DIARY directory recently caught up with fashion and lifestyle influencer, Tara Maynard. Tara has worked with a range of brands including ASOS, Rebellious Fashion, ICONIC London and Forever Unique.

"I truly believe you don’t need to wear expensive clothes to look good in 2019. Fashion has changed and always will..."

What can someone expect when they stumble onto your IG profile?

Myself, my everyday looks and my life. Regardless of people saying Instagram only shows the ups of life, this is my way of using the platform for fashion. I’m not here to show off or to make people feel they have more or less than me. It is a way of expressing yourself. For me that's through my clothes because that is what I live for, dressing how you want when you want and not being afraid of being you!

What’s it like juggling being a mum and being an influencer?

Being a mum and an influencer is tough, the balance of life alone is hard enough, sharing your time between children, husband, housework, your dogs, and not forgetting about yourself ... as believe it or not us mums are only human! I believe any job is hard work, never mind throwing in children, their commitments and their needs 24/7 alongside following a passion of your own and trying to earn money to feed your family.

You work with a lot of different brands… why do you think you appeal to so many different brands?

I truly believe you don’t need to wear expensive clothes to look good in 2019. Fashion has changed and always will, but key pieces are very important as it’s one big cycle which always comes back around. My job is to inspire others to not stay safe within their wardrobe choice; you don’t have to wear jeans and a T-shirt if you don’t want too - it’s fine to dress up and look different.

You are signed to an Influencer Management Agency - what advice would you get for those looking to get signed and take their influencing career to the next step?

I was so flattered when I was approached by The AgenC. Signing with these guys has been amazing for me. It’s allowed me to do the same as I was doing however, they have opened some amazing opportunities for me and taken the pressure off me in lots of ways because unfortunately, brands can take advantage of influencers. I feel very blessed to be doing what I love with the help of people who have my best interest at heart.

Being Manchester-based, do think this has helped or hindered your reach in any way?

Being Manchester based I think is a massive advantage. I think any city outside of London is massively underestimated in our country. But fashion and lifestyle are just as big in the north of England. I feel the bigger brands are also recognising this and there are just as many opportunities in the fashion world up north now as there are in London - which I love to see, being a northerner!

You use Depop which seems to work very well for you - are there any other tools out there which you recommend?

I love Depop! The whole recycling of clothes and fashion is amazing! The only downside of Instagram for me is when you have been snapped in the outfit it’s hard to do over and over again without your followers becoming bored! Of course, I don’t sell everything I wear, but fast fashion I do tend to sell.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I already have a very happy marriage, two beautiful children, a house full of good health and a job I love. I wish for this to remain exactly how it is! Only to be FROW at Vicki B's runway show once in NYC, lychee martinis running through me on a drip! That’s where I wanna be in 10 years….

What would be your dream brand collaboration?

Wow, that’s so hard because I love so many different brands for different pieces! From leaving school 13 years ago to now, my go-to is still ASOS and I’m lucky enough to be working with them on a regular basis now.

Tara is included DIARY's industryINFLUENCERS section - where additional engagement metrics are available. 

See our previous DIARY Influencers here!