Zoe Msutwana
Influencer Marketing Hub defines it as “an individual who has the power to affect purchase decisions of others because of his/her authority, knowledge, position or relationship with his/her audience. The meaning of the “Influencer” is one that is constantly evolving and adapting to the ecosystem of influencer marketing and environment. While numerous sources have a diverse definition of the term, words like impact, credibility, authenticity and audience should be the common thread. For the purpose of the #GTCAwards ‘Influencer Of The Year’ category, this definition was the basis of the judging process.
When I kick-started the #GTCAwards digital campaign, I thought deciding on the winners would be an easy job, until I had to sit and review each category and the overall 25 nominees. Now that I’m here and gearing up to reveal our big winners for the inaugural #GTCAwards, I am convinced that choosing the nominees was by far the easier task. The reality is, every nominee is deserving and worthy of a #GTCAward. In fact, so much thought, research and consultation went into narrowing down the nominees.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the first winner of the ‘Influencer Of The Year Award’. This is awarded to a person that was a trailblazer in the digital marketing space in 2017. The winning influencer has carried the true definition of what it means to be an influencer within their chosen territory. They have a proven track record of persuading others by virtue of their authenticity and reach to make a purchase.
AND THE WINNER IS…
She has proven herself as a dedicated and consistent brand influencer, working across multiple brand campaigns in the fashion and beauty space. In 2017, Aisha Baker of BakedOnline fame collaborated with high-prifle brands such as H&M, Micheal Kors, Estée Lauder and Superbalist to mention but a few. Aisha’s brand collabs also took her across the globe from New York Fashion Week, courtesy of Micheal Kors, to Reunion Island, thanks to Urban Decay SA and Los Angeles as part of her duties as an H&M influencer.
Cover Image by: Tegan Smith Photography
