Influencer Spotlight IFRC Edition – Lana Summer

There is no campaign we are prouder of than our #SpreadFactsNotFear partnership with The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (“the IFRC”).

Welcome to our column “Influencer Spotlight” — where we highlight our favorite content creators. Enjoy!

Lana Summer, a professional content creator from Essex UK, was a part of The IFRC campaign. She answered our questions about her biggest accomplishments to date; brands that are doing social media right during the COVID-19 pandemic; and much more!

How did you get started creating content?

I made my first YouTube video from my bedroom at university. It was something I’d wanted to do for a long time; so as soon as my 3rd year dissertation was submitted, I immediately bought a camera and started filming. Content creation stayed a secret hobby for about 2 years, until I was at netball training and I was recognised by someone who followed me. Then I started to fully embrace my role as a content creator.

What’s something new you started doing during quarantine?

I’ve been quarantining at home with family. My mum brought out an absolutely huge monochromatic monstrosity of a puzzle; it took 3 weeks and all our joint effort but we finished it! I also bought a ton of home workout equipment and I’ve been working out consistently; I’ve also been practicing recipes from restaurants that I miss eating at.

Define your style in 3 words.

Versatile, Minimalistic, Eclectic.

What is the biggest highlight of your influencer career so far? 

It’s so difficult because I feel blessed everyday! I remember starting out and I won a competition with YouTube to join their YouTube NextUp London programme. We stayed at YouTube HQ in London for a week so that we could attend a content bootcamp. They taught us how to use equipment, best practices etc. Every evening they held activities so that we could bond with our classmates. We saw Wicked in the West End, took cocktail classes etc. I felt very lucky to be there; and it was an invaluable experience to help me with my career.

Who and what inspires you? (A film, artist, book, social movement, friend or family member?)

I am inspired by everyday people that I see all over social media. There is so much talent and creativity in every corner. I love seeing low-budget DIYs and the pure art that people are coming up with at home.

What is a brand you think is doing things right on social?And why?

Ben & Jerry’s! At the moment they’re fully utilising their platform by drawing attention to some really important social issues. They haven’t sat on the fence or done the bare minimum like other brands. They have a clear stance and it’s very impressive. Another company that I think did a great job with marketing themselves is Primark, they’ve been posting non-stop content with a diverse range of influencers during lockdown and it’s proven to be very popular and effective in keeping people interested while their stores were closed.

If you could share one tip for someone building their Instagram channel, what would it be?

You don’t need the best equipment in the world and a team behind you. The great thing about social media content creation is that you only need you, your phone and an internet connection.