Our latest Beauty Boss is Ivanka De Koning, a social media strategist and fashion/beauty consultant who has more then a decade of experience working in the fashion industry and social media space working with Fortune 500 companies.

Most recently she managed and grew Saks Fifth Avenue’s social media channels encompassing millions of followers, and has helped hundreds of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and brands utilize the power of social media to grow their businesses and brand influence. Due to her extensive social media knowledge and expertise, De Koning also offers video courses to help others gain the necessary tools to grow and scale their own business or brand on social media.

De Koning is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has grown her personal fashion and LGBTQ+ brand to more than 130,000 followers on Instagram and 40,000 followers on TikTok. Through her own platform, she has cultivated a loyal community by having an authentic voice. We chatted with De Koning, who shared her personal journey to success, wellness tips, and much more.

What inspired you to become a social media strategist and fashion/beauty consultant?

Working in the corporate fashion industry for 10+ years was exciting at times, but it was also very mentally and physically exhausting!  Over time I discovered that I wasn’t fulfilled working a 9 to 5 (more like 9 to 9!) job, and had passions of owning my own business and running my own schedule and life.

When did you launch your personal fashion and LGBTQ+ brand and what type of content do you share?

I started my fashion account back in 2016—the same year I met my wife, Victoria. Vic is a professional photographer and convinced me to start sharing more of my personal fashion on social media. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I use my fashion platform to help spread awareness and break down queer stereotypes. 

Tell us more about your journey in the beauty & fashion industry and how it led to where you are now.

I worked in the luxury fashion industry for over a decade and learned so much about the fashion/beauty space. I started applying the insider fashion knowledge to my social pages, and it started growing, slowly but surely, into a personal and professional brand. I realized that it could be a more fulfilling career move for me, so I decided to leave my corporate life for entrepreneurship; helping other small businesses to use social media to help them grow as well.

Any career highlights and collaborations you’re proud of?

Yes, many! The first big mile marker happened six months after I left corporate America, when I first exceeded my former monthly salary. That was a big accomplishment as it proved to me that I could make this work! Creating my own digital course for video content creation was also a big stepping stone. The class helps small business owners and content creators learn how to create short form video content, and gets a lot of positive feedback. I’m also extremely proud of my collection with Amazon The Drop that launches during Pride month. I’ve always wanted to partner with them, and it was rewarding to be acknowledged. 

Why is social media so important and what do you enjoy about what you do?

Social media is the new Google. It’s how the younger generations shop, communicate, and search for their interests. TikTok search engines have also started replacing Google search engines. If you search for something on Google, you’ll also find related TikTok videos on the topic. There’s truly an audience for everyone on social media, and I love what I do because of the many communities you can connect with. 

Future plans?

To continue expanding my consulting business.

Secret to success?

Know your worth and don’t stop believing in yourself. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s how I built the courage to leave my cushy corporate job and go out on my own. 

Beauty secrets?

Always keep your skin hydrated and use sunscreen! If I forget to apply sunscreen, my day is ruined!

Wellness tips? 

Try to find balance. Balance in my personal and professional life helps me stay calm and motivated. 

Best advice?

No one else is going to help you but you. Don’t wait for someone to help you or for when the moment is right. It won’t happen unless you make it happen. 

Favorite way to relax?

Disconnecting from social media entirely and being with my wife and dog.

For more information on Ivanka De Koning and her latest projects, visit her website. Follow her on Instagram: @ivanka.dekoning

[Images courtesy of Ivanka De Koning]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk