The Business of Fashion Podcast: A Deep Dive with Nara Smith and Lucky Blue Smith on Living Authentically in Viral Moments

Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Imran Ahmed, Founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Business of Fashion Podcast, host Imran Ahmed engages in an insightful conversation with fashion influencers Nara Smith and Lucky Blue Smith. The discussion delves into their journeys of navigating sudden fame, maintaining authenticity, and the intricate balance between personal life and public persona in the age of social media virality.

Early Beginnings: How Lucky Blue Smith and Nara Smith Entered the Spotlight

Lucky Blue Smith's Unexpected Rise

Lucky Blue Smith recounts his unexpected entry into the modeling world. Initially uninterested in modeling, his journey began at a young age when his older sister was scouted by an agency.

Lucky Blue Smith (02:27): "I never wanted to be a model or be in the spotlight at all, to be honest with you."

At age 16, Lucky began participating in fashion shows in Europe, which coincided with a surge in his visibility on social media. Reflecting on his early days, he admits to not fully grasping the magnitude of his rising fame.

Lucky Blue Smith (02:27): "When I was going through all of that and all of that was happening, I really didn't recognize the moment or understand what was going on."

Nara Smith's Organic Growth

Nara Smith shares her organic ascent in the digital space, emphasizing the evolution of her content alongside changing social media platforms. Starting with simple Instagram posts at 14, her content gradually shifted to fashion and cooking, especially after her diagnosis with an autoimmune disease.

Nara Smith (04:09): "I think I kind of slipped into it. I don't even know. There was never a conscious effort of being what I am now."

Her authenticity and seamless content integration have been pivotal in attracting millions of followers, making her one of the most influential voices in the creator economy.

The Meeting: From Instagram to Real Life

The intersection of Lucky and Nara’s viral lives led to their meeting on Instagram, which blossomed into a personal and professional partnership. Their initial interaction was marked by Lucky's persistence and Nara's eventual openness.

Lucky Blue Smith (06:08): "I like getting on the phone. I love, like, hearing the voice. You know, talking. Texting is just. I can't be bothered."

Their first in-person meeting at a fashion show in Milan solidified their bond, allowing them to connect beyond the digital facade.

Nara Smith (07:58): "Connecting the online person and then the person in real life that's so different than what the media kind of portrays was really fun and exciting."

The Impact of Going Viral: Challenges and Opportunities

Both Lucky and Nara discuss the dual-edged sword of viral fame—while it offers immense opportunities, it also brings significant challenges, including public scrutiny and mental strain.

Nara Smith (09:18): "Realizing that you all of a sudden have so many Eyes on you... it was really hard."

Despite the overwhelming attention, they highlight the positive aspects, such as inspiring millions and collaborating with esteemed brands.

Nara Smith (09:32): "It's been your third baby? My third baby, yeah. It's been a lot."

Authenticity and Content Creation

Authenticity remains at the core of Nara and Lucky’s content, allowing them to resonate deeply with their audience. Nara emphasizes the importance of being genuine to maintain credibility and connection with followers.

Nara Smith (01:09): "As long as you're authentic to yourself and you're living your best life and not being fake, that's kind of how you can get to a point where you might be a really successful influencer."

Their content creation process involves meticulous planning and a commitment to showcasing their true selves, whether it's cooking at home or sharing everyday moments.

Navigating Brand Partnerships

As their influence grew, Nara and Lucky began collaborating with major brands. Nara discusses the delicate balance of integrating brand partnerships without compromising her unique style or authenticity.

Nara Smith (15:50): "It integrates very seamlessly into my content to where sometimes it doesn't feel like an ad, it just feels like a normal extension of what I would usually do."

Their partnership with Marc Jacobs is a testament to their ability to merge commercial interests with personal content seamlessly.

Dealing with Public Scrutiny and Negativity

Living under constant public scrutiny presents its own set of challenges. Lucky and Nara share strategies for coping with negativity and maintaining mental health amidst relentless online attention.

Lucky Blue Smith (17:37): "It's the Internet, you can't believe, and you know, everything you hear and see, it's. It's the Internet."

Nara highlights the immense effort behind each viral post, dispelling the misconception that content creation is effortless.

Nara Smith (12:32): "I'm in my kitchen seven hours a day cooking and then putting my kids to bed and then editing for another two hours. And that's every single day."

Both acknowledge the physical and mental toll but find solace and purpose in their ability to inspire and connect with others.

Advice for Aspiring Influencers

In a segment addressing young aspirants eager for online fame, Lucky and Nara offer grounded advice on pursuing influence without losing oneself.

Nara Smith (19:23): "Dealing with all the opinions and the thoughts and all the things that are untrue and just brushing them off in a way."

They advocate for continuous growth, authenticity, and understanding the responsibilities that come with a large platform.

Lucky Blue Smith (20:01): "Having a strategic vision of where you want to push yourself forward."

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, both Lucky and Nara reflect on their journeys with gratitude and a forward-looking perspective. They express a desire to continue inspiring others while navigating the complexities of their public lives.

Nara Smith (21:35): "Even if that's just one person, that's worth it to me."

Their commitment to authenticity, coupled with their proactive approach to handling virality, sets a powerful example for influencers and creatives alike.

Closing Remarks

Host Imran Ahmed concludes the episode by acknowledging the profound insights shared by Nara and Lucky, highlighting their contributions to the evolving landscape of fashion and digital influence.

Imran Ahmed (22:33): "The BoF podcast is edited and produced by Olivia Davies and Eric Brea."

Notable Quotes:

• Lucky Blue Smith (01:29): "You can't believe and you know, everything you hear and see, it's the Internet."

• Nara Smith (01:09): "As long as you're authentic to yourself and you're living your best life and not being fake, that's kind of how you can get to a point where you might be a really successful influencer."

• Nara Smith (15:50): "It integrates very seamlessly into my content to where sometimes it doesn't feel like an ad, it just feels like a normal extension of what I would usually do."

This episode offers a transparent glimpse into the lives of two prominent figures in the fashion and influencer space, exploring the intricate dance between public acclaim and personal authenticity. Nara and Lucky's experiences serve as valuable lessons for anyone navigating the digital realm’s challenges and opportunities.