6 minute read
Kimberly Lobo
In the ever-evolving tapestry of digital content creation, few stories resonate as authentically and as powerfully as that of Kimberly Lobo, the digital creator and influencer who has turned the idyllic vistas of Goa into a canvas for storytelling and brand building. It's a tale that began amidst the stillness of lockdown, blooming into a journey that encapsulates both the struggle and splendour of influencing.
The Unintended Beginning
Kimberly's foray into the digital realm was not premeditated but a serendipitous pivot during a time of global uncertainty. The lockdown not only brought life to a standstill but also saw Kimberly lose her job, a setback that inadvertently set her on a new path. With time on her hands and a desire to explore, she began to unearth Goa's hidden jewels— waterfalls, dams, and uncharted locales—and shared these discoveries through her lens on Instagram. Her content struck a chord with both Goans and outsiders, sparking a conversation that transcended geographical boundaries. Her first paid collaboration with Himalaya was a turning point, validating her efforts and catalysing her full-time commitment to digital content creation.
Crafting a Narrative
Kimberly's creative process is a delicate balance of spontaneity and strategy. While her heart lies in creating content for the sheer joy of it, she acknowledges the commercial aspect that fuels her career. Her ability to maintain class and simplicity in her brand-related work sets her apart in an industry often criticised for its excesses. Kimberly's content is devoid of cliches, resonating with brands that value elegance and authenticity.
Pivotal Collaborations
Reflecting on her career, Kimberly regards her collaboration with Reliance as a watershed moment. It not only elevated her profile but also underscored her credibility within the influencer community. This partnership was soon followed by her receiving the Offbeat Influencer Award in the Lifestyle Category in Goa, a milestone that underscored her impact and reach within the lifestyle sector.
The Goan Influence
Despite the challenges of being an influencer in a relatively small state like Goa, with fewer big-brand opportunities compared to metros, Kimberly's content remains deeply intertwined with the state's culture and topography. She navigates these challenges with tenacity and an eye for the unconventional, finding ways to monetise her passion while planning a potential move to Mumbai to further her career.
Challenges Transformed into Opportunities
The influencer industry is rife with the temptation of barter collaborations, but Kimberly has strategically positioned herself to convert these into paid opportunities. Her firm stance on being fairly compensated has not only elevated her brand but has also set a precedent for the industry in Goa, advocating for the value of creative labour.
A Multifaceted Life
Kimberly is not one to put all her eggs in one basket. Alongside content creation, she manages social media for brands, offers public relations expertise, and specialises in selling and leasing real estate, assisting clients in finding their ideal rentals and more. This diversified portfolio is a testament to her business acumen and her belief in the power of financial independence and stability.
The Power of Collaboration
For Kimberly, collaborations are the lifeblood of her work, each one bringing a unique opportunity to showcase her creativity. Her partnership with Reliance remains a highlight, having provided her with a formidable platform to showcase her talent and open doors to new opportunities.
Trends and Timelessness
In a digital era where trends come and go with dizzying speed, Kimberly opts for a timeless approach, engaging with trends that align with her brand’s ethos and rejecting those that don’t resonate with her vision. This selective engagement ensures her content remains authentic and relevant.
Government Onboarding
Kimberly Lobo is at the forefront of an innovative government initiative in Goa, India, the first state to recognise and leverage the power of social media influencers for public good. Empaneled by the government, Kimberly is among the select group tasked with amplifying awareness of various government schemes and programs. This effort, typically hindered by limited reach, is now set to impact a broader audience through Kimberly's significant online presence, with the potential to benefit countless Goans and potentially extend its influence to the broader Indian populace in the future.
Out of over a hundred aspirants who recognised this opportunity to serve the community, only thirty
were chosen for this prestigious role, with Kimberly being one of the distinguished few. She takes great pride in this responsibility and is eager to embark on this path of civic engagement and information dissemination. The government's decision to bring influencers into the fold was officiated by CM Sawant, who handed over contracts and encouraged the creation of content in the local language, Konkani, to foster a deeper connection with the audience. As an empaneled influencer, Kimberly Lobo, along with her peers, is set to navigate this novel intersection of governance and digital influence.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kimberly sets her sights on growth and diversification. She aspires to collaborate with major Indian and international brands, broadening her horizon and elevating the quality of her content.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
To those looking to follow in her footsteps, Kimberly offers sage advice: find and nurture your niche,
prioritise quality, and use your platform for the greater good. It's not just about personal success; it's about making a difference and leaving a mark that extends beyond the digital sphere.
Kimberly Lobo’s journey is one that mirrors the very essence of Goa - laid-back yet vibrant, challenging yet rewarding. From her unexpected start to her steadfast rise, she represents a new wave of influencers who are not just content creators but digital pioneers shaping the narrative of their locales and beyond. With each post and partnership, Kimberly is not just crafting content; she’s crafting a legacy that celebrates the beauty of Goa, the power of adaptability, and the importance of authenticity in the digital age.
