Check Out Victoria Davis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Davis. 

Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
How I got started? Well, I’ve always been one to spend my time researching fashion and current trends for as long as I remember. That came from my mother, heck I recall wearing a matching red pleather set in the third grade and rocking it out until I was sitting in class and started to overheat- but I sure didn’t take that set off (even after the girl behind me prompted me that I was having a hot flash like her mom has). 

I wanted to use my platform as a way to share that looking trendy and keeping up with current styles doesn’t have to be expensive. I started my page when I was still bartending and in my master’s program in education. I enjoyed using my page to get the message out- HEY! I’m a teacher and I don’t make a whole bunch of money, but I can still be cute in what I wear! 

I’ve always been attracted to clothes. It’s incredible to me how a simple outfit change can make a person feel empowered and even change a whole mood. I believe I dress with my moods if I’m feeling chic, simple all black with gold accessories. If I need to walk into a room and make a statement, a blazer and heels will do the trick. Versatility in fashion is what keeps me and my page moving. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing ever comes easy. I can be completely transparent and say that my IG page has had me feeling like a failure. It’s hard to gamble the algorithm when it changes what feels like daily. I want the reach and engagement, but the struggle to balance it with a full-time job can be a chore. It’s not just “taking pictures”, its updating platforms for links, thinking of some catchy phrase to get people to read my caption, engaging with others to create those organic relationships. You know how hard it is to make friends in person- try online! 

Working with brands can also be difficult. First starting out- I was cold emailing all sorts of brands hoping to get a nibble. That felt like being a door-to-door salesman and getting the door slammed in your face, better yet seeing the residents peep through the window and never open the door to hear my pitch. It was extremely difficult to be seen in such a huge social space we are in today. 

Was it worth it? Yes. Is it still difficult? OF COURSE! I really do enjoy this as my hobby and even the smallest of victories are a win in my book! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My page, winestainedstyle, is simple. Sip, click, style. I wanted to keep my efforts simple, spill a glass of wine on your outfit on the rug? Don’t stress head over to my page to find affordable styles at a reasonable price all while refilling that glass! 

I started my page with the intent it would be strictly fashion, but the more I got into it the more of my everyday finds and life I wanted to share. Just like dressing up a simple white tee, I love to seasonally decorate and I’m always changing things up about my look and my space. 

I would like to think I’m known for staying genuine to myself. I’m a complete dork 90% of the time and do a whole lot of laughing at myself. I keep everything on my page 110% real. I’ve had plenty of times where I didn’t share a product or piece of clothing because- well it sucked and I wasn’t about to do that to my audience. Sure, I’ve made some money here and there but for me staying real and relevant to my audience is more of a personal reward. I genuinely use the product I post on my page from shampoo, face wash, and face washing systems! Heck, I swear by Derma-E products! 

I’m most proud of growing my following base organically. I REFUSE to buy followers for the numbers. That will come in due time. Plus, I know we have all seen the accounts with a huge follow count and little to no engagement. Again, I stand by being genuine with what I share and that includes my audience. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is waking up in the morning and making the bed before I leave. If I can control anything in my day is organization. If I can accomplish something as small as making my bed before I leave the house- I think I’m doing just fine. 

Contact Info:

• Email: victoria.davis1031@gmail.com
• Website: www.winestainedstyle.com
• Instagram: @winestainedstyle
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/winestainedstyle