Many established brands expect bloggers to work on barter which is unfair: Shruti Wahi, Bespoke Grub

In conversation with Social Samosa, Shruti highlights the perils of being an influencer in 2019.

A beauty influencer,

Looking back, where did it all begin? 

My journey as a Blogger began in 2016 when I launched my own blog by the name of Bespoke Grub. People enjoyed reading what I wrote & soon they sought my advice before purchasing a product or visiting a restaurant.

What’s in the name? 

Bespoke means tailor-made for an individual’s requirements & Grub to me implies something that can be consumed, digested and understood in every sense, not just related to food.

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

My USP is that I always endeavor to provide original ideas and content and give my personal take on things without following fads blindly.

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

In order to be relevant, it is important to be aware of all the latest developments in one's field. I make sure that I do that.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

Making moolah in blogging is still a bit of a task in India even for the best in the profession. Plenty of PRs of established and renowned brands expect bloggers to collaborate on a barter basis which really is quite unfair.

I really want to ask them, what if at the end of every month they were given grains & clothes instead of money, would they put in the hard work? We are living in 2019 and not in the Vedic Age where cows/grains were exchanged for services rendered! I do get commercials for my collaborations, however even I am offered barter collaborations.

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

Brand briefs are important, however, my content is largely influenced by my opinion and the audience I cater to.

Also read: Staying consistent has worked in my favor: Jannat Khan, Wish you were Fashion

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile.

In the September 2018 issue of Exhibit magazine, I was named one among India’s Top 50 Influencers. It was a beautiful moment for me.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever.

No weird brand request so far.

If not blogging, you would be?

I was a Professor of Medieval & Modern Indian History before I started Blogging. That is what I would be doing had I not taken up Blogging

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers.

Originality will get you places.

Your Favourite Influencer.

Shereen Sikka. Love her feed.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

My journey as an Influencer has been nothing short of spectacular. I’ve had some amazing experiences & met some talented individuals along the way.

This has made me collaborate with both start-ups as well as renowned & established brands pan-India. I hope it will continue to take me to greater heights in the coming future.