In the realm of social media, where picture-perfect images often obscure reality, finding an authentic and relatable voice can be like a breath of fresh air. Fara, widely known as TheFaraFix on Instagram, has masterfully crafted her unique space by embracing her genuine self and fearlessly sharing her journey. 

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A post shared by Fara Gindin-Wilson | Social Media Strategist & Business Coach (@thefarafixacademy)

In this enlightening interview, Fara takes us through her evolution from a corporate high-flyer to an Instagram sensation. She delves into the essence of personal branding, narrates her strategy for harmonizing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and social media, and offers insightful advice for aspiring influencers.

The Beginning Of TheFaraFix

Hailing from Haiti, Fara grew up navigating the weight of her immigrant parents’ expectations, which typically gravitated toward careers in medicine, law, or engineering. Yet, her heart throbbed for marketing — a passion that proved insurmountable. 

Overcoming initial familial skepticism, Fara surged up the corporate ladder, eventually attaining the role of vice president of marketing and communications and heading her own department. Despite her notable success, an undeniable void gnawed at her due to the long hours that kept her distance from her children.

The great shift materialized during the pandemic, which served as a catalyst for Fara’s transformative journey. While staying at home with her children, she forayed into the realm of social media. In 2019, she birthed her Instagram persona, TheFaraFix, offering glimpses of her interior design ardor and crafting a sanctuary of beauty and positivity amid global upheaval.

“I just wanted to have a place to escape. I opened up an Instagram account and I said, well, let’s find women who are like me, who like to decorate their homes, who are moms, and who just like to have things that are pretty and just light and easy when the rest of the world is chaotic.”

The Potency of Authenticity

In a milieu where Instagram feeds often parade a veneer of flawlessness, Fara’s content emanates authenticity like a guiding star. She attests to the vitality of being true to oneself, not solely in her content but also in her interactions with her audience. “I’m an open book,” Fara asserts, unreservedly sharing her life, complete with its struggles. She regards her life experiences not as tales of victimhood, but as threads that weave connections and resonate with her followers.

Fara displays courage in addressing sensitive subjects. As part of an interracial couple, she casts light on the microaggressions they encounter, unveiling the lived realities that multitudes face. 

“These occurrences happen from time to time, and occasionally, I choose to share them. I believe that by being authentic and just being myself, people can relate to my experiences. I’m not presenting myself as a victim; I want to make that clear. I’m merely sharing these moments with you, and it resonates with people because it’s genuine. With me, what you see is what you get, just as it is in real life.”

Cultivating an engaged social media community requires time and commitment. Fara’s approach pivots on nurturing a secure and inclusive space for women to unite and share their passions. Pioneering an authenticity-centered Instagram group and anchoring it with her Instagram Academy classes, she nurtured a burgeoning network of women who resonated deeply with her values and content.

The Balance Between Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Fara’s journey shines a light on the delicate art of harmonizing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a commanding social media presence. She underscores the significance of organizing her days and prioritizing tasks. 

“It’s about knowing what truly matters to me,” Fara reveals, all the while reserving time for family, self-care, and her relationship. She shares that her daily planning entails structuring tasks and maintaining momentum instead of fixating on uncompleted chores.

“For instance, every night, I review the tasks I’m going to tackle the following day. I create a list. I meticulously go through the list, identifying what needs to be accomplished on the next day. I make an effort to complete as many tasks as possible, but do they all get done? Absolutely not. So I carry them over to the next day. I strive not to stress over unfinished tasks, recognizing that sometimes it’s beyond my control. The key is having a plan, and sticking to it week after week, and day after day. You revisit it, make adjustments as needed, and stay committed to it. It’s similar to trying to maintain a diet; even if you have a slip-up, like indulging in an unhealthy meal at 2 o’clock, you can still make healthier choices for dinner.”

Balancing these roles, Fara acknowledges, is made smoother by her supportive partner. Her husband’s empathy and proclivity to assist have alleviated her path. While ardently preserving her authenticity, Fara is also practical in delegating social media tasks, contributing to her streamlined journey.

Advice for Emerging Influencers

On the subject of advice for budding influencers, Fara accentuates the potency of personal branding. “Instagram has undergone a transformation,” she highlights. In the present landscape, followers forge connections with individuals on an intimate level, placing trust in those who share relatable content. 

Fara encourages aspiring influencers to focus on personal branding, honing in on their identities and the communities they aspire to serve. She asserts that authenticity serves as the bedrock for cultivating a resilient and devoted audience.

“I think sometimes as creators we become overly fixated on the monetary compensation brands are offering, without considering whether it aligns with our brand or resonates with the audience. It may not nourish, inspire, or provide value to my audience in any meaningful way. So, in such cases, I’d decline. My advice to someone would be to focus on refining their personal brand, and gaining a clear understanding of who they are and who they aim to serve. It’s essential to determine what type of content will consistently attract, engage, and convert the individuals they intend to connect with.”

Empowering Influencers and Navigating Negotiations

As our conversation entered its final phase, Fara elucidated the nuances of her coaching services, delving into her endeavors with TheFaraFix Academy. Her commitment to fostering a thriving community of women is tangible, with her motivation stemming from her own experiences of receiving support from fellow women in her journey. “I absolutely love the power of women together. I love the fellowship,” Fara heartily expressed, underlining her devotion to helping women in reaching their potential.

One of Fara’s most notable accomplishments was being featured on PBS as part of a brand initiative focusing on strong female leads. This opportunity arose from her relationship with a brand CEO, who recognized Fara’s value and invited her to be a part of this special feature. 

The empowerment that Fara experienced through such connections motivated her to restart her coaching venture, TheFaraFix Academy. “She just really shared her experiences with us. She’s an immigrant from China and developed a million-dollar company. Just amazing. And so giving,” Fara recounted, highlighting the pivotal role mentorship and support play in one’s journey.

Mastering Authenticity in Social Media

Fara’s coaching approach revolves around a foundation of authenticity and personal branding. She emphasized that success in the influencer world isn’t about the numbers or vanity metrics but about the quality of engagement and trust built with followers. Her own example of maintaining a modest following on certain platforms while still securing substantial partnerships underscores the importance of delivering value to one’s community.

“I don’t prioritize vanity metrics. For instance, my coaching page is modest in follower count and yet it consistently yields multiple five figures every month. So when I engage in conversations with others, I aim to convey that it’s not all about the sheer quantity of followers. I’ve had brands approach me for partnerships on my TikTok account, which has just 6,000 followers, offering anywhere from $700 to two thousand dollars for sponsored content and boosting my posts. They appreciate my content and what I bring to the table. Moreover, I understand that I may align with what they’re seeking in this particular season. The point I want to stress is that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side; it’s just better tended to and watered better. It’s essential to reflect on what you’re doing to achieve these results.”

“Brands will pay your perceived value,” Fara emphasized. She guided her clients in crafting a polished online presence that aligns with their brand and resonates with their intended audience. Her coaching entails formulating compelling content pillars, identifying audience pain points, and skillfully presenting oneself for mutually beneficial collaborations.

“So, your online presence matters. If your page appears disorganized, disjointed and doesn’t speak directly to a specific niche or audience, it’s unlikely to reflect your true self or value. Hence, people will only be willing to pay what they perceive your worth to be.”

Navigating Negotiations and Recognizing Worth

As the interview concluded, Fara shared insightful wisdom about negotiation in the influencer space. She cautioned against undervaluing one’s services and explained the art of standing one’s ground while negotiating with brands. She stressed the importance of clear communication and the confidence to say no when offers don’t align with one’s worth.

Fara’s coaching extends beyond mere business tactics; it encompasses mindset shifts. She’s a firm believer in self-worth and encourages influencers to recognize their value in order to secure mutually beneficial partnerships. “They can afford it. Just have to negotiate, stand your ground, and be ready to negotiate up,” Fara asserted.

To that end, Fara is now offering a paid subscription on her Instagram coaching page, granting influencers and content creators direct access to her expertise and a supportive community. Join for discussions on all things influencer-related, including algorithm tips, brand deals, negotiation tactics, and more!

Future Plans and Ongoing Projects

Fara’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to blaze a trail as she embarks on new projects and ventures. During our conversation, Fara shared exciting glimpses into her upcoming plans, showcasing her dedication to innovation and expansion.

One of the projects on Fara’s horizon involves her children and the world of social media. She mentioned that her kids are eager to establish their presence on platforms like TikTok. Despite her already busy schedule, Fara embraces this opportunity to work alongside her children, creating kid-friendly content that adds a new dimension to her digital presence. 

Beyond family-focused endeavors, Fara’s expertise in personal branding and coaching takes center stage. Her fall workshop for personal brand positioning, which launched shortly after Labor Day weekend, promises to guide individuals through the intricate process of shaping their online identities. 

Most excitingly, Fara alluded to a beverage business that’s in the works. Rooted in her Haitian heritage, this venture holds a special place in Fara’s heart. While specific details remain under wraps, her passion and determination suggest a venture that combines her cultural background with her entrepreneurial prowess. 

Fara’s story serves as a testament to the power of embracing authenticity in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship and social media.

You can follow and keep up to date with her journey on the following platforms:

• Instagram: @thefarafix 
• Website: https://thefarafix.com/
• Academy Instagram: @thefarafixacademy