DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Sunda, Chicago's Favorite Pomsky
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 Connie (Sunda'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?
Xu: Sunda is a little superstar wherever she goes. Every time we go out, people stop us to say hi and ask about her. They smile when they see her and she loves it. She never gets enough. It's like she was born to be seen.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Xu: First, all dogs are adorable so it's pretty hard to stand out but white mini pomskies with blue eyes are apparently somewhat rare, so I think people are initially drawn to her because she looks like a small white husky or an arctic fox. Sunda also has her own charm and wit. She can definitely be too smart for her own good, which can be tiresome but also makes for amusing stories. Her bright personality shines through her pictures and she has no bad angles. I think it's fun for others (and me) to watch her grow.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Xu: I take more of a laid-back approach in that I'll snap some pictures or shoot videos when I want to capture a moment so that naturally, I have lots of content in my b-roll. Then it's just a matter of when I have the time or remember to post them.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Xu: The content I post is usually pretty neutral so I haven't really had to deal with controversies or criticism. As with any platform, there will always be differing opinions, some louder than others. My philosophy is to always try and see things from another perspective first and learn if there's something worth learning, otherwise just grin and bear it. We are mostly all dog moms doing our best.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Xu: Go for it! If anything, you'll have a digital scrapbook of memories to keep with you because life is short, and even shorter for some.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Xu: Sunda has flipped my world upside down! She's my alarm clock, my purpose, my best friend. She gets me out of bed and out of the house. I know she only has a handful of summers so I just try my best to fulfill her life and in the process, I fulfill mine as well.
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?
Xu: We once took Sunda to the beach, where she saw a big dog digging. It must've triggered a competitive nerve because she also started digging and didn't stop until she was covered in sand, huffing and puffing, looking proudly at us because she had dug a deeper and wider hole than that other dog.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Xu: I love connecting with other pet parents and learning about their stories. They make up such a welcoming and friendly community on social media that may be somewhat rare to see elsewhere nowadays and it's refreshing to be a part of it. I also love that I can showcase products from my pet brand Fur Elise and reach others with similar wants and needs who have become staunch supporters and wonderful friends.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Xu: We are launching several exciting new products from our pet brand Fur Elise, so Sunda will have plenty of opportunities to sparkle and dazzle in front of the camera in the near future. She is our CEO, after all.