Rena, also known as @usedtoloveitmore, is an upcoming fashion influencer based in New York. As a Parsons fashion design graduate, Rena is social media’s latest rising star. We caught up with her to talk fashion and more!

What is your favorite social media platform and why?

My favorite social media platform at the moment is TikTok as it feels more authentic and casual. There’s a stronger community and it doesn’t feel as judgmental and as awkward as Instagram lately. Instagram has become much more curated and business-like in its latest updates. TikTok is a creative outlet for me to get inspiration and to post creative content. It has also helped me reach a large audience consistently and allowed me to meet likeminded people who I am now friends with. 

Do you think social media is a blessing or a curse? 

Definitely both a blessing and a curse. It is incredibly addictive but at the same time has brought us closer together as a society. However, it has also distanced people as we are all so attached to this social media world on our phones and people online as opposed to living in the present. 

However, the rise of TikTok during the pandemic provided me with a new outlet to create content and share my creativity. Fast forward to graduation it has become my dream job and it wouldn’t be possible without the rise of social media. It’s so much more creative than it may seem from afar, you play a creative director role but for yourself. You plan your aesthetic, lighting, you’re your own model, styling the outfit, planning the location, doing your makeup, the hair and the photography/ videography. It’s literally all the skills I have learnt in fashion school applied into one job. It could not be more ideal for someone who loves so many different roles in the fashion world. 

What style of fashion interests you?

Living in New York, I have naturally gravitated towards streetwear, however I could never stick to one kind of style. I love classic and minimalist fashion as it is timeless.

Who have you collaborated with so far?

I am fortunate to have collaborated with so many different brands that I look up to and have purchased from in the past it feels very full circle. I’ve worked with Prada beauty, Coach, Anna Sui, For Love and Lemons, Polène Paris, FRAME denim, With Jean, Lioness, The Kript and many more.

What are your 2023 goals as a social media influencer?

My goals this year are to keep working with more incredible brands that I love and take my career to the next level. I’m lining up a few opportunities at the moment and working hard towards them, however this year has been off to a great start already and I have lots of collaborations in the works. I also want to launch a fashion brand very soon using my skills as a fashion design graduate and using my social media platform to market it.

Do you have a positive mantra or saying that you use to motivate yourself?

I’m very big on positivity and manifestation. It is definitely a key element in my career and life in general. I like to remind myself that the best is yet to come and just looking at my vision board that is the background of my phone and laptop, gives me that motivation whenever I need it. Visualization is so powerful. Every morning I force myself to list things that I am grateful for as well as daily affirmations of what I am ready to welcome into my life.

Why is what you do important?

I have been obsessed with fashion for the longest time and I feel like growing up fashion wasn’t seen as a legitimate field of study, however personally I find that the furthest thing from the truth. Fashion tells a story. It is art at the end of the day and it’s also a trillion dollar industry. Fashion influencing, being a relatively new field, helps brands drive sales and brand awareness. It is seen as more of an authentic form of advertising that brands are realizing is more effective than old school billboards. Moreover, I have my own community and having a platform is so valuable no matter the career path and no matter the size. It’s my job to inspire people to be creative and confident using fashion and social media combined as a tool.

How can people follow your journey?

People can find me on both Instagram and TikTok. My handle is @usedtoloveitmore. I am constantly uploading new content and outfits that my followers can be inspired by. I’m excited for what’s to come in my journey as it’s only the start.