Sinead Crowe and Penelope the Poochon
Meet fashion influencer, Sinead, and her trusty sidekick
I’ve known Sinead for a while now. Probably about five years. When we first met, she had about 40,000 followers on Instagram which believe me, is a lot anyway. Now she is up to 128,000-odd and is basically one of the most sought after bloggers in the UK right now. She has worked with lots of massive brands: Zara, Topshop, Pandora and Debenhams, and creates content for many more too.
The world of influencers is an interesting phenomenon. Traditional media - magazines, TV etc - has really taken a step back over the last few years, whilst influencers (or bloggers to you and I) have soared to astronomical heights. Some of Sinead’s peers have their own collections with fashion brands, are the face of famous beauty lines and have written books about their lives and the industry.
What is amazing about Sinead though, is that no matter what she does, no matter what brand she works with, she is still the same person who I met all those years ago.
Nothing has gone to her head, and her feet are still firmly on the floor, which is not really the norm in the strange world she now works in. When I asked about the pressure of having 128,000 eye balls on her at all times, her response: ‘I don't really think about it that much if i'm honest! I just do what I do!’
Refreshing, right?
And what’s more, her sister, Lauren, is catching up in terms of influence. She has nearly 100k followers on Instagram. They travel the world together, shoot together, share wardrobes… and through it they still have little sisterly arguments. ‘We argue all the time! But we quickly make up.’
Scroll down to hear more from Sinead, and all about little Penelope the Poochon.
On life with Penelope: I literally cannot even imagine my life without her! She's my heart and soul. She's definitely a little diva and a little bit crazy but I love her personality, it's what makes her so special. Having a dog is like having a best friend/companion/child/pet all rolled into one but they're fun and cuddly and love you more than anyone could ever possibly love anyone else!
On her favourite Penelope story: Once when she was around six months old, we were walking her down the street and everyone was going: ‘Ahhhhh the doggy so cute’, ‘Oh my god look at that dog’, and we were like, yes we know she's really cute! About five minutes later we realised she had picked up a dummy and was walking along with it in her mouth! People must have thought I had done it!
On work: I'm a full time fashion blogger which I always find so hard to explain! I do blogging, YouTube videos, Instagramming, Pinterest-ing so my day can be anything from filming, photographing, emailing, doing my accounts, running around picking up samples or between meetings! I love the fact that I'm my own boss and can manage my schedule, so if I want to go home and see my parents or spend time with my nephew I can. I can just make up for it by working into the night or working harder the next day! The down side is definitely the negativity and the effect all of the likes and Instagram algorithm can have on your self esteem. You definitely have to have a strong mindset!
On career plan B: Yes for sure! I did freelance styling before hand and I loved it so much! I would 100% be doing that if not this and I would love to go back into it if anything ever happened. I also would love to do interior design, think I have a good eye for it. I can't wait to buy my own home so I can properly decorate!
On career advice: I definitely would just say to be yourself, stick at it, be consistent both in the amount you post and the quality and style. People like it when they can put you in a box and understand you so its good to have a style or theme to your page and work. I would also say to always be kind, it's a small industry and people talk and move around a lot. Whether it's a rude PR or a rude influencer, never rise to it, always keep your sweet face on then go home and moan to your partner!
On having thousands of eyeballs on her at all times: I don't really think about it that much if i'm honest! I just do what I do. I just get on with it. I definitely noticed the other day though when I spoke out about some of the mean comments I get about my teeth, so many people messaged me saying how refreshing it was to see someone who was happy and confident and didn't have perfect teeth/lip fillers etc which made me so happy! If I can show young girls that you can accept the way you are and be confident and happy with it and still smile without perfect teeth then that’s amazing to me.
On her daily routine: I usually wake up at 7am and cuddle Penny and have a scroll. Jack (my fiancé) will bring me a cup of tea in bed then I get up, shower and do my skincare routine, have breakfast, at which point Penny hears food and drags herself out of bed to come and beg for some. Then get ready for the day! I usually walk Jack to work with Penny as it gives us both exercise and starts the day nicely. I touched on it earlier but honestly I don't have a day to day routine as such when it comes to the rest of the day as I'm so manic and just everywhere all at once!
On the best piece of advice she has been given: "Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella open all of the time just incase it rains.”
On her favourite dog-friendly thing to do in London: Shopping in Selfridges. Did you know dogs can go in?! For sure I love to take her to Clissold Park which is close to us and is so lovely and has deer and goats and all sorts!
One thing people should know about her: If you see me, don't ask about Penelope unless you want to see my photo albums, I'm one of THOSE mums!
