Relevance and Relatability, can't be forcibly cultivated: Shyam Tyagi, The Style Mirror

Shyam Tyagi speaks about the evolution of fashion blogging through his lens.

With an attempt to fulfilling the dream to mirror his style through online media, Shyam Tyagi started his journey early on.

Following the principles of Simplicity and consistency, Tyagi boasts of a stellar following of 79.9k+ on Instagram. A look at his journey helps understand the nuances of the influencer industry better.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

Ever since I was a kid, my mother helped me and pushed me to develop my style. As I grew up, my understanding of fashion grew and I began to see it as a unique medium of expression.

I started sharing my outfits and their details on social media, and gradually more and more people started following me. With them came an influx of support, and I figured why not get into fashion blogging actively. So, here we are.

What's in the name?

Some of my friends and I were brainstorming over coffee what my blog's name should be when one of us noticed our reflection in the glass wall of the cafe.

And we realized how a mirror is an integral part of our taste in fashion, as that is how we judge and reflect on our different outfits. It also shows us an exact replicated image of us. Since I wanted my style to mirror as a blogger and be an extension of that, we settled for the name, The Style Mirror.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

Simplicity and consistency - I make sure my content delivers both. I just try and stay honest to my taste in fashion and encourage my followers to do the same. Comfort always comes before bling for me, and that's what does it! 

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I am constantly observing and studying the trends prevalent in the industry. It is an ongoing process of fusing the trends with my interpretation of it. The same goes for brand briefs. Then I have to translate my interpretation in terms of the look, location, time with the help of my photographer. After than comes editing, writing copy, and scheduling the content sharing. 

As for relevance and relatability, they cannot be forcibly cultivated. I put myself out there, and people connect with my style.

Also read: Research is key to staying relevant says Deepa Shri Rajan, CrumbStash

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

In the beginning, there was no moolah. I had to invest money myself when I was just starting, and that was a commitment I made ready for the sake of creating content. Honestly, I hadn't even thought of commercializing my blogging.

But then a brand reached out to me with their product that they wanted me to promote, in exchange for remuneration. That's how it is even now. Collaboration with various brands for their campaigns, products, etc. brings in the dough. 

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

It is sometimes challenging to meet the requirements of the briefs sent in by brands, but that's just part of the job. I have to plan and schedule my day very meticulously to fit in all the photo and video shoots.

Sometimes I have to deliver for 2-3 brands within the same time frame so that makes work even more hectic but fun! I have to stay connected with everyone involved in the content creation process 24×7, so that we're all on the same page, at all times. 

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile?

Work adds worth. To mention just one moment would be unfair to all the effort and time that has gone in my work in the past few years. Every day that I get to do this, makes it worthwhile. It has allowed me to work with some of my favorite brands, meet some amazing people and even travel! Right now I have some goals in mind, and I think the day I achieve them is the day I will be truly satisfied.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever?

There aren't that many, honestly. But off the top of my head, I do recall one that happened quite recently. A brand approached me and asked me to promote women's clothing on my profile. It was a pretty weird request since I am a men's fashion blogger, and have no women bloggers collaborating with me on my blog. I had to politely decline because I didn't want to do something that wasn't my forte just for money, you know. 

If not blogging, you would be?

A techie, no doubt! I just love to keep myself up to date and play with all the new tech that I can get my hands on. 

A day in your life...

Blogging is like my 5 to 9 job, instead of the conventional 9 to 5, not that I am complaining. No two days in my life are ever the same. Somedays I'm scouting for locations and in meetings with brands, on some, I'm at the locations having photoshoots and brand events. Life is much more spontaneous and unexpected, as opposed to the routine of my old corporate job life. The only constant in my day is going to the gym. 

And to find out what else am I up to every day, I suggest you follow me on Instagram for updates.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Don't plagiarize to rise! Explore your individuality and find out who you are, instead of copying people. Take inspiration from everyone and everything, but build up your style from there. Make sure you connect with people and are consistent with your content. Let your love for the fashion show in what you do, and the rest will fall into place by itself.

Your Favorite Influencer

First and foremost would be my good friend Allen Claudius (@bowtiesandbonesblog) who was the one who encouraged me to pursue fashion blogging, and inspires me with his interesting and unique take on casual and comfortable clothing. 

I also admire Nick Wooster deeply because of his story and his style. He is a street style icon that I have been following for many years now. His free-spirited fashion is something that I look up to.

The Future you foresee for your Brand 

Like I said before, I have some goals in my mind in regards to where I see my blog in the coming future. I have a brand of style and I want to start a clothing line that stays true to it. That would be the ultimate dream come true for me