Ayomide Esiet, popularly known as Khloe, is a content creator, with 2.5 million followers on TikTok. She talks to OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about her career
Tell us about your background
I am from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, but my mother hails from Ilesa in Osun State. I grew up in a family of four in Surulere, Lagos State.
When did you become active on social media?
I became active on social media in 2020.
Which is your favorite social media platform?
My favourite social media apps are Tiktok and Instagram, because that is where I make the most money.
What is your favourite work tool or gadget?
My favourite tools are my tripod and phone, because they are easy to carry around.
What influences your style of content?
I mostly draw inspiration from watching movies. I get many ideas when I watch movies, especially romantic and dance films.
How do you learn most of the dance routines in your videos?
Most of my content revolves around dance. I mostly learn the dance moves during personal rehearsals.
What skills come in handy for you the most when it comes to creating content?
My make-up skills come in handy, because I find it fun to wear make-up. I also learnt make-up professionally in 2021, but I did not find it fun to do until I started applying it on myself. I enjoy wearing creative looks. I enjoy creating things on my face, such as drawing butterflies and other things.
Aside from content on your social media, do you create videos for any other reasons?
Most of my content is for social media. Other than that, I only create content when I have a job to promote a brand.
Which is the favourite brand you have worked with?
I enjoyed working with Nike, because I had always been a very big fan of the fashion brand. I was so happy I got the opportunity to work with them. I also enjoy working with hair brands, because I love good hair. I like how they make me feel confident in myself. I am a very fashionable person, so I love trying out different outfits and hairs.
Also, I used to be very insecure about my legs, until I started wearing the outfits that were right for my body type. That boosted my self-confidence.
What do you enjoy the most about creating content?
I enjoy learning and teaching people how to dance. I also enjoy making ‘transition’ videos, because I like how they always turn out.
Are you involved in any other business?
I am currently working on a business plan, which will be unveiled soon.
How would you describe your creative process?
I first come up with a content plan, then I make a mental vision of how I want it to turn out. For any sound I use, I usually consider the timing of the beat, as that is crucial to making good videos. After that, I practise my moves in front of a mirror to be sure it makes sense.
Before posting content online, do you seek the opinions of people?
Sometimes, I show them to my manager; and sometimes, I post it as a surprise. I also show my close friends sometimes.
How do you source for the outfits you use in your content?
I buy most of the outfits I use from different vendors. Some brands also send me some outfits, and I take pictures with them, and tag the vendors on social media. When it comes to my videos, I am particular about my outfits, because I know what I want, and I look for certain styles to go with certain videos.
Many small brands give influencers free items in exchange for free publicity, but many of these influencers end up not tagging these brands. Why is that?
Using myself as an example, some vendors come to me and ask how much I charge. However, sometimes they cannot meet up with the prices, but they request me to use their clothes and tag them. If I do that, it is in a bid to help (the vendor). As a creator, one should sign an agreement with any brand that sends one outfits to put out there for them. If they are not ready to pay, one can return their outfits to them. Or, if possible, find another way to go about it. However, if they send you an outfit and you do not tag them, that will be a problem. Brands don’t just send outfits for no reason.
However, some brands send clothes to their favourite influencers without asking for a tag or anything in return, and that is also fine.
How do you balance your personal life and online personality?
I plan my schedule right and make sure I stick to it. When things don’t go as planned, it can be very frustrating, but I always find my way around it.
You have always been public about your relationships. How do you handle relationship critics?
I am a very free-minded person. I don’t care about people’s opinions about my relationship. I do what I like, and I enjoy flaunting my relationship.
Have you ever fought with your partner over the opinion of online critics?
My partner and I ignore online trolls.
Some make fun of you because you were also public with your last relationship that did not work out. How does that make you feel?
I don’t pay attention to things like that, especially because most of what they say are lies.
You recently posted an engagement video. Are you engaged or was it just for content?
My boyfriend did not propose to me; he only gave me a promise ring. The ring is to show that he is seriously committed to the relationship.
Have you ever taken a social media break?
Yes, I have. I once took some time off to do certain things I had always wanted to do but did not have the time.
Have you ever disagreed with your manager over a post?
Yes, we disagree on some posts from time to time. There are some videos I would like to post, but he would advise that it is not good enough and lacks message. Sometimes, I would insist, but such videos usually end up getting low engagement.
Could you tell us about any memorable interaction you’ve had with a fan?
I have had some memorable times hanging out with my loyal fans.
How do you handle the pressure of creating new and engaging content?
It is not easy, as one has to constantly think of good and engaging content to put out there.
In what ways have the events organised by Tiktok for content creators positively impacted on your content creation?
These events have helped to increase my network of content creators. There are some content creators that we mostly access from afar. However, these gatherings serve as an avenue for us to meet. Most times, we create new ideas and form new bonds.
How do you connect and collaborate with fellow creators in your industry?
It depends on who is reaching out. If it is an indoor content, it could be at either of our houses. However, if it is outdoor content, like dancing or lifestyle content, we meet in open spaces like water parks, the beach, and other places where we can either go to an arcade or do other fun activities. It makes it very interesting because after shooting, we could still have time to catch up and have fun off camera.
What is your take on the notion that Instagram content creators are favoured over TikTok content creators, and have you ever experienced any discrimination as a TikTok influencer in a professional setting?
The issue between Instagram and TikTok creators is not that serious. TikTok is just a new generation app while Instagram has been existing for over a decade. We also have more Gen Zs on TikTok. So, I understand when people tend to give more importance to Instagram creators. Brands also prefer to go to Instagram for Internet reach than they come to TikTok. However, those who understand know that TikTok is a very important app and I have never been in a situation where I was looked down on by other content creators.
I know my worth and it is a matter of how I carry myself. I always try to perfect myself and make sure that I am better than I was yesterday. Hence, if you check my content, one will notice that they are not substandard. That does not mean I am satisfied with where I am. I still keep pushing to get the best version of myself.
If you were not pursuing content creation, what career path would you have chosen instead?
If I was not a content creator, I would have either been a makeup artist or a fashion designer
If you were to explore other areas of the entertainment industry, what part would you consider?
If I were to go into other areas of entertainment, I would go for acting. I feel like even though I do not have professional experience, I could give it a try with my experience in mimicking sounds for my content.
