A Pinterview with… Ghenet Randall
For our next Pinterview we had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely Ghenet Randall. She filled us in on finding her niche, shared her opinions on why representation matters and her favourite Pinterest creators to follow right now. Also, keep reading to find out her answer to Jason Grant’s question from our last Pinterview.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your blog ‘Ghenet Actually’?
Yes! I started blogging way back in… I don’t even remember. It’s had a lot of amalgamations over the years. But I’d say my career as a content creator really began in 2015. I’d just moved to the UK, and while my blog existed, I hadn’t been doing very much with it. Once I found myself in a new country with no job and limited funds, it became my lifeline. I loved having it as a creative outlet to write and take photos (both things I’ve always enjoyed) and it kind of grew from there.
What career moment are you most proud of?
Hmmm, you know, I think it’s been a real journey for me. I think more recently I’ve worked out my niche and really honed in on what I’m passionate about. I used to think I wanted to write and talk about everything but that is very much not the case. So I’d say that’s a pretty proud moment, feeling like I’ve found my voice, and because of that, I feel like I’m thriving!
Where do you find your inspiration?
Gosh. Where don’t I find inspiration? I love browsing Pinterest, scrolling Instagram and saving photos I love. But I also think it’s really important to look outside that stuff. Watch movies, read books, go for a walk, hang out with friends.
When did you start to see success on your Pinterest profile?
I don’t know that I can pinpoint a specific moment, but I definitely started using Pinterest a bit more strategically. The more I used the platform, for myself and for my blog, the more traffic I would see! It’s not the biggest driver of traffic to my blog all the time, but it’s a platform I love so I’ll continue to use it! I’m sure though that if I really buckled down and worked on it, I’d see even more success!
What impact does Pinterest have on your business?
Well in the sense of how I use the platform it does! I have secret boards of blog post ideas, and photography inspiration, which I use as resources any time I’m creating content for my business. I love curating boards for my profile which has a very direct effect on my engagement!
What’s the one thing about Pinterest that you think all Creators should know?
Take advantage of being able to archive boards. I do this all the time, so that my profile can be a bit more focused. No point having a winter outfit ideas board in the middle of summer! I change up my more seasonal boards on a regular basis, to mix with my evergreen content… Also, make sure you’re using the scheduler. It’s really helpful to be able to bulk plan and then just leave it to post later on!
What’s your top tip for success on Pinterest?
I’d say, use Pinterest authentically in addition to using it for your business. I have boards about things that genuinely interest me, and I think it shows a lot more of my personality, which in turn leads to more engagement with my content. The more you use Pinterest, the more it works for you!
Ghenet, you have written some amazing blog posts ‘On why representation matters’ and ‘On exploring my own blackness,’ which I recommend to everyone. For those that haven’t read the posts, could you tell us a bit about why representation matters to you, and why we should be talking about it?
Because we all want to feel like we matter, like our experiences are valid, and like we belong. I watch TV shows and it still feels revolutionary when I see someone who looks like me. Bonus points too if their race isn’t just a plot point and they’re a well-rounded 3D character. So many industries are catered toward the majority and those of us who don’t fit into that are left out in the cold. I get emails from make-up brands wanting to work with me, but they don’t have foundations or concealers in my skin tone. I read books that feature a Black protagonist and it feels so empowering. Like I matter. Most of my life, I’ve just never really seen myself represented in the media, and it has an effect. More representation would also mean more people would have a better idea of what it means to exist outside of whiteness. Then, maybe when I talk about my experiences, there wouldn’t be shock, or dismissiveness. Our media is very much a representation of where we are as a society, but there are so many voices not being heard.
Who are your favourite Pinterest Creators to follow at the moment?
Oh my gosh, so many! Keiko Lynn, Kristabel Plummer, Joy The Baker, Kate Spiers, Benjamina Ebuehi, Michelle (Daisybutter), Hand Luggage Only and The Mother Cooker to name a few!
Do you have a favourite quote or saying?
Yes! ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’ I heard someone say this years ago and it hit me right in the gut. If you run yourself ragged, you will literally never have anything left to give, so you’ve got to take time for yourself and refill that cup! You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Do you have a question that you would like to ask our next Pinterest creator in the series?
What meal sums up happiness?
Check out Ghenet’s Pinterest profile here to see her Pins and what she’s loving. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Pinterview to see who our next Creator in the series is and find out their answer to Ghenet’s question.
For more Pinterviews with our best-in-class Pinterest Creators and more Pinterest tips and tricks, check out the Pinterest Creators Blog and make sure that you’re signed up to the Creator database to hear the latest from us.
Georgia — Pinterest Creator Specialist, currently Pinning to… Positive quotes and illustrations.
