Influencer Session with Frankie Nofugazi

Socially Powerful interviewed streetwear and sneaker influencer Frankie Nofugazi @frankiehv23, who started posting his fits on Instagram in 2010 for friends. His love for fashion and sneakers grew organically into a significant following. Frankie primarily uses Instagram, the “OG” platform, to showcase his streetwear aesthetic and lifestyle. He defines influencer marketing as a powerful tool for ordinary people to connect with brands and influence audiences by making marketing more relatable. Frankie collaborates with brands that align with his content and offer creative freedom. He believes influencer marketing will continue to outpace traditional marketing. Frankie aims to be a full-time influencer, determined to support his family and enjoy the journey.

Frankie Nofugazi @frankiehv23

We caught up with Frankie Vu—found on Instagram under @frankiehv23.

1. Tell us about your background and how you started to build your following. 

I was born and raised in LA and grew up loving streetwear and sneakers because my friends were also very into the game. I found out about Instagram, where I could post my fits and sneakers. In the beginning, it was just for myself and my friends; I didn’t expect to have other people who also enjoyed what I was creating, and slowly my account just started growing and growing from there—this was probably in 2010 I believe.

2. Which platforms do you predominantly use? Which is your favourite?

I mainly use Instagram because it was the most used social media platform until TikTok took over. But honestly, with the updates being able to post pictures and short videos, it still gives you what all the other platforms do. I believe it is definitely the OG.

3. What type of content do you create, and which type works best for your audience?

My content is mainly about fashion (streetwear sneakers). I try to show an aesthetic lifestyle as well, and that’s what my following expects from me.

4. How would you define “influencer marketing”?

Influencer marketing to me is the next big thing. Not only for the celebrities but normal people that can have the opportunity to draw in these brands and show that they can also influence people as well.

5. Have you worked with brands before? How do you decide which brands to work with?

Yes I have worked with brands before. Big brands and also upcoming brands as well. How I choose is by how the brand relates to my aesthetic and content. Also the freedom of content I can post and brands giving me creative control.

6. How do you think influencer marketing will change over the next 12 months?

I think it’s going to grow bigger and become this monster that takes over mainstream marketing. I believe brands now see that influencers have more influence than celebrities. When people see regular people get these brand deals, it’s definitely more relatable.

7. How has influencer marketing changed since you began working within social media?

From my experience, it’s given me the opportunities to just reach brands I never thought I would be able to reach. Influencer marketing helps the little guys and shows these brands they also have some amazing ideas, and that real people actually support them.

8. Do you use any software to help create and edit your content?

I shoot with a Canon Mark IV, and use Adobe, Final Cut, iMovie, CapCut, and even sometimes just the Apple iPhone editor. Can’t live without these.

9. How do you balance your online and offline lives?

I can balance my online and offline personas because I am the same person on and offline. One of the rules I have for myself is to be 100% me. I would never pretend to be someone I am not. I believe this is what my followers appreciate about me.

10. Which influencers inspire you?

It’s the smaller influencers that inspire me. I believe we inspire each other. There is so much room at the top for everyone to take a bite. The world is so cold now that I don’t think it should be just one top person. I love all my friends I’ve met through being an influencer.

11. Where would you like to take your career as an influencer?

Ideally I would love to only be an influencer and have all these brand deals to take care of my family, loved ones, and myself. That’s the main goal, but right now I just love posting what I love, and it’s definitely not a race. I know one day I’ll be up there. As of now, I’m just going along and enjoying the ride.