DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Kimchi, Instagram's 'Spicy Talking Shih Tzu'

Welcome to the ultimate destination for dog enthusiasts and social media mavens alike. At Dogfluencers, we're passionate about showcasing the best and brightest in the world of four-legged fame.

Whether you're looking for adorable photos, heartwarming stories, or expert tips on how to turn your own pup into a social media star, we've got you covered.

Today we got the honor of interviewing Sarah Marie (Kimchi's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.

Here is their story:

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a dog influencer? What inspired you to start sharing your dog's adventures on social media?

Hawkins: I wouldn't exactly label Kimchi or myself as "dog influencers". When I started her account, it was simply a means to share all the adorable Kimchi moments without bombarding my friends and followers on my personal feed. Surprisingly, Kimchi's account has amassed quite a following, showing me that the joy of a dog is such a connecting and universal feeling. Kimchi has followers all over the world! It's heartwarming to see how deeply invested Kimchi's followers are in her daily antics. I have daily conversations with some and feel as if I've been friends with them since before Kimchi came into my life.

What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?

Hawkins: Everyone believes their dog is the greatest, and I'm definitely no exception when it comes to Kimchi. She's unbelievably adorable and goofy. I frequently call her "spicy," partly because of her name but also because it suits her feisty personality perfectly. At just 4 pounds and 6 ounces, being assertive and a little feisty is a must to make yourself heard! Kimchi loves to communicate with me through a mix of grumbles, growls, howls, and barks. I make sure to capture those moments whenever I can to share with her wonderful community of followers! Her "conversations" and "singing" are so ridiculous and cute. I feel like many folks see their own pet's spiciness in Kimchi's antics.

How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?

Hawkins: Coming up with ideas for Kimchi's posts and content isn't something I have a structured process for (if you have one, share it with me! lol). It usually stems from funny, relatable videos or posts that catch my eye. Sometimes I'll come across sounds or clips that I think would be perfect for later use. But mostly, I simply share Kimchi being herself - her everyday antics like her adorable bedhead, her cute little bleps, and of course, her spicy way of communicating through talking or singing. It's all about capturing those genuine moments that showcase her personality to her followers.

Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?

Hawkins: The viral video (with over 70 million views) that greatly contributed to Kimchi's growing followership brought along some backlash from viewers. In the video, Kimchi is seen on my bed with a blow dryer directed towards her. She playfully opens her mouth, seemingly attacking the air, while the music (death metal) adds to the humor. It's all in good fun and harmless. However, some viewers assumed the blow dryer was harming her, or that it was set on hot and full blast, which wasn't the case. In reality, Kimchi quite enjoys the blow dryer, especially after a bath. This spontaneous moment occurred after she had her energetic zoomies, and I happened to be using the blow dryer on myself when she joined in the fun.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?

Hawkins: For someone looking to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media, my advice would be to focus on sharing genuine moments, maintain a regular posting schedule, and engage with your followers, regardless of the size of your account. Personally, I'm drawn to accounts that aren't overly curated because they feel more relatable. Just capturing our everyday life as it naturally unfolds is what resonates with people. To increase visibility, even simple videos can stand out with the use of popular audio tracks. Sometimes, it can be challenging to find inspiration for content creation, but having a library of favorite audio tracks can make the process feel more organic and straightforward.

How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?

Hawkins: Kimchi has had a profound impact on my life beyond just social media. Thanks to her boundless energy and curiosity, I've become much more active physically and socially. I often plan my schedule around her walks and outings, which has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and engage more with the world around me. With the shift to remote work during COVID, it's easy to forget the importance of human interaction. However, caring for Kimchi has reminded me of the need for social connections. Through her, I've made numerous friendships with other pet parents and their furry companions. We've attended parades, pet-focused events, have daily visits to the dog park, and more, all of which have enriched our lives in countless ways.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or funny moment you've had with your dog during one of your photo shoots or adventures?

Hawkins: Kimchi is a creature of habit. We frequent a beloved local pet boutique, Leash and Collar, just a few blocks from home, and she seems convinced it's her personal playground. Like clockwork, as we approach within a block, Kimchi's leash tugs a little tighter. The moment I open the door, she darts behind the counter with precision, aiming straight for one of the employee's dog's toys. There, behind the counter, lies Bones (formally known as "Indiana Bones"), with his own special bed. And without fail, Kimchi always manages to pilfer a bone or toy from his stash. It's always fun to see what she finds. And luckily Bones is mostly a good sport.

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

Hawkins: I could spend countless hours talking about Kimchi and sharing all her silly and cute moments so selfishly it is so nice to have a specific space to do so!

Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?

Hawkins: We don't have any specific plans. I want to ensure this account stays true to its original objective-sharing Kimchi's life with the world in hopes of spreading some joy.