A Love, Like, and ‘Meh’ Journey as a Business Owner
Let’s be honest, Instagram and I have had a beautiful & complicated relationship for a while now. As a former photographer with a deep love for the craft, I’ve watched IG evolve into something entirely different from what it used to be. Photography seems to have taken a backseat, and while I know change is inevitable (hey, that’s life), it doesn’t mean I have to love it.
So, here I am, asking myself: what is Instagram to me today?
Is it still for photography? Is it for videos, Reels, or Stories? Should I use it for personal branding, or should it remain a professional platform for my coaching business? Like many of you, I’m constantly bombarded with sponsored ads and suggested accounts that miss the mark entirely. The algorithm feels… off, to say the least.
Let me vent for a moment.
I miss the still imagery. I miss seeing artists sharing their craft and the lifestyle inspiration that used to fill my feed with simple, everyday beauty. Now, it feels like a constant barrage of noisy videos, an overload of selfies, endless ads, and people shouting about their opinions, products, or services. Honestly, it’s a bit exhausting.
But here’s the paradox: while I don’t want to be sold to 24/7, I’m also a coach. I want to share value, talk about my services, and yes—sell my coaching. So, that’s the rub! I’m searching for a balance between using Instagram as the powerful tool it can be and showing up as the woman I truly aspire to be.
One of my favorite quotes is, “I am going to make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life.” ― Elsie de Wolfe. To me, beauty is woven into the everyday—it’s in the moments we often overlook, whether they’re simple or extraordinary. It’s in music, fashion, art, photography, coffee, relationships, and even the messiness of life that can feel difficult. I share this because on Instagram, my goal is to curate a feed that is not only aesthetically beautiful but thoughtful—a reflection of who I am and the life I choose to create. My hope is that it offers inspiration and value to fellow feminine entrepreneurs who are seeking their own version of beauty and success.
Here’s what I do love about Instagram: it’s still customizable. I can curate my experience, follow who I want, and engage only with the content that resonates with me. I get to create my own little bubble of beauty on the platform. That’s empowering—the personal responsibility to shape your own experience. Still, I often find myself torn about IG’s role in my day-to-day life.
So lately, I’ve been asking myself some questions:
- Who am I in this IG space?
- How do I want to show up on it—for me?
- How can I be more than just another voice in this cacophony of noise?
- What do I actually enjoy about the app?
- How do I truly want to engage with it?
The truth? I don’t have any concrete answers just yet. I’m still figuring out what truly resonates with me and how I want to use Instagram for both my business and personal brand. But the beautiful part is, there’s no right or wrong—it’s all about what feels authentic to me.
In the meantime, I’ll keep doing what feels right for me—how I want, when I want, and on my own terms. I’ll continue seeking beauty in the everyday, curating the lifestyle of my dreams, and sharing whatever nuggets of wisdom feel worthy of a post. Instagram is a free platform, and honestly, it’s just not that deep in the grand scheme of life. The real power lies in how I choose to engage and show up—and that’s where I’ll keep my focus.
What’s your relationship with Instagram like? I’d love to hear your love, like, and indifferent feelings about the app, and how you’re finding your balance! Share how you’re navigating this digital dilemma with me. And if you haven’t already, follow me on IG to see how I’m curating my little corner of Instagram!
Let's Rendezvous 