It’s taken me some time to get used to the whole concept of “followers”. It made me feel some type of way to say “Oh yeah, so and so, I follow her”.
Now that I’m past that ego trip I see the value of following people on social media that make me laugh, feel inspired, and keep me in the know. I also enjoy following those who are simply very good at what they do.
I’ve read a bunch of these roundups and they always lead me to people with professional, staged photos and over 100k followers. There’s nothing wrong with that but I also like to see those on the rise; those who have candid and unfiltered photos mixed in with the staged shots and those whose content I can learn from even though they may not have a ton of followers from around the world.
That said, here is my list!
#1 @lilyshepardmoves
Well look at that, it’s me! Follow me on my journey empowering women through movement and curating spaces for black people in Austin, such as Raw Form, Bloom You and Black Foodies of Austin. My page is focused on living fully and embracing your full feminine power.
#2@ariwearsthings
I love this page! Ari serves body positivity and fashion mixed in with her love of dance. She often posts where to get her looks from her #ootd and lets you in on her dance sessions around Austin.
#3 @jasmineelliscomedy
This curly-haired comedian is a trip This multi-talented woman is also an actor and podcast host. .Her captions are hilarious, her skin is #goals and she always posts her upcoming shows so you’ll know where to go when you want a good laugh.
#4 @itsasetup
If like me you are disappointed with the selection of nail techs in Austin – go follow Michele Nails. Voted “Most Grammable Nail Sculpture” by the Austin Chronicle in 2018, Michele doesn’t play when it comes to nails. All pictures and videos of her work have #nofilter and not only is the work pretty, it’s quality.
#5 @growyourlovespace
Grow Your Lovespace is all about showing up to life as a full ass human, living intentionally and acquiring the mental tools to stay rooted and growing. This page contains gems of insight and perspective into the human experience we all share.
#6 @djkaycali
If you live in Austin you should be familiar with DJ Kay Cali. As one of Austin top DJs, wherever she is is where the party is at. Kay is pure black girl magic in action and her page gives a healthy dose of music and culture.
#7 @sydneythyme
Foodie? Follow immediately! Sydney posts tons of yummy meals and often posts the how-tos in her stories. Sydney’s dishes are always colorful and range from simple to chef level. There’ s something for everyone!
#8 @itstiawilliams
Tia epitomizes the passion and perseverance of positive women of color. She is the director and creator of the web series Gentrified which follows three Black Millenials battling to find themselves in everchanging Austin Texas. Tia is definitely a woman to watch.
#9 @queensconquer
Queens Conquer is a community for women going against the grain to create a limitless life while choosing collaboration over competition. Alexandra is also the managing editor for Naturally Curly so along with her motivational posts and dope photos she also has great info on natural hair care!
#10 @sweetlikeoyin
Part lifestyle, part travel, and part beauty, this page has it all. I love following Oyin’s fashionable adventures both in Texas and beyond She gives you skincare realness and luxury vibes in a very approachable way.