Influencer Sessions: Get To Know @our_home_on_thehill

We caught up with interior stylist and DIY extraordinaire Katie, better known as @our_home_on_the_hill on Instagram, to talk all things home décor, finishing touches and yummy bakes. Read on to discover how she brings her interior design ideas to life and which brands she partners with to do so.

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

I work in the NHS and am a mummy to two gorgeous girls. I began my account three years ago to document our home renovations, but also because I was feeling like I’d lost my identity a little. I’d always been a creative person who loved to take photos, but felt I’d lost that side of me while being immersed in motherhood. Instagram was a hobby ‘just for me’ but it soon became apparent people really enjoyed seeing the way I styled and photographed our home.

Which platforms do you predominantly use?

Which is your favourite for posting and which is your favourite for community engagement?
I mainly use Instagram; although I have a TikTok account, I haven’t really had time to get to grips with the platform and I find it much more impersonal. For me, Instagram is where I’ve built my community and it feels very much like ‘home’.

@katiecurates_

Hello cosy season 🍂 Styling the alcove shelves and fireplace for autumn is my favourite! #fyp #foryoupage #autumndecor #autumnstyling #livingroomstyling #countryinteriors #homestylist #ukugccreators #seasonaldecor #hellofall

♬ Harry Potter – Movie Magic And His Solid Gold Soundtracks

What type of content do you create (video/static etc), and which type works best for your audience?

I was afraid of Reels for a long time as I felt I wasn’t very good at them; but knowing they were becoming the way to be seen by a wider audience, I spent time researching techniques, camera settings, and editing software as well as looking at how my favourite creators made their content. Although I don’t post as many stills now, I do think it’s nice to be able to study every little detail in a still image.

In your own words and experience, how would you define “influencer marketing”?

I’m really not keen on the term ‘influencer’ as it seems to come with so many negative connotations, especially to those who don’t really understand that there is real work involved. I consider myself a content creator; I’m passionate about creating beautiful and engaging imagery and video content for brands I genuinely love, to help them elevate their social media presence.

Why do you think influencer marketing is so powerful today?

I think people (myself included) are far more likely to purchase a product if they see a real person promoting it, especially if the accompanying imagery is beautiful, funny or engaging in some other way. Brands are beginning to realise the power of this kind of marketing, and that many creators have worked hard to build genuine, trusted relationships with their audiences. I myself have made many purchases after seeing things promoted by my favourite accounts, so I’m proof that it works.

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

I’ve worked with lots of brands, and earlier this year secured the partnership I had dreamed of since beginning my creator journey. I’ll only ever work with brands I would buy from myself, and promote products or services I can genuinely recommend. I also try to stay on-niche as much as I can, as I know what my audience expects from me. It’s really important to me to be authentic as I’ve spent three years cultivating a trusted relationship with my followers. They are the reason I’m able to do what I’m doing after all.

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

When I have quiet weeks and my inbox is empty, the self-doubt can start to creep in and I wonder if things are drying up. But it’s important to remember this industry can be unpredictable, and opportunities can be sporadic. I try to put myself out there in front of brands as much as I can, and have noticed that creating content on a UGC basis is really emerging this year too. I’m optimistic that my account will go from strength to strength in the coming months.

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

I think more and more creators are beginning to realise that there are opportunities to monetise their accounts. I talk to people on a regular basis who still don’t realise this is possible, or don’t view themselves as skilled creators with something really valuable to offer to brands. It’s really important to me to share my knowledge and expertise around this to help others follow their dreams too.

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

I edit all my Reels in CapCut which is a brilliant app for beginners; I taught myself how to use all of its features. I edit my images in Lightroom and use the same preset for each image, with a few tweaks here and there, to maintain an attractive, cohesive look on my page.

How do you balance your online and offline lives?

This has always been a tricky one for me; I’m so very passionate about what I do, that I find it hard to switch off sometimes. Having a creative mind is wonderful, but can also leave you feeling burnt out too. I have two gorgeous little girls, so I’m mindful of the need to put down my phone and spend quality time with them, as well as getting out into the great outdoors, which is my other great passion.

Which influencers inspire you?

I absolutely adore @JosieLDN and the way she has created a stunning narrative around her whole lifestyle; she has a personal page as well as one for her incredible home, and even for her dogs! I think doing this really helps an audience to feel they’re getting to know the creator as they feel immersed in their lives and interests. Also, Josie’s photography and editing skills are utterly beautiful.

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

More recently, things have taken an unexpected direction as I’ve worked with a housing developer to design and install their show home. This ignited a passion I never realised I had; I’d love to take this further in the future and perhaps begin offering my own interior styling and mood boarding service. There are still a few homeware brands on my collaboration wish-list too!