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 Ayana (Nola'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?
Alipio: My journey to becoming a dog influencer has been quite unexpected. This is my first time owning a dog—or any pet, actually. Growing up, my parents never allowed me to have pets, and I was scared of dogs due to a scary encounter with a street dog when I was a child in the Philippines.
Everything changed when I met my partner, James, who introduced me to the joys of having a furry friend. Eight months ago, he gifted me Nola, and I’ve been documenting our journey ever since. Initially, it was just for my own memories and to share her with friends and family on my personal Instagram or privately. But recently, I’ve started receiving questions about how I was able to train her and manage life as a first-time pet owner.
So, two weeks ago, I decided to share our journey more intentionally, offering a glimpse into life from Nola's perspective. She's full of life, sassy, and outgoing, always living her best life. We do fun puppy training sessions we call 'puppy drills' to help her learn and grow in a playful way. I thought it would be fun to share her adventures with the world. So, that’s when the journey really began, and I’m excited to see where it takes us!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Alipio: What sets Nola apart from other dogs on social media is her distinct personality and the authentic way we share her life with our followers. Nola is sassy, full of energy, and always ready for an adventure, bringing joy and excitement to every moment. Her expressive face and playful attitude captivate our audience and make them feel like they’re right there with us.
Our approach to training, which we call 'puppy drills,' is both practical and fun, and Nola's eagerness to learn and adapt keeps things lively. Her ability to connect with people and other animals seamlessly makes her truly stand out.
What resonates most with our followers is the way we share Nola's journey from her own perspective. Her confidence and zest for life are evident in every post, showing our audience the highs and lows of being a first-time pet owner. Plus, we make Nola work for her food with mental stimulating activities #shemakesmeworkforfood #teamnobowl
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Alipio: I come up with ideas for my dog's posts and content by observing Nola's natural behavior and interests. Since she's full of life and always up for an adventure, I let her energy and curiosity guide the content. We often explore new places, try different activities, or simply play around the house, and these moments provide me with plenty of inspiration.
I've developed a habit of recording Nola's daily life because I watched Rachel Fusaro's Puppy Vlog, where she suggests taking videos and photos of your dog daily. These daily videos and pictures have become the foundation of our content. I capture Nola in her element, whether it's during our walks, playtime, or training exercises.
I don't follow a strict creative process—I prefer to keep things spontaneous and authentic, which is what creativity is all about. By paying attention to Nola's unique personality and the feedback from our followers, I create content that showcases her sass, charm, and zest for life. Ultimately, I strive to share the genuine experience of being a first-time pet owner while highlighting Nola's adventures.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Alipio: Right now, since we are only two weeks into this, the main issue I've encountered is constant spam messages from brands wanting Nola as their ambassador. I'm careful not to partner with any brand that Nola won't truly use just for the sake of being an ambassador. We want to stay authentic to our pack and prioritize genuine experiences.
Another challenge has been making sure I still spend quality time with Nola without the camera. While capturing her daily life for content is important, it's equally crucial for me to engage with her off-screen and focus on our bond without the pressure of performing for social media.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Alipio: Asked yourself this: What is there to lose if you start one? In fact, there’s much to gain. Social media can serves as a vlog of your dog's life that you can treasure forever. While your dog may be with you for a limited time, capturing these moments together allows you to create a lasting record of your journey.
By sharing Nola's adventures and milestones, we craft a memory book where we can look back on with fondness. It's a way to preserve and celebrate the special bond we share, and the memories become incredibly precious for me as a first-time dog Mom.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Alipio: Nola has transformed my life beyond social media. Her boundless energy and curiosity keep me active and engaged daily. Her love for life is contagious, inspiring me to embrace spontaneity and live in the moment.
One of the most valuable lessons Nola has taught me is to appreciate time. She helps me slow down and savor each moment, whether we're on walks, playing, or cuddling. This mindfulness has positively influenced other areas of my life.
Despite not being an outdoorsy person, Nola has deepened my appreciation for nature. Our adventures provide a fresh perspective as I see the world through her eyes. She finds joy in the smallest details and teaches me to do the same.
Her presence brings purpose and companionship to my life. Nola's unconditional love shows me its true meaning. She challenges me, teaches me patience, and enriches my life 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?
Alipio: Let me share a couple of memorable moments from our adventures. We call Nola "Madam President" because she loves greeting everyone she meets—both dogs and humans. Whether we're out for a leisurely afternoon walk or a quick morning potty break at 7 a.m., she insists on stopping to say hi to everyone around us.
Sometimes, all I want is a quiet morning stroll, but Nola turns it into a social event with her friendliness. It's amazing how she brings so much energy and connection to even the most routine outings.
Another unforgettable experience was taking Nola on her first plane ride when she was 6 months old. I trained her to go inside her travel carrier and made sure everything was prepared for her for the flight. I was a mess, feeling like an anxious wreck, but not Nola! She was calm, collected, and ready for the adventure ahead. Nola loves to people-watch, which makes her not only sassy but also a bit nosey!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Alipio: One of my favorite things about being a dog influencer is the opportunity to strengthen my bond with Nola. As I capture her adventures and share our experiences, I become more attuned to her personality and needs, deepening our connection and creating more memories.
Another highlight is meeting other fellow dog owners and forming a pack. The sense of community and support that comes from connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same love for their pets is incredibly rewarding. It's a special way to share stories, advice, and experiences while building lasting friendships.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Alipio: The road is our oyster! We started this journey to share our experiences as first-time dog owners and the joy Nola brings into our lives. We're open to collaborating with brands that align with our values and Nola's needs, which can enhance our content and offer value to our followers. Plus, if Nola is able to generate income to cover her expenses—why not! Hahaha! We're excited to see where this adventure takes us and look forward to exploring new opportunities together.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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