Nicole Wong, or NC Wong as she’s known on social, is Singapore’s beloved cool kid, creating content that makes us all want to steal her entire wardrobe, along with her hairdresser’s number. Unafraid to break the mould, Nicole has carved her career path by being so unapologetically unique that she inevitably stands out from the crowd. She also happens to be one of the nicest females I have had the pleasure of hanging out with, supporting fellow females to push their own career success too.
Here’s what she has to say:
What year did you start blogging?
I honestly can’t remember because it started from livejournal (those who heard of it knows how old I am haha) but I would think since I was 18?
What was your aim when you started out? Was it just for fun?
It started all for fun really, I just like taking photos and it was a fun easy way to document everything.
When did you start to realise, okay, this could become a full time gig?
I was working full-time, 6 days a week and it was tough balancing both social media and being focus 100% on my job. That was the moment I knew that it might be something worth pursuing. I still stand by my belief that everyone should work full-time first, no matter what. The basic skill of work ethic is very important.
How did you transition from someone blogging in your spare time, to a fully fledged Influencer?
It was a lot of doubt for the first few months. I just bought my first house 6 months before quitting my job (probably wasn’t the best idea, haha). I had many internal questions like, did I make the right move? What if it doesn’t work out? How do people survive without a fix safe monthly pay?
It took a lot of self discipline, networking and thinking out of the box.
Do you think Instagram has been the driving force behind your work?
It was a stepping stone for me. It connects the world and makes it smaller. There are so many talented people I learn from and be inspired from.
Has being an ‘Instagrammer’ taken over being a ‘blogger’ in terms of influence?
I guess with society limited attention spam, we no longer have time to read and spend time on a website unless it is something that really interests us. Thus the popularity of a ‘Instagrammer’ is more in favour. Simple scroll, like, and keep scrolling.
Do you find it weird when people refer to you as an Influencer?
Yes, because I see myself like everyone else! End of the day, I am still human like everyone else.
Who is your favourite person to follow (can be anyone!)
@cubicle hands down!
Can you remember your first ever Instagram post?
Yes! my first dog, effy. ❤️
What goes into crafting your Instagram feed – talk me through it
To be honest, people might not believe me, but I do no think much of an overall vibe/look but more of each individual post. I concentrate on how to make them different from what I have done before. I believe one can never be complacent. So I always look at how to make it better, more exciting and more engaging.
What camera / smartphone is your go-to for sharp AF images?
sony a7riii
Do you feel pressured into constantly keeping your feed up to date?
I used to feel that way that faster was better. But that isn’t the case. There are so many people out there that takes pretty pictures, but what I want is to show a story – to tell the journey and let them experience it with me.
Do you think Instagram has any kind of negative influence on people?
I do. It makes people compare themselves to others but people must remember, it is always only ‘a version’ of what we want to share with the public.
You always manage to look so damn cool – where does your personal style #inspo come from?
I don’t think I am cool! I just love things that are timeless, classic and comfortable. 😂
If you could nick the wardrobe of anyone – who would it be and why?
Caroline de Maigret because of her boyish and effortless style.
How do you keep on top of the ever changing fashion trends?
I don’t! I just go with what I like and what I would wear.
You’ve recently opened your own creative agency: nplusc, how did that come about?
I left my full-time 3 years ago, and I never adjusted to the fact that I am an influencer full-time. I knew that I could do more then just create content on my social. There was a hole in the market that is in need for an agency that is willing to push the boundaries and I get to work with even more brands and people who is willing to create more.
What kind of brands / clients does nplusc have on their books?
Classpass, Revlon, G-shock, Chivas, Shiseido, Zalora, Pomelo etc…
Do you prefer to be the influencer, or the person on the other side?
I always love to be behind the scene because its not about me but the work.
What’s next – any big plans for the rest of 2019 for both your creative agency and your Influencer lifestyle?
To continue push boundaries and see what’s next!
Images: Instagram/ncwong
