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Ex: Tell us about a change you’ve seen in the digital blogging space since you started out your journey? How has this space evolved?
Shivesh: I have seen the influencer and blogging industry completely revolutionize in the past couple of years. When I started off, Instagram was already providing a space to experiment with newer content. Eventually, it bloomed like anything. The digital blogging space enabled brands to have real time engagement and simultaneously increase brand awareness. This space literally becomes more innovative every single day now. We have wonderfully transitioned from static content to more engaging and more dynamic content. People have really started to believe in influencer marketing and it is the new ‘in thing’ in the digital marketing industry. I have loved this process because the creative powers have now shifted from the hands of advertising agencies to independent individuals.
Ex: Can you give us an insight into social media platforms that only an Influencer can know?
Shivesh: Often, people have the perception that being an influencer is an easy task. But, churning out content on a constant basis requires endless hours of ideation with my team, planning shoots, researching about newer and more public-friendly content, endless to and fro with brands and organizations, and so much more. We end up not having a 9 to 5 job but one that requires 24 hours of our energies. But at the end of the day, I absolutely love what I do and love creating, so I do not mind this one bit.
Ex: What would be your calling in a parallel universe? (Alternate career options)
Shivesh: I have always loved anything related to mass communication, media, and related aspects. I even enrolled in Indian Institute of Mass Communication after completing my graduation. So, if I didn’t have Bake with Shivesh, I would definitely be a part of the world of Media.
Ex: If you were stranded on an island, what are the 3 gadgets you’d take along?
Shivesh: I’d definitely take my phone, a power-bank, and a lighter to help me start some fires! A technology you wished you’d invented? Air pods, I think? They’re uber cool and have really made life 100% easier and convenient!
Ex: What’s been your favorite encounter with a fan so far? (DMs included!)
Shivesh: There was one time when I had a workshop and a 60 year old very sweet woman came from a distance to meet me. She ended up telling me that I remind her of her grandson and this is by far the sweetest encounter I have ever had with a fan. Social Media is known to expose vulnerabilities, with influencers being at the epicenter.
Ex: How do you deal with the dark side that comes with the medium?
Shivesh: I think Baking is the perfect form of therapy for me. Sometimes, when I need an off from everything, I bake for myself or enjoy some ‘me-time’ with my movies, popcorn, and good food! Social media trolling is seeing an upward rise.
Ex: Do you think this only increases with the popularity of an Influencer? How does one tackle this situation?
Shivesh: Trolling is not limited to influencers with a huge following, it happens with budding bloggers and of course, even with celebrities. The best way to deal with it is to just block out the negativity. In the comments section, even one bad comment can really affect someone. My way is to see the many other positive comments and not allow one to affect me.
Ex: What does success mean to you?
Shivesh: Success to me means always having the opportunity to do what I love and what makes me happy. I feel successful when I post a recipe and I see people instantly trying it out, using the recipe to celebrate occasions and what not!
Ex: Do you think Influencer Marketing is a fad? Where do you see this space in years to come?
Shivesh: Influencer marketing is anything but a fad. It’s the fastest growing space in the digital marketing industry and it promises the greatest ROIs to major organizations. Sure, like every industry, it will take a turn here and there, evolve to become even bigger, but it’s not a fire that can be put out quickly.
Ex: Which is that one dish or cuisine that you haven’t tried yet but are looking forward to?
Shivesh: I really am looking forward to trying some Armenian food! I heard it’s super great and I’d absolutely love to give it a try What do you do to make your content unique from others? I think my style of food photography allows me to make my content unique and appealing. I invest proper time in setting up a particular set for my desserts and give the production process the attention it requires. Besides this, I love how I am able to churn out content on YouTube which has recipes that are super easy yet delicious!
