Introducing the Confidence Connoisseur of Instagram
Social media can be such a beneficial tool for personal branding, marketing, and so many other uses in this plugged world, but it can also cause a lot of problems. In this day and age, "influencers" make a career on creating relatable or interesting content, and posing as the ideal body, or most desirable lifestyle. While this can be a powerful and empowering way to promote health and wellness, self love, and productivity, many creators end up leaving a toxic mark on their followers.
Recently, I decided to do a little social media refresh. I unfollowed some creators that made me feel bad about myself, or that promoted feelings of comparison, and started following individuals that promote self love and care. One of my favorite advocates for self love, Victoria Garrick, promotes intuitive eating, and accepting your body at any size. Coincidentally, one of my closest friends from college just recently started a self love account on Instagram, promoting confidence and feeling comfortable in your body.
I called Jamie (@confidence_connoisseur) for a socially distanced interview, and got the scoop on her journey with self love.
Photo: Jamie Gleeson
What motivated you to start this account? Was it an idea that occurred spontaneously, or was it a slow development?
It was my idea that I've kind of always had in the back of my head. I've had so much fun kind of just boosting up my friends and I really enjoy being a cheerleader. If I could have a dream job in life I'd be a motivational speaker. So I thought the Instagram would be a great idea to kind of start there, but as for the day that I started to account, I kinda just up and thought "you know what, I'm gonna put myself out there. Today's the day" so that's how that all happened.
Do you ever feel hesitation or nervousness before posting, and if so, how do you push through it?
I never necessarily get nervous when it comes to posting because I know my friends will all see it and nobody's really following it to be negative- it's not that big of an account that I have random followers. I do sometimes get nervous when it comes to brainstorming ideas, so sometimes I won't be as active if I think an idea isn't good enough, but in reality, any idea is good enough that tells you you're beautiful every day.
Jamie’s posts radiate body positivity and normalness for girls and guys everywhere. Here are some of the inspiring messages she’s been putting out to her followers.
“I’ve worked really hard over the past two years to gain confidence and feel really good about myself and I think I’ve achieved that and it made my life so much better so I’m excited to help whoever else get there.”
Photo: @confidence_connoisseur
I highly recommend checking out Jamie's profile. She keeps it real, both on social media platforms and in real life, and is a constant cheerleader for those around her. If you need a daily dose of reality, and have ever struggled with issues regarding confidence, body image, or self worth, she's the girl to follow for encouragement and perspective. Doing a lil’ social media cleanse can be so beneficial for your mental health, and taking a real look at who you follow can go a long way into making social media more enjoyable!
Be sure to follow Jamie’s account on Instagram at @confidence_connoisseur