From Tema to the World: Michelle Grace Bediako Talks Content, Cash, and Keeping It Real in the Influencer Game

By Priscilla Kwakye

In the world of social media, influencers have become a driving force, creating trends, and inspiring countless individuals. With their empowering messages and connection to audiences, they captivate the hearts of millions. Michelle Grace Bediako is one such person. Born in Tema on the 14^th of April, 2003 and educated at Rutgers University, Camden, she’s now a global socialite and a social media influencer. Since 16, she has been doing her thing online, now boasting of 175,240 followers on Instagram, 64,600 on TikTok, 40,000 subscribers on Snapchat, 10,000 on Threads, and 9,100 followers on YouTube. Now 20 years of age, Michelle has relocated to New Jersey, USA, for the next phase of her journey.

I caught up with the fabulous Michellle to talk about her social media presence. Following are excerpts from the interview. Join us as we recount a transformative encounter with this remarkable influencer.

Priscilla Kwakye: what inspired you to become an influencer at such a young age?

Michelle Grace Bediako: I feel like it came naturally, although I have people I used to watch that made me want to be like them, so it encouraged me to push harder. I began when I was very young – 16 years – and  I had people telling me I can do it. My mother for instance. She was my biggest supporter.And let’s not forget that money is sweet. And I knew it came with money as well. And who doesn’t like to work hard for a pay off .

The people I looked up to were not Ghanaians. Nique and Jayda – two of the biggest influencers in the world. I liked the way they created their content and vlogged their daily lifestyle on YouTube and other platforms. Also let’s not forget the money which comes with it. It was good money and I felt if I work hard to build the brand I wanted, it’ll pay me well, and that’ll be my reward.

PK: How would you say it has impacted your life? 

MGB: Very much; it’s made me extra confident, helped me build my self esteem, really opened my mind too. It’s been very much helpful. I’ll do it over and over again if I have to.

PK: What type of content do you produce generally?

MGK: the type of content I produce are  video contents and  pictures . Like I said , blogging my daily reality lifestyle ,  skin care( promoting effective products for the body and skin ) beauty in my natural self and a little bit of fashion on social media. I believe that that’s what my followers like because I make sure I blog the real stuff, I don’t do fake or leave a fake lifestyle to gain followers I’m real , both on the internet and in real life . 

PK: What kinds of content do your subscribers or followers particularly love? 

MGK:  As a subscriber, when you view the creator’s profile you will see the exclusive content tab for Posts and Reels. Reel contents especially when it’s a voice over or videos of me being just myself blogging about my daily activities. They like to watch, like, and share, which is them interacting. Sometimes when I review foods and it’s good,people like to try it out, which is basically promoting it. That’s what my subscribers are interest in the most.

PK: Which social media platform is the strongest?

MGK: For now I would say Snapchat, although I have more followers on other platforms. I’d choose Snapchat because it’s an easier way to interact with your followers, and it’s way easier to be yourself there. In my opinion, there are a lot of buyers on Snapchat as compared to the rest of the apps .When I advertise for certain people on Snapchat, my followers there interact with it the most compared to my other social media accounts.

PK: What are your rates for sponsored content? 

MGK: My rate depends on the social media account I’m using. For instance, on Instagram, I take 1,000 cedis and above. But that was then. If I’m to do advertisement right now on Instagram, it will come at a higher cost. And also in dollars, ‘cause I’m now in New Jersey. But roughly I don’t take less than 1k. With Snapchat, it’s between 200 and a 1000.

Pk: As an influencer, what are your dos and donts? 

MGK: The dos are what I’ll talk about first: Just be yourself. People will love you for who you are. Put in your effort – it pays. Engage with your followers:that’s how you get them to love you more. Respect everyone, and don’t talk down on any of them.

And the don’ts, I’ll say: don’t just run the ads; be sure it’s very good and wouldn’t harm anyone. Scammers are all over the internet. Don’t listen to criticism, because you’ll hear more than a lot. Don’t settle for less: if a brand won’t pay, someone else will pay. Don’t just accept out of pity or something. Don’t be comparing yourself to others and thinking you’re low; be in competition with yourself .

PK: Any final words or advice you would give to the younger generation who look up to you on social media and in real life?

MGK: I always encourage my audience to advocate for causes by providing information. Use social media to learn about and explore your interests. Be yourself. Be confident; you are who you think you are. Even if you do not believe it, [keep going] till you become who you want to be. Communicate with the audience you are building in order to build a bigger brand. Make sure the people you look up to are promoting positivity at the end of the day. It’s not easy. Don’t give up! Remember, you need to make mistakes, learn, and grow.