Q1: How did you become a creator?

I launched my business Gummeeteething in 2012, and I guess I started being creative with photos and content back then – but never really considered the fact that I was a content creator until I started using Instagram a lot more in 2018 (prior to then it was always Facebook).

Q2: What inspires your posts?

My business obviously needs constant content, so anything that resonates with my audience I will produce more of. Anything mum and baby related goes down well, so it’s fairly easy to create
content for my business because of all the tools and know-how I have gathered over the last 7 years.

For my own Instagram, I am inspired by quite a few big influencers, but my main inspiration comes from my struggles with mental health, my environment, deep thoughts, my children and family, and often chaotic life. I am getting a little better at putting across my feelings with pictures, and I’m quite excited about doing more of that – it’s becoming a hobby!

Q3: What has been your biggest challenge as a creator?

Learning to use different software and methods of taking photos. I’m not very ‘techy’, so I have found some of that a bit tedious.

I think it’s also easy to get caught up comparing your own account to others, so I’m consciously making an effort not to compare, it’s ridiculous to do that. Comparing my feed to someone else is like wondering how someone has managed to get to Australia and yet I’m stuck in Britain – everyone has their own journey/abilities/passions… there are so many variables that I’ve realised it makes no sense whatsoever to compare yourself to anyone. Worrying too much about what others are doing takes your focus off what your passion is and what you’re good at. I can’t afford for that sort of worry to take up any more brain space – I need that space for creativity!

Q4: And your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement as a creator… I would say the personal growth and skills I have learned. I think the biggest achievement is yet to come, however reaching 23k on my Gummeeteething Instagram account is quite an achievement!

Q5: What would be your advice to anyone wanting to become a creator?

See my reply for question 3 🙂

Q6: Your fave Instagram filter?

Ooh, erm, numerous! But I love clean and bright so I tend to use Clarendon.

Q7: Your fave Instagrammers?

@life_with_ivycoco, @sienna.and.i, @syrah.j and @taraherron_photography.

Q8: Which camera/lighting techniques do you use?

I am starting to build up quite a selection! I have spotlights. and have set up a make-shift studio in my garage. It’s basically just white sheets, hung from the frame of my trade show stand back-drop! I also have a ring light, which has been fab to use, and a small tripod.

Q9: What’s your hashtag strategy?

To have different hashtags for each photo I post. I used to copy and paste the list from my notes, but I have learned that is a lot like spamming and Insta considered that a bit lazy. I’m not fussy on my personal profile, and I tend to make them up as I go along, for humour mostly. For my @gummeeteething page I like to mix it up according to whatever I’m posting about – and include small business hashtags too.

Q10: The best thing about being a creator is…

It is an AWESOME way to channel my creativity. I find if I don’t get a chance to channel my creative side, I become a bit depressed and desperate. Instagram has taught me a lot about how to create and how to better engage with people — and what I’m learning on my personal account I am able to transfer to my business account if it’s relevant.

Thanks so much Jodine, we LOVE your feeds! You can check out all of Jodine’s pages here:

Instagram: @gummeeteething and @gummeemummee
Facebook: @gummeeteething and @gummeemummee
Twitter: @gummeeuk and @gummeemummee