Hypnoz Glam

Do these 3 things before Instagram shuts down again

Unless you have been living under a rock or you actually use social media to market, sell or promote your products or services, you are well aware that Instagram , Facebook AND What’s app have shut down earlier last week.

Nothing, from feeds down to Insta stories, was refreshing or uploading; and let’s just say it was like an online apocalypse. Though temporary, this shut down has created a huge outrage! Business owners, influencers, and entrepreneurs were really mad, because, well you know what that means for their profits. We are all glad that our accounts are up and running again, but I would like to share my two cents on the matter. I have had this conversation in the past with some of my clients and it was an eye-opener for most of them… If Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, or any of these social media channels shuts down today, what will become of your business marketing?

These platforms are rented entities. Meaning we do not own them. I have friends who have had their Instagram and Facebook account deleted in the past… Gone, just like that for one reason or the other. And there was nothing they could do or could’ve done about it, because these platforms do not belong to them.

I’m not saying by any means that social media is not a great place to market or promote your business or services; in fact it’s important and it’s needed. However this shouldn’t be your only avenue. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Here’s what you should do today to prevent the madness (at least on your side), the next time Instagram or Facebook shuts down 🙂

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1- Create a website or a blog:

Like I said earlier, social media marketing is great, but professionals only use social media accounts to support what they own online. The only way to own your slice of the internet is to buy a domain name and set up your website or blog on it.

I hear people say that blogs are dead, because of social media, but that cannot be farther from the truth. Social media may be trending right now, but websites and blogs will remain the digital real estates that professionals own unless you stop paying for your hosting upon renewal or decide to suspend your ownership… but that’s the price of doing real business online, right?

2- Start Building An E-mail List. 

Just like your website, you own your e-mail list, but we cannot say the same for your social media accounts. Your e-mail list is the bread and butter of your business as an online entrepreneur, and here’s why:

Beside you having 100% ownership of your e-mail list, you also have complete control over your content. Your content isn’t being filtered or restricted by social media company guidelines and you don’t have to worry about your content being taken down, or your account being suspended and/or removed at a moment’s notice without your discretion.

Knowing that you connect directly and intentionally with people that actually gave you the permission to do so is reassuring.

These people are YOUR tribe and are actually inviting you into their gated community; and statically, less than 6% of your followers on social media actually see the content you post as opposed to 100% of your subscribers who receive your e-mails, and upwards of 60% of them who will open them. And oh, 91% of people check their emails daily, so in my opinion, as an entrepreneur, you need to put more emphasis on your e-mail list because that’s where “the money is.” 😉

That been said, have you subscribed to my newsletter? go ahead and do that now. I promise not to spam you. 🙂

3- Create your own app.

Though, creating your own app may sound like a big investment, in my opinion it’s worth it. At least it will serve a good purpose of having users having access to your content directly from them phones, no matter what.

I hope this post helps you realize how important it is not to only rely on social media to run and promote your business. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share them with me.

XO,

Edwige

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One day at the time.

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Happy Black History Month,

This is one of these “I have to confess” moments; and I hope you can relate and hopefully sympathize.

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Just like any other normal and ambitious human being, I had high hopes for the first chapter of the new year. I laid out plans and goals that I wanted to tackle, as we all know, they say how you start is how you end. But I have to say, not this time! At least not for me.

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If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that I have been relatively quiet… or quieter. Especially in my stories. I took a small break a couple of days into the new year; and when I returned, it was at my own pace. No pressure whatsoever.

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If I’m being honest though, I didn’t come to this decision on my own terms. Sometimes, the universe has its way of telling us to slow down, to listen to our body and mind; and ultimately to take it easy. And that is what I literally did.

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I didn’t take a complete hiatus, as I’m still creating content to the best of my ability. Slowly, but surely, I’m still grinding, as we all obviously do… and I still have to-do lists and goals to meet. New year or even new seasons are moments that press us into believing that we have to “keep up with the Joneses”.

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We don’t have to run any race but our own; and if that means slowing down at times to take a breather to recharge and refocus, so be it! I had to remind myself that, yes, the first chapter of a brand new book has just ended, and it’s ok to take it easy and re-center myself, so I can advance and progress better… one step at the time, one day at the time!

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p.s Yesterday marked the first day of the Chinese new year, so if it’s any consolation, your new start can be right now. Happy New Year!

Thank you for reading.

Edwige

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Always remember your “Why”!

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As I stood in these cold streets trying to get these shots for Ethyl clothing, an up and coming brand I’m collaborating with, thousands and millions of thoughts rushed through my mind!

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There will be times when you will be confronted with the resounding question of “Is this all worth it?”; and that is normal… and that is totally ok. This means we are humans; and as such, we, every now and then, question our steps.

However, whatever your answer to that million dollar question may be, pause for a quick second and remind yourself of your “Why?”. The  “What got you to embark on this journey in the first place”.

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Remember that you owe it to yourself and to your vision to bypass or overlook your physical reality and current understanding. They’re always subject to change until “it feels right!”. Also, keep in mind that your “Why” is YOURS and YOURS ONLY to understand, believe in, cherish, and go after!

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Now, ask yourself again if your “why” is strong enough to get you through all those challenges you’re facing and the uncomfortable moments and circumstances you go through. Only then will you realize you are in perfect alignment with your purpose!

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These gorgeous pants, top and cardigan are courtesy of Ethyl clothing.

Thank you so much for reading, and for supporting the brands that support Hypnoz Glam.

Love & Light,

Edwige

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Faith it Till You Make It!

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Happy Friday beauties,
Truth is, this is a lost file; and I never intended to share these pictures here. My perfect plan was to recreate this outfit one of these days or at least to re-style the top (which is the main focus of the look) with a different bottom for a better photoshoot.

Oftentimes, the message is just so much more important than the messenger, so today, I decided to share a word with you in spite of the feeling I have that this look could “say” so much more than it does… but it could be just my opinion. My other feeling was that this message was too important for me not to share it with you today…
And if I had to do it, it had to be with some type of visuals, so here I come!

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Faith It Till You Make It!

It is almost to my certainty that you have already heard this popular saying: “Fake it till you make it”. Well, today I want to tell not to do that. Don’t fake it until you make it, because what’s really the point of that? Instead, you have all the right to “Faith it till you make it” – If you are a believer, you can reflect on John 20:29 that says “Blessed are those who believe without seeing”. But here’s the thing, whether you believe in God or the Word of God or not, whatever higher power you believe in, reality is that you must live your best life in the spiritual or you must imagine and visualize it before you can actually manifest it in the physical. – Just remember that faith without work is truly dead.

For the non-believer, we say that Graham Bell imagined, saw, and made the telephone in his mind before he invented it. It all starts in the “mental”!
So whatever you’re after, see it in your minds eyes first! See it materializing in your reality, but most importantly, believe that it will BE!
Faith it until you make it!

Because of my long hair, you probably cannot see the entirety of the writing on my top, but it’s FAITH… so I think the look does “says” a lot after all! 😉

Top: Sold out, Similar styles HERE & HERE | Skirt c/o Universal Standard: Also seen HERE and HERE | Shoes: similar HERE & HERE | Clutch: Custom Made by Dakrol Creation Similar HERE & HERE

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6 Things to do for a successful 2019

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Happy Monday beauties,

Often, we all need a little bit of inspiration here and there; and today, I feel that I should share with you these 6 things that, I believe if you follow will help you achieve your goals this year.

 

1 – Meditate and Pray

Daily meditations, affirmations, and prayers are a life-changer, whether you believe in God, the universe, or the source.

2- Set Realistic Goals

 New year resolutions are quite frankly becoming “old things”. Why? Well, because, for whatever reasons, they’re hard to stick to. “The new year, new me” phrase has gotten so much cliche, but I believe that as long as you set realistic and measurable goals, you should be able to work towards them and make things happen. – Read the post “Goals vs Commitments” HERE for more insights on the subject.

3- Choose A Word Of The Year.

If you don’t know, this is being the new “it” thing most “goals diggers” are leaning towards these days. As mentioned earlier, new year’s resolutions can be complex things to do. Not that people can’t and don’t stick to them. It’s statistically proven that less than 22% of ‘new-year-resolutioners’ actually keep up with and meet their goals! If you do, Bravo! More power to you and keep up with the great work! However, choosing a word for the year gives you more chance to be focused on that very word which, in many ways, will ultimately help in staying focused in achieving your goals. – Need more insights on this subject? This article may help.

4- Be consistent

Consistency is key in everything we do. You can’t achieve anything if you are not consistent in what needs to be done to get there. This is something dear and near to my heart that I’m working on everyday.

Being consistent with the little things as reading my devotional everyday, for example or being consistent with my blog is critical for me to get to where I want to be. When you want great results, you’ve got to keep doing what needs to be done – Like they say, content is king, but consistency is queen !

5- Get inspired.

It’s a great and smart thing to look for inspiration in others, but learn to remain true to yourself. Trying to be someone you’re not and copying their every little moves will not do you any good. The only thing it would is keep you from being or becoming who you’re truly destined to be.
You can find inspiration in people, books, social media, TV shows, art… pretty much almost everywhere as long you keep your eyes and mind open for those bits and pieces, but make it your own. Add that touch of YOU! Authenticity is a quality that is not only easily recognized and applauded, but it will take you a long way.

6- Have faith and believe in yourself!

 Have faith in God or whatever higher power you believe in and believe that you can do great things. If you don’t believe in yourself, (no one else will and) you can’t accomplish anything! An undeniable key to success is believing in one self.

Not everyone is highly talented and too smart (sorry, but it’s the truth), but anyone that believe in their ability to work hard, practice, and make things happen and succeed, in fact, will succeed even when they’re not talented! – BELIEVE TO ACHIEVE!

Bonus

Read more, learn new things, do more of what you love, travel when you can, have meaningful conversations. Life is too short and too precious to be wasted on things that take you nowhere. This year, try to invest your time in doing things that will help you be the best version of yourself.  (See more about reading here! )

Thank you for reading and make it a great week.

Love & Light,

Edwige

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