Today we’d like to introduce you to Muriel Ottoni.
Muriel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to San Diego in 2015 to enroll in a business program at UCSD. Since then, I have started to explore California virtually through Instagram. I was amazed with the natural beauty that this state has to offer! Sharing my lifestyle and my travel adventures on my Instagram has attracted companies from all over the world. I’ve been sponsored not only by large companies such as Deuter (UK), Toms, and Reebok (USA) but also by small ones such as Sashka, which is a company that produces handmade glass beaded bracelets in Nepal.
So in 2017, I decided to specialize myself in Marketing, when I started a MBA with Marketing emphasis. Due to my work with my three pages @muri_ottoni, @california4fun & @california4food combined, I’ve been invited to manage some other Instagram pages in different segments as a freelancer. Then, I’ve being working with food and beverage, travel and fashion industries so far.
I believe that what sets me apart from others is my passion for the digital world and for the content I share. I thrive on engaging with my audience and I’m always learning something new from them.
In this field, we also need to be aware of new algorithms constantly. I need to be up to date all the time, whether it’s online or with other people at the same market. Exchanging information is key to following the industry and new trends.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just like everything we do, we need to put in effort to see results. I came from a different country, so I had a lot to learn. The culture, the language, people’s behaviors. The way Californians love nature, their environment, and especially how they take care of their community is impressive. I feel like I’ve learned so much already, and I still have so much to learn. But all these experiences have made me a better person.
Please tell us about California4Fun & California4Food.
By exploring California virtually right after I’ve arrived in San Diego, I had the great idea of creating my California Bucket List by starting a page on Instagram called @california4fun. It was my own digital magazine where I was posting all the places I would like to visit. I wanted to have a channel to share unique things in California, what only the natives knew.
My goal was to show off everything I was finding online with our community that was different from the popular and touristic spots. So I started posting content about parks, waterfalls, mountains, deserts, and lakes. The community responded very well, sharing love and their own adventures with #california4fun. This was the moment when I felt part of the California Dream.
Then, in 2018, I was invited to manage an Instagram Food page, which I very much enjoyed. The business ended up closing unfortunately, however I felt the need to keep working in the food scene in San Diego. I’ve learned so much about this particular photography and things like what people like to see, the angles, the lightning. I couldn’t just let it go. So I created California4Food, and it’s been great so far! I am able to share not only my food adventures and passion, but also create a way to support the local businesses at low cost.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Sharing what you love and believe are the main characteristics in my opinion, combined with always being yourself.
Then, engaging with your audience, once you’re open to listen and learn from them.
Contact Info:
- Email: muriel.ottoni@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/muri_ottoni/
Image Credit:
Kevin Allen
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