Top 50 Influencers In India
I am still on a high after being featured in this month’s Exhibit Magazine! #Top50Influencers
Sharing my projects with you online is always fun but there is something so special about finding a kind mention on the pages of a magazine. 💛 #ExhibitMagazine Merci!
On that note, my response to their first question seems to have been eaten up by the printing press 😁 So here’s what I actually sent in:
EM: Tell us a bit about your journey.
Tanya Fontes: I was at the crossroads of my life and career a few years back, and it left me wondering about what would give me the drive to do something that would not feel like work, and that I would be passionate about. That’s when Urban Diaries came about ~ my Luxury Lifestyle Blog-site where I showcase luxury brands.
Among the many threads that stretch between two people ~ threads of varied sizes, thickness, hues, and textures ~ there are those that bring happiness. And these are the threads that my blog tries to establish with my readers. It is in continuous evolution as I try to find new ways in which I can add value to their readings and bring interesting topics to their attention.
EM: What keeps you motivated every day? (Feel free to give us your #QuoteToLiveBy here!)
Tanya Fontes: The learning curve for a blogger is almost infinite. I wake up every day with the joy of being able to do something I love, but I also wake up to the fact that today I will learn something new through my blog ~ sometimes, even through my readers. The journey so far has been an extremely colourful one and not a day passes by when I think to myself how blessed I am to have this platform through which I can reach out to so many people and inspire them.
EM: If you could choose one person that has influenced your life in a drastic way, who would it be and why?
Tanya Fontes: It would definitely be my mother. She was my pillar of strength and was always there for me when I needed her the most.
EM: Can you share with us three books that have impacted your life?
Tanya Fontes: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
EM: Do you think you would be able to reach the position you have earned today without the help of social media?
Tanya Fontes: Influencers have this ability to observe the subtlest dimensions of the world with the most bizarre of lenses. While Social Media has revolutionised the blogosphere {and I would say it is a necessary evil of the modern era}, the subtlety and nuance with which you relate your stories and share your experiences makes your post reflect your personality in it. So I would say that for a Digital Influencer, the engaging presence of Social Media is a blessing. And yes, I would attribute my popularity and power as a Digital Influencer to Social Media.
EM: If you had to choose one, your favourite Social Media platform would be?
Tanya Fontes: I personally find Instagram to be one of the most impactful social mediums so far.
Why: Visuals can have a deeper impact and can often speak to your audience in ways where words may fail. Then there is the quickness with which an Instagram post can be seen and reacted on. Long texts are good for avid readers and those who have the time, but we are already catering to a generation of readers who prefer crisp posts that are quick to read and respond to.
EM: If you were stranded on an island and could take along only 3 gadgets/use 3 apps, what would they be?
Tanya Fontes: Satellite radio, Solar-powered cell phone with long-range wifi on solar energy, and of course an Iron (Wo)Man Suit!
Instagram, Facebook, and Adobe Photoshop
EM: A technology/gadget that is currently influencing your life:
Tanya Fontes: My Samsung 9Plus is a beast when it comes to Social Media!
EM: Three quick words of advice to all the budding influencers who look up to you?
Tanya Fontes: I once received this simple yet profound piece of advice when I was told never to limit my dreams. You will find many people in real life who may want to bar you from achieving what you want, so stop limiting yourself and give your dreams the wings they’ve been yearning for. Fly high and fly joyfully to the destination you’ve always wanted to reach.
EM: If given an option, would you do anything differently if you started in your industry now?
Tanya Fontes: The devil, inevitably, lies in the details! I believe that attention to detail is what will make your work unique, as details bear the essence of your personality and will help you gain the right set of audience. So, a focused approach is the best approach when it comes to being a Digital Influencer.
EM: If you had to describe yourself in one hashtag, what would that be?
Tanya Fontes: #ShowcasingLuxuryWithTanya
I hope you have enjoyed reading these influencer notes as much as I did writing them!
Awesomeness at soooo many levels! I’m a fan of your writing skill, Tanya. You have done a great job with Urban Diaries, and this is well deserved!
Thank you, Sinchan.
I am a regular reader of your blog, and love to learn from successful bloggers like you who have made their mark with exceptional writing. Thanks for always inspiring, Tanya!
Thank you, Akanksha.
As someone who has only been blogging for a year, I have found that you continually provide me with a great opportunity to not only educate myself further but to also better understand the culture of the Indian blogging community. Congratulations on the feature!
Glad to hear it, Rakshita. Thank you.
I am so proud of bloggers like you, Tanya. This is surely going to motivate all newbie bloggers like myself, as I learn from your experience to grow. Thank you again for sharing your expertise ~ it is greatly appreciated.
My pleasure, Upoma.
That’s the spirit, Tanya! You have always focused on providing value instead of just becoming a success – it goes to show that if you are determined, you can achieve anything you want to! xx
Aw ~ thank you so much, Rasmus.
Experiences are always an inspiration and self motivation to achieve more. Thanks Tanya for sharing the article – it’s like a Boost to every Blogger in India! All the best for your future endeavors!
Thank you so much, Deepika.
I am actually looking at the list of inspirational material on your blog which may help me to join in such a list someday. 🙂 Thanks for the post and congratulations, Tanya!
Thank you, Manish.
You have broken all barriers and made a place in this top list! Really great to see you doing this well, Tanya! Congratulations!!
Thank you, Vishwajeet.
Bloggers from very diverse fields have made their fortune blogging. This inspires me to take my blog to new heights. Once again thanks for sharing, Tanya.
You are welcome, Saira.
You are my favourite blogger/influencer, Tanya! I think blogging is the best way to acquire both name and fame with consistent hard work. You deserve this and much more!
Thanks and glad to know that I’m one of your favourite influencers, Sonali.
This gives me hope that if I apply what you teach on your blog, I may soon be on such a list. Cheers Tanya, well done!
Thank you, Abhishek.
Your content is really worth reading, Tanya! And you’re just getting started – keep sharing more!
Thank you, Veneeta.
I am new to blogging, and I know that it’s going to take time and effort to achieve something in the blogging field… I intend to be patient. Thanks for the constant inspiration, Tanya!
You are most welcome, Prachi.
There’s a lot to learn from you, Tanya. And this must definitely be a proud moment ~ to see this wonderful feature about your blogging journey. Thanks for your appreciable effort, and sparing valuable time in responding to these interview questions.
Thanks for following, Robin.
Focusing on creating great content, adding more value and building a loyal audience around your blog is truly what it’s all about. That’s when you can become a great blogger, and I salute you on being one such, Tanya!
Thank you so much, Jatin.
I just started my career as a blogger, and I am so inspired after reading this! Congratulations Tanya, and thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Shafi.
First of all, all the best on your blogging success! Second, thanks a lot for this wonderful post – I will analyse your success traits to build a better blog like yours!
Here’s wishing you the very best, Saangita!
The best news! ❤️ It’s wonderful to read about your blogging journey and how you converted your passion into a paying career. Great to see your beautiful face too! Congratulations, Tanya!
Ahh ~ thank you, Suchita.
Woke up to find you sharing space with fellow influencers today ~ how exciting! Thanks for sharing your story! And congratulations! ❤️
Thank you, Shibani.
Wow, that’s an amazing post! It’s great to read about how you started, how you evolved and why blogging is so rewarding! Recommended your blog to my sister recently ~ she loves you work! 🙂
Aw ~ thank you, Deepa. Really appreciate that.
This is incredible! The write-up perfectly encapsulates your work ethos over the years… Congratulations on the well and truly deserved feature, Tanya! ❤️
Thank you, Kshitij.
Outstanding feature! What a great (almost) end to the year 2018. Success comes with hard work, and yes, you dare to be different, Tanya! Needless to say that I felt happy that the right influencer has found a right recognition. xx
Thank you for your kind words, Mamatha.
It’s literally been 2.5 years of blogging for you, and I have seen this platform of yours grow and change in front of me. Being consistent is the only key, so here’s a special thank you for being an influencer who shares these much needed stories. You are the best! ❤️
Thank you for your kind words, Nishita.