Chiara Ferragni: Fashionista Turned Global Phenomenon

Credit: Middle East Beauty

A self-made millionaire and the most important influencer!

Just over a decade ago, Chiara Ferragni was one of the young ladies who enjoyed posting photos of their outfits and talking fashion. Today, the 32-year old Italian is worth millions and has several international companies, hundreds of magazine covers, and is a brand ambassador for Dior, Lancome, and Intimissimi. Her wedding created more buzz than Harry’s and Meghan’s, so, yes, Chiara is a big deal.

Chiara’s blogging success first got the front row tickets to fashion shows. Once The Blonde Salad creator saw the possibilities, she quit Milan’s Bocconi University, and in 2013 moved to Los Angeles. She was already the most prominent blogger in the fashion world, but she had a long road to prove that she’s more than just someone who likes to wear clothes and takes photos.

Becoming one of the first influencers and developing contacts with designers wasn’t an easy job. Even scarier was sitting next to fashion editors and continuously proving that she belonged there. Luckily, the mom-of-one and blue-eyed beauty has a natural charm and angelic features, so people didn’t see her as a threat. In reality, she wasn’t, but it took a while for brands to start understanding the job of an influencer. Chiara, as one of the first, is now responsible for inspiring thousands of young women and men in their pursuit of becoming the industry’s insiders.

Influencers are walking advertisements; real people, not supermodels, wearing designer items. Even before the term became so popular, Ferragni saw an opportunity: if she can rock Louis Vuitton and Gucci outfits, why not design something herself? Forbes named her in its 30 under 30 edition, and Harvard Business School used her as a case study in how to monetize the dual streams of a blog and a personal brand as a business.

First, Chiara started making shoes in her native Italy. It was an instant success, and there were also clothing and accessories lines, as well as an online beauty masterclass Beauty Bites. Ferragni works closely with approximately 80 more people, but she has the final input in every little detail. Incredibly, despite her business mindset, she never really worked on anything other than her blog.

Last year, we got to know her a bit more in a documentary, Chiara Ferragni — Unposted. It’s clear that this young lady has had many ups and downs, but her hunger for success, her drive, could move mountains. What’s next? She is introducing her sisters to her global empire while looking for other exciting ventures. The striking thing about Chiara Ferragni is that she doesn’t do long term plans: she’s responsible, yet open to new possibilities, and has a natural way of handling business like a boss.

Previous
Admitting What You Don’t Know