Influencer
Overcoming Backlash And Loneliness: The Untold Struggles Behind One Woman’s Influencer Success
Kara Simoné Weber’s journey from struggling single mom to celebrated influencer seems ripped from a Hollywood script. Just a couple of years ago, the 39-year-old from the seaside town of Blackpool, England was merely scraping by as a beautician, her long-running salon business upended by the pandemic. But Weber boldly pivoted to the booming creator economy, rapidly transforming herself into a rising Instagram star.
Overcoming age biases, she built a major following through bold moves like a racy lingerie calendar shoot modeling gig. Joining the Sintillate Talent agency proved a game-changer, providing the guidance and industry connections to truly bolster Weber’s personal brand. She’s now landed bigger modeling roles, and music video appearances, and is even pursuing avenues like acting.
“When lockdown hit, it took a big, big toll on my lifestyle because I worked in the beauty industry, and I was self-employed so the closed salons for the longest period,” Weber recalls. “I thought to myself, if that ever happens again, I never want to be in that position.”
It was during this period of uncertainty that her life took an unexpected turn. Inspired by the success of an acquaintance in the influencer industry, she decided to explore new horizons.
Despite her age, she was determined to carve out a new path for herself. “I saw people my generation in this industry, and I thought ‘age is just a number,'” Weber says. “I’ve always been really arty and had a passion for creating things, so I was drawn to the idea of inspiring others through content creation.”
The Career-Defining Impact of Joining Sintillate Talent
Weber started slowly by doing some fashion modeling gigs and small shoots, including a daring lingerie calendar that helped build her confidence. She found early success by placing in the Miss Swimsuit UK competition. But it was joining the Sintillate Talent influencer collective in late 2021 that proved to be a pivotal career move.
“They’ve been like a little family – we’ve all become so close through doing events together,” Weber says of Sintillate. “I’ve built some amazing friendships that I absolutely adore. It’s been really very broad, the way they’ve helped boost a lot of things I didn’t know, with support, encouragement, collaborations with clothing and fashion brands.”
Under Sintillate’s guidance, Weber quickly leveled up her social media skills and influencer savvy. Her Instagram following has exploded into the tens of thousands as she’s graduated to bigger modeling gigs and music video appearances. The independence and freedom of the influencer lifestyle have been transformational for the former salon worker.
“It’s so much easier being an influencer than being stuck in a salon working really, really hard,” Weber states. “The freedom of doing it, traveling, meeting new people – I don’t want it to stop so I’ll keep pushing it.”
The model slash actress leveraged her grit, creativity, and the right partnership to elevate their personal brand into a viable business. Her swift pivot from small-town beauty entrepreneur to internationally successful influencer reflects the creator economy’s boundless potential of the creator economy.
Opening Up About Backlash and Personal Struggles
Despite her rapid rise, Weber has faced backlash and negativity along the way. “I’ve just recently gone through the backlash that you get, with people judging you,” she says, noting the criticism she received after starting as a lingerie model. “That’s why I became a bit more selective about doing as much of that, because of my daughters. I don’t want them to go down that path because it’s not been easy.”
Kara has also struggled with maintaining old friendships as her life has transformed. “I’ve created new friendships and my old friendships that I thought would be supportive, it’s massively got smaller,” she laments. “I don’t feel like I have been as supported.”
A pivotal challenge was caring for her ailing mother who moved in a few years ago before passing away in February. “My mom really, really wanted me to keep pushing this career,” Weber says. “She said ‘I’m going to embody, I’m always going to be with you wherever your journey goes.’ So that’s giving me extra drive now.”
Throughout the ups and downs, Weber remains firmly committed to her influencer path. “I don’t want it to stop so I’ll keep pushing it.”
Navigating Loneliness and Shifting Priorities
The solitary nature of being a content creator has taken an emotional toll on Weber at times. “It has been lonely,” she admits. “I find that now I couldn’t commit to a relationship or date because I want that time for my career and my daughters.”
Her social circles have contracted as priorities shifted. “I don’t get to see as much or socialize from like old friends because I’m doing something totally different now. It’s the separation and detachment that you’ve got from what you were used to,” she says.
However, Weber has grown comfortable with her more insular lifestyle focused on work and family. “I’ve learned to love myself, appreciate myself,” she reflects. “Even though it’s lonely at times, I’m happy and content with who I am.”
The sense of self-discovery and unlocked opportunities like acting make the loneliness worthwhile for Weber. “I’m really excited about being cast in movies. That’s the most rewarding part of this journey so far.”
Looking Ahead and Inspiring Others
Weber has lofty goals for the coming years, including becoming “a well-known actress, maybe doing American movies” and even competing in Miss America. As her daughters grow more independent, she plans to double down on pursuing her creative ambitions.
To aspiring creators, Weber advises: “Love everything that you do and be your own critic. Don’t take any negative criticism from anyone, because whatever you do is part of your journey.” She stresses the importance of self-belief, adding “Never think you’re not good enough for this industry…If you have something you want to go for, just do it because you only get one life.”
Her final words of wisdom: “The wrong choices in life don’t lead to good things. So just go for it.”
