16 May Behind the Scenes with Clean Kweens

A Journey from Instagram Takedown to Influencer Success

In the vast world of social media influencers, authenticity and expertise shine through, captivating audiences and creating communities. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Abbey and Lily, the dynamic duo behind @Clean.Kweens, an Instagram sensation focusing on simple and nutritious recipes alongside fostering a healthy relationship with food. Here’s a glimpse into their journey, challenges faced, and tips for aspiring influencers. With a current following of 161k, @Clean.Kweens has evolved from its humble beginnings into a powerhouse of wellness inspiration.

Getting Started

Abbey and Lily embarked on their influencer journey in 2019, combining their passion for nutrition and cooking. Initially conceived as a platform to share recipes with friends and family, @Clean.Kweens evolved into a space where they could educate a wider audience on food freedom and balanced nutrition. However, their path wasn’t without hurdles. In 2021, Instagram unexpectedly took down their account with 33k followers. Undeterred, they rebranded and rebuilt, embracing the challenge of mastering reels and refining their niche. Today, with 161k followers, they stand as a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Content Creation

The creative process behind @Clean.Kweens’ content is both intentional and collaborative. Drawing inspiration from client interactions and audience feedback, they craft educational reels and delectable recipes. According to Abbey and Lily, “For our educational content, we often reflect on the most common challenges our clients within the online dietitian clinic are facing… For our recipe content, we bounce off each other as well as friends, family and followers.”

Their weekly brainstorming sessions ensure a steady flow of engaging content, supported by a meticulous planning process involving grocery lists and content schedules. Through this approach, they strike a balance between sweet and savory recipes, alongside empowering educational content on food freedom.

Platforms and Audience

Instagram remains @Clean.Kweens’ primary platform due to its familiarity and extensive audience reach. However, their success is anchored in consistency and audience engagement. By embodying authenticity and relatability in their content, they’ve fostered a loyal community. According to them, “Consistency! The one thing we pride ourselves on as content creators is consistency.” Their advice for aspiring influencers? “Identify your target audience, embody their values, and prioritize passion and consistency.”

Overcoming Challenges

Navigating criticism and setbacks is an inevitable part of the influencer journey. For Abbey and Lily, maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on their supportive community has been key. Moreover, they’ve diversified their income streams through brand collaborations, online clinics, recipe e-books, and educational courses, ensuring financial stability despite market fluctuations.

Tech and Tools

Simplicity reigns supreme in @Clean.Kweens’ content creation process. With Instagram and Lightroom as their primary tools, alongside Google spreadsheets for planning, they streamline their workflow. To maintain work-life balance, they’ve implemented strict boundaries and designated workdays, allowing for periods of rest and rejuvenation.

Brand Partnerships and Advice

When it comes to brand collaborations, alignment and authenticity are non negotiables for @Clean.Kweens. They advise aspiring influencers to prioritise engagement over follower count and to remain patient and authentic in their content creation journey. According to them, “Having a small and engaged audience is far more valuable than having a large and disinterested audience.” Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, they emphasise the importance of resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.

The story of Clean Kweens is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and authenticity in the world of influencer marketing. Through their dedication to nourishing both body and mind, Abbey and Lily have cultivated a thriving community and established themselves as trusted voices in the realm of nutrition and wellness. Aspiring influencers would do well to heed their advice and approach their journey with patience, purpose, and unwavering authenticity.