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 Sheila (Martini, Olive, Margarita, Salt, Tequila & Brandy'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?
Nichols: I originally started my path into social media through Instagram in 2016 as a means to share photos of my tiny poodles with others. I only had 4 poodles at that time (we now have 6) and didn't know much about Instagram. I had no followers and 27 likes on that first photo. One of my most recent Reels had over 53,000 likes and I now have 15.6k followers. Through the platform of Instagram, we have made friends by sharing the adventures of our dogs and Instagram also has created that wonderful historical memory through photos and videos that becomes invaluable.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Nichols: I think they bring smiles to our followers because they are tiny poodles that are having big adventures. They are a lot of fun to watch and they have traveled to many places with us over the years. I try to write interesting and fun dialogue when I post. One of the biggest draws seems to be when I read bedtime stories to them. I have trained them to sit there and listen and will post videos. The most recent video of a bedtime story was "Twas the Night before Christmas" which currently has a viewership of 1.1 million views.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Nichols: I try to think of a post or video that is something I would enjoy seeing. Something fun. Something to generate smiles. Something with some humor. Something to bring out their personalities. Sometimes I will see something on Instagram that gives me an idea that I can use as well. I certainly can have fun with just their names (Margarita and Salt, for instance). Since our Instagram audience seems to like the bedtime stories, I use that idea for each holiday and try to dress them in outfits accordingly (i.e., wearing turkey costumes for Thanksgiving).
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Nichols: Yes, definitely. Some of the comments can be cruel and hurtful, especially on the TikTok platform it seems moreso than Instagram. I am not sure why people need to be unkind in comments versus just scrolling by if it doesn't interest them, but it is what it is. Even though the tendency would be to respond back, I block that individual and delete the comment. I am grateful that the delete and block features are available to content creators. The negative commenters are certainly in the minority thank goodness. Most folks appreciate our posts and videos and are very sweet in their comments and showing love to our poodles.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Nichols: Do it because you love your dogs and want to share that love with the world. Do it because you want to provide smiles to others. Do it as long as it continues to bring you joy. Do it because it is fun. Do it because you love the process of creating a memory for yourself and others about your dogs. Don't let any negative comments bring you down. Focus on the positive. It is a great way to form friendships as well, both on-line and in person. Do it because it makes you happy!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Nichols: Our dogs have been a pure joy and we can't imagine our lives without them. The unconditional love is wonderful and no one but a dog is that happy to see you when you come home! Our dogs have brought joy to others outside of social media through various meetups and expos, dog friendly establishments, visiting neighbors, and going to retirement communities over the years. There is nothing like the love of a dog, in my opinion!
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?
Nichols: When the Barbie movie became a hit, I made a video with Margarita dressed in a pink tutu dress, pink sunglasses, sunhat, etc. Barbie music was playing in the background. She was lounging in her pint-sized beach lounger and her Papa (I had to twist his arm to do this, of course!) came out with a tray full of biscuits in a fancy glass, a crystal water glass, and a vase of pink flowers. Her look as she peered over her sunglasses as he poured the water into the crystal glass was priceless. She obviously thought we were crazy, but boy was it ever fun!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Nichols: Getting to physically meet some of our fans over the years and their dogs.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Nichols: We have the big Global Pet Expo coming up in March in Orlando. This will be the third year we have attended that and it is a lot of fun meeting up with others and learning about all the dog products available. Also looking forward to creating more content to continue the joy and pleasure of bringing smiles to others.