17 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN thing I would genuinely use, visit or recommend to a friend.” That philosophy has become the foundation of her brand. “I say no to a lot of brands because they don’t align with my core values or the needs of my audience,” she explained. Waugh takes a similarly thoughtful approach, particularly when reviewing restaurants. “Oftentimes when I post about a restaurant, coffee shop or local business, I’ve visited and paid for everything on my own,” she said. “I want to have the same experience as any other customer so I can give an accurate review.” Her approach reflects an understanding that influencers hold real sway over where people spend their time and money. “If I don’t love the food I had at a restaurant, I simply don’t post about it,” Waugh said. “I might provide feedback privately because everyone has an off day sometimes.” Rather than chasing controversy or negative reviews for engagement, both creators have built loyal communities through trust. Charleston: The Perfect Backdrop Few cities lend themselves to content creation quite like Charleston. Historic streets, colorful facades, waterfront sunsets, award-winning restaurants and locally owned boutiques create endless opportunities for storytelling. “Sometimes simply taking a walk downtown sparks new ideas,” Miranda said. “There’s always something happening – a new restaurant, a local event or a hidden gem to discover.” For Waugh, Charleston’s nationally recognized food scene became both her inspiration and her creative playground. “Dining out is a five-senses experience,” she said. “Social media can show the vibes, sounds, décor and food presentation all from the point of view of the customer.” That immersive experience has transformed Instagram and TikTok into modern travel guides. Instead of beginning with search engines, many travelers now build itineraries through creator recommendations before ever setting foot in the city. Miranda admitted she does the same thing. “Whether I’m looking for a local coffee shop in Charleston or planning an overseas trip, Instagram and TikTok are usually the first places I go.” endless restaurant photos, she created a separate Instagram account devoted entirely to Charleston’s culinary offerings. That account eventually evolved into @ girleatseverything, one of the city’s most recognizable food platforms. Neither woman anticipated becoming an entrepreneur. Instead, their audiences and the influencer marketing industry grew alongside them. Authenticity is the Real Currency In an era when social media can sometimes blur the line between recommendation and advertisement, authenticity has become an influencer’s greatest asset. Miranda said that every partnership begins with one simple question. “I ask myself whether it’s someFOOD & FASHION Photo Provided
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