Brand Reppin' FAQ - The What, Why, & How of Repping Small Shops

I keep starting to type up all of these posts about brand repping - including posts about who we rep for, why we rep, how we achieve our lighting indoors and outdoors, etc. but I never end up hitting "publish" for some strange reason. I actually have had people ask me what brand repping is... and why we do it... and it's something I've really had to think about.

So, instead of trying to summarize our repping experiences, favorites, tips, etc in one post, all through the month of August, Delainey and I are going to share our favorite boutiques, some of our tips for repping, maybe even a few insider secrets. Want to chat about something specific? I'd love to hear your ideas so please shoot me a DM on instagram or email me!

With that said - mamas, go grab a glass of wine.
Potential brand reps, go grab your sippy! It's time to talk shop, y'all.

Let's start with a handful of simple questions.

Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows, Top from Creek Baby & Co, White Denim from Baby Bottoms

What is a brand rep?

Basically, a brand rep is someone who represents the brand by taking high quality photos, promoting the brand and engaging with the brand, and ultimately, helping the brand grow. In exchange for helping the brand, reps typically get items for free or a hefty discount, whatever you decide upon making it a mutually beneficial exchange.

Bow from 21 blessings, leo from Brooklynn & Grey, socks - from a friend

How can your beautiful little bundle of joy start repping?

Well, sometimes it just happens and companies reach out if they find you via a random hashtag... but most of the time - you have to enter rep searches to be chosen. To enter, typically, shops have you repost a graphic on instagram promoting their search with a little about your kiddo in the caption, sometimes searches ask for information via email, and sometimes shops hold searches within their VIP facebook groups too.

Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows, Tunic Dress from Ricrac & Ruffles, White Denim from Baby Bottoms

What are shops looking for during rep searches?

It's not a cute kid contest - they all will tell you that! Typically, shops want bright, clutter-free, crisp and clear photos. It's best if these photos accentuate and bring attention to the product. Happy, curious, introspective, funny, moody, and lifestyle type of shots seem to be the most popular - but each brand rep has their own style and once you start to rep, you can of find where you fall in the spectrum!

Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows & Romper from Ricrac & Ruffles

Why rep?

Well... while I adore the big names we work with and the opportunity to spread awareness about our favorite brands at Target or Walmart via sponsored posts, I also have a soft spot in my heart for small shops. There's just something so special about handmade, specially crafted just-for-you items.

From Delainey's bows to the little gladiator sandals that go between her toes, I'm a huge fan of mixing and matching clothing and accessories from all of our favorite shops and spreading the word about all of those shops with you and my other friends. It's amazing to watch something a friend of mine made, with their own hands, go nearly viral with popularity when I post it on D in a facebook group or instagram. It's even more amazing to know that I'm helping a family live by sharing photos of my sweet girl.

That's what it's really about for Lainey and I. Spreading the word about our favorite shops, helping them to gain success, and also making friends and shopping buddies along the way. It's cool to get free and/or discounted clothing... but it's really cool to know I'm helping a fellow mama support her family doing something she loves by providing her with a little bit of advertising for her business. I suppose it's a bit like pro bono work since I'm a blogger first and foremost, but I just can't help but share these cute handmade shops work!

Bow from Chloe & Piper, Tunic Dress from Ricrac & Ruffles, Socks - from a friend

What exactly does a rep do?

Delainey and I receive items in the mail and within 3-7 days we provide high-quality photographs to our shops and then we spread the word. We talk about the new items on social media, we post in groups all over facebook, and when someone asks about her clothing in public, I even write down the shop names. I provide a discount code, for some of my shops, and they can track if I'm bringing in sales when that code is used. It really is a bit of a job, but I prefer to call it our "hobby" since Delainey seems to enjoy dressing up and I know I enjoy photographing her.


With that said, it's time for another rep shoot so I'll end the first part of our Reppin' series here.