Conversations with Nica Lina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nica Lina. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always looked up to bloggers growing up. I used to binge-watch beauty and fashion YouTubers whenever I came home from school, read through dozens of blogs while in class, and would peruse through tons of magazines at bookstores, seeing how celebrities and famous bloggers were living their lives. I was obsessed. I wanted that life so bad. To be able to work with brands you love, live a life of freedom, and be known for something you’re passionate about– that was the goal! 

I started to build a following in early 2018 when my then-boyfriend suggested I start modeling with cars at car shows. He was incredibly passionate about cars and wanted me to be a part of that, so I did that for a few months. I quickly realized it wasn’t my thing, but also realized how quick the growth was and how empowering it was to have a following that looked up to you, wanted to be your friend, and more. 

Once we broke up, I started to emulate other bloggers and Instagrammers I would see on social media. I would buy products that were trending, collaborate with other photographers, and take photos at the most trendy places in Los Angeles. Soon enough, my following started to skyrocket and I was on the way to my first 100,000 followers. I started to buy one-way flights to different parts of the world and share my experiences, both the good and the bad, with my followers, and they admired my authenticity. 

If I had to be frank though, I had no idea what I was doing, had no clear goals, and was basically just building a following for no reason at all. 

It wasn’t until the pandemic when I realized I could be doing so much more with a following. I could be more proactive in inspiring them, helping them get out of their comfort zone, and explore the world. I could be more of a role model to both younger and older individuals who followed me. 

I had a meeting last October and I re-evaluated my entire life and set a goal for 2021. That goal would be to become a travel blogger, inspire others to travel the world solo, and live a life that’s daring and adventurous. 

I was so diligent with reaching that goal that I emailed about 400 travel companies- from hotels to luggage brands, travel insurance, basically anything travel, and pretty much set up my entire year to be dedicated to achieving that goal. 

Here I am now, 9 months later, the blogger that I have always dreamed of becoming, creating content with some of the best hotels in the world, and travel companies in the nation. 

It’s been very humbling, to say the least, and a big reason to keep pursuing what you’re passionate for because the rest will follow. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to becoming who I am today was no easy feat. It took me two years to wake up and realize that everything that I was doing in order to gain a following wasn’t for the benefit of inspiring others and teaching them something new. It was all for attention and just having followers, to begin with. I lost sight of the real reason why I even looked up to these bloggers, it was because they inspired me and taught me everything I knew. It was time I woke up and start becoming the woman I used to look up to. 

I went to work with it. I took courses to help me better craft my brand, had meetings with prominent people in the industry, and did everything I could to learn from other influencers. I practiced my skills behind the camera more, decided to start a blog, and be more mindful with everything I post and do. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a travel and lifestyle content creator. 

Pretty much anything behind the camera is my specialty. I love to take photos of products, interiors, and cities/nature. I am most proud of my work behind the camera than my work in front of the camera. I also love to write. The idea of writing and possibly inspiring someone through my writing is one of the best parts of my job. 

I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m incredibly passionate about the work I put out, but I don’t really mind if it goes viral or not.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I get the worst back pain from all the continuous flights I get, sitting down on a desk all day, and driving. I don’t really talk about that part, but all the traveling I do really causes a strain on my back. 

Also, I sometimes don’t even sleep on the beds of the hotels I’m staying at. Sometimes I arrive too late in the evening and I don’t have light anymore, so I will literally sleep on the couch and wait until the next evening to sleep on it so I can get perfect shots of the bed!! Because of the pandemic, some hotels have put a pause to daily room service. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.bynicalina.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bynicalina
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@nicajanae

Image Credits
Nica Lina