Go back a decade and the term 'influencer' was rarely used, and certainly didn't have the onus that it does today. With the rise of 'Instagram models', it's easy to associate the term with skinny tea-peddling, selfie-loving young men and women. But, the job - if you can call it that - isn't reserved for adults. Kids can make a handsome buck, too. According to Romper, 5-year-old Grey Evans has quite an interesting life for such a young social media icon.
The kindergartner has a 400,000 strong following on Instagram and 40,000 YouTube subscribers, which isn't half bad. However, her life isn't as jam-packed full of advertising meetings as you might think it is. For the most part, Grey is just like any other girl her age, who loves watching videos on her tablet, going to dance classes, and spending time with friends. She manages to take a few snaps each day with her mom, but being an influencer isn't the most important thing in her life.
"I like doing the Instagram part and I like making money," said the young businesswoman. When it comes to keeping those pennies safe, her parents have clearly instilled the importance of saving up for a rainy day. "I'm not allowed to spend it," admits the pint-sized money maker. "I save it in my piggy bank or in the big bank."
What does Grey's typical day look like? It starts with a 7.40 a.m. wake up call, a quick breakfast and a dash to kindergarten, where the bell rings at 8.30 a.m. At school, she bakes, dusts the furniture, and learns how to take care of herself. At 3 p.m. mom swings by to pick Grey up, and the pair stop by Starbucks for a cake pop before heading to dance class. Ballet, tap, and jazz are all on the agenda, but it's hip-hop the talented little girl is best known for. By 5.30 p.m, mom and daughter are home with the rest of the family, settling down for a dinner of chicken and rice.
After bath time, it's Instagram's turn. Mom and Grey practice whatever needs to be done, before taking the required pictures for campaigns or updates. Usually, it doesn't take her very long to nail something. "Not only can she dance, but she can imitate anything she sees," enthuses mom. From 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. is designated electronics hour, before it's time to settle down for the night, ready to take on another day.