots that I know my followers will most likely not go and buy for themselves,
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like everything in life, there are always ups and downs. I think the biggest struggles is always trying to stay relative and connected to my followers without becoming antiquated.
From evolving my shooting concepts to what brands I choose to work with to expand the versatility of my page. With the handle @thedapperjuan, I kind of put a limit on what I can post about. But slowly over time, I have introduced streetwear and lifestyle shots as well.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Dapper Juan – what should we know?
The Dapper Juan started out of pure luck. Posting the right outfit at the right time. I’ve always kept in mind the people that have followed me over the past four years and why they follow me. Every time I can, I try to give back to my followers.
Be it a giveaway or working out a deal with the brands I’m working with, so my followers can get a great discount. I think that’s what sets me apart from others, my genuine intention to connect with my followers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m not self-made, and I do have to accept that I did look up to a lot of other already active accounts on Insta like @thedressededchest and @traviswhite for getting ideas on how to best showcase my content.
The most direct help I did get in building my following was thanks to @mensfashionreview for all the reposts and shares they did of my content when I first started. They truly helped me to get out there and noticed by people who wouldn’t have bothered to look my profile up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedapperjuan.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedapperjuan
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedapperjuan
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thedapperjuan
Image Credit:
Joseph Calderon @gojoeego
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