Architects of change: The girl from next door

Hi loves ! i trust you babies are good good and safe. I have decided that on Thursdays i will be writing about the architects of change. young people who are doing the damnz, paving their own way(s), authentic and i find inspirational and think will be inspirational to you too.

I thought that i should maybe start by introducing myself to those who don't know who Thabisa "teydablogger" Qinga is, tell bits of my story and tell you guys why i think the people i will be writing about are the architects of change in laymen's term INSPIRATIONAL.

My name is Thabisa Qinga i am 22 years old (but we'll just stick to 21 years old since 2020 might be cancelled, lol) i am currently enrolled at the Cape Peninsular University of Technology for advanced diploma in Project Management. I am also a lifestyle, beauty and fashion blogger blogger and founder and host for Doing the Damnz podcast. My biggest passion, besides fashion, is to help people and empower young people to reach their full potential which is something i do through my VodCast (Video-Podcast) Doing The Damnz Podcast and charity work.

I was born and raised in Mount Frere till grade 7 when then i moved to Mtata. I went to Khanyisa High School (i am so proud and grateful of that because i was so inspired by my principal and teachers, their teachings extended beyond class room walls)

I am Doing the Damnz or Architect of change because i take no for an answer if I WANT IT I WILL GET IT! Period. I don't have a privileged background but honey that has never and will never stop me from reaching for my heart desires. It doesn't matter what names people may call me and people not believing in me or my dream(s) has never stopped me from going after my dreams and believing in myself.

I am inspired and look up to a lot of entrepreneurs and philanthropists like the likes of Dj Sbu, Tbo touch, Basetsana Khumalo, Connie Ferguson, Kris Jenner, Onika Maraj, Bonang, The Carters and a lot more but there are also my peers who are doing the utmost, who are inspirational and we could all learn a thing or two from whether that is business related or personal. Those people are the people that i will be introducing to you guys.

NB: If you know anyone that you thing is Doing the Damnz or is an architect of change and we should know about definitely dm me <3.

Lots Of Love

What does the lock down mean for your business/brand

Hey loves ! i trust you are all good and taking care of your beautiful selves. Please do make sure to take necessary precautions to protect yourselves and loved ones from this vicious virus.

It is no secret that after this pandemic the country will be on depression phase since the economy was already on its knees before the pandemic which will lead to some businesses closing down and people losing their jobs. That is what might happen to the economy after the pandemic but what do we do in the meantime, does this pandemic mean everything must be on standstill during this storm? I think not!

There is no doubt that social media has always played a huge role in our lives, personal brands and businesses. We have always anticipated that it will one day take over especially the traditional way businesses operate and I think that day has arrived.

Your businesses shouldn't suffer because there is a lock down. Social media is here for the rescue therefor take advantage of all social media platforms to raise awareness about your brand or/and your business.

Here are some of my tips about how to use social media to save your business/brand during this pandemic:

1. Have social media accounts and be active - if your business does not have any social media accounts then there is absolutely no better time to create one than now.

2. Go live - People are glued to their screens because really there isn't much to do use that to your advantage, be active. Go live give out tips, answer questions about your brand and engage with your audience or clients.

3. Create stories - stories are a great way to attract traffic to your page and to your website so make sure you are active on your stories and you have interesting and attractive stories by using "cool" apps to make them ( personal favs being canva and unfold).

4. Pay attention to all your accounts - Don't focus on only one social media it is important for you to put equal attention to all your accounts but bare in mind that Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are all different therefor you need to treat them as such. That being said, remember to create content that caters to all of them individually.

Most small businesses or entrepreneurs have the tendency of not replying to DMs and comments. Everyone is a potential customers and not replying to them can be very detrimental to your business/brand. Good customer service is crucial for the survival of your business therefor reply to your people. It doesn't matter if someone is asking something that is "obvious" you should be grateful that they're showing interest and most often such interest can lead to a sell.-

If social media is not your thing you can hire social media account manager (Hi my name is Thabisa :) ).

How to have a clean Instagram

Hi loves ! i trust you loves are doing good and are safe and taking necessary precautions to keep you, your loved ones and those around you safe. lol. btw i cannot believe you guys are going crazy about the lock down and it's only day #5. I'm not laughing. mhm......

Today i will be sharing with you guys tips on how to have a clean Instagram. It took me a very long time to have my feed where it is right now and for me to achieve the vision i had in mind, hence i get anxious before i post anything.

I am inspired by a lot of UK and USA bloggers. I have always known what i wanted my feed to look like. It just took me a lot of time and the right photographer who understood my vision to get it where it is ( and chiiiiiiiilllle! i think we did a pretty good damn job)

Here are some of my tips about how to have a clean Instagram:

1. Know your niche - yeah I know this may sound a little cliche but it is important to know what you will be focusing on and the audience you will be catering to. It honestly doesn't have to be just one thing. My niche is fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

2. Quality over Quantity - The pictures you post on instagram are a representation of your brand therefor you want people to be attracted to it. If you post low quality pictures people and brands will not take you seriously. Have professionals take your pictures it is absolutely worth it (this also depends on how serious are you taking your account). Professionals do cost money and if you can't afford one, you can use your phone provided it has nice camera quality and then you can edit the pictures using apps like VSCO, PHOTOSHOP, LIGHTROOM, ADOBE LIGHTROOM AND SNAPSEED.

@Sohimself is the man behind the lance on most of my pictures and has worked with other amazing creatives and personalities. check out his IG and book your shoot ( i am absolutely obsessed with his work). https://www.instagram.com/sohimself/

3. Be intentional - Don't just post! you need to have a vision of how you want your feed to look like. It might however take you a while to figure it out and you still are unsure, do some research. Check out people who are in the same industry as you, who are DOING THE DAMNz (see what i did there? *wink wink*) or check out Pinterest for inspiration.

Try Planoly app which will help you visually plan, manage and schedule your feed. Nice thing about this app is that you can manage multiple feeds in it.

Tip: if you want your feed to be a certain theme use the same editing style or technique to your pictures.

Some of my photographer favs and friends:

https://www.instagram.com/wls_production/

https://www.instagram.com/oate_margin/