In the ever-evolving world of social media influencers, few have managed to create a brand as distinctive and enduring as Emily Zeck, affectionately known as "thatpineapplegirl" now "awheckitsemilyzeck". This multi-talented entrepreneur has seamlessly blended her passions for surfing, country music, and social media to craft a unique personal brand that resonates with hundreds of thousands of followers. As the owner of Soul Arch Surf Club and a rising country artist, Emily's journey from casual social media user to influential brand owner offers valuable insights into the power of consistent branding and strategic organization in the digital age.
Emily's story is not just one of personal success; it's a masterclass in influencer branding. In an era where authenticity and consistency are paramount, Emily has demonstrated how staying true to one's core values and interests can lead to lasting success. Her approach to branding goes beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing a lifestyle that her followers aspire to emulate. As we delve into Emily's branding strategies and organizational techniques, we'll uncover valuable lessons for aspiring influencers and established content creators alike.
How did you personally shape your unique brand as a musician, influencer, and surf brand owner?
As cliche as it sounds, I shaped my brand by being 100% authentic to who I am. Authenticity always creates a unique brand, because nobody is uniquely you (besides yourself).
What inspired you to combine country music and surfing in your content, and how do you feel it sets you apart?
I really just embraced my upbringing, and in doing so, found my niche lane in the music industry. There are so many subgenres of country music, so it was only fitting to be bold and create my own: Coastal Country. I don’t know too many country singers that surf, but I’d love to inspire more to try.
How do you approach branding yourself across your various ventures, from music to surfing and influencer content creation?
If I wouldn’t listen to it, wear it, or want to promote it, I simply don’t create it. I don’t share every single personal detail of my life, but our world craves authentic entertainment and that’s what I hope to provide by sharing my unique lifestyle with everyone.
What motivated your transition to country music after your return to Florida in 2020?
I grew up singing/ writing country music as a kid and all the way through my teen years. I actually grew up next to a famous country singer who inspired me to pursue music altogether. I definitely my presence known on social media in the pop music world, but quickly discovered it wasn’t for me. My return to country music was inevitable.
Could you share some insights into your latest singles “Trailer Park Tiki Bar” and “Coastal Cowgirl Blues” and how it has impacted your musical journey?
I wrote both songs about my personal experiences, and it feels awesome to tell those stories with anyone that enjoys listening. I wrote Tiki Bar about the little dive bar at the end of my street, and it was awesome to bring the song in and party with the people who inspired it. Coastal Cowgirl Blues is literally the story of my life, which resonated with so many people who moved around from farmland to coastal cities and so on and so forth. I love connecting with people that resonate with my stories.
How important is branding to you as a musician, influencer, and business owner in the surf industry?
Branding is everything. Without solid branding, you don’t have a company. If a stranger cant take a 5 second glance at your business and know what you’re all about, you need to reevaluate your branding ASAP.
In what ways do you ensure consistency and authenticity in your branding across your diverse ventures?
I try to be mindful of everything I post across all platforms. At the end of the day, every social and music platform is essentially a resume, and I want mine to look like it represents me well.
Given your multifaceted presence online, how do you organize your digital assets across music, influencer content, and now your surf brand?
I’m not sure there’s a method to my madness… mostly because I’ve been doing this for almost 10 years now, which is crazy. Either I have a knack for it, or I’m just lucky and have a kickass work ethic.
What are your strategies for managing and maintaining your digital assets effectively while engaging with your audience?
Addressing the deep abyss of the web as if there’s a human on the other side is helpful. It can be hard staring into a screen all the time, whether I’m speaking about my music, surfing, or my surf company, but it’s important to humanize the audience on the other end of the screen.
What specific features or functionalities would you find most valuable in a platform like BrandLife to enhance organization and efficiency in your branding activities?
Organization and user-friendly navigation is really the most important thing for me when it comes to managing all of my branding.
What role does organizing events and fostering a close-knit community play in your overall branding strategy and business vision?
Getting to know your community is valuable because it bridges the gap between phone screens, which unfortunately has become the main method of communication for a lot of people nowadays. Physical audience members are especially important for music.
How do you balance your online presence with the offline community engagements, and what fulfillment do you derive from these initiatives?
I have no real schedule at the moment, to be honest. I let it ebb and flow for now, and once my surf shop is finished with renovations, I’d love to create a more consistent in-person community event schedule.
Could you elaborate on the sources and artists that inspire your music and influencer content, particularly in the realms of country music and surfing?
Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, surf culture and surf history in general, and old recordings of live music broadcasts. Most of my inspiration comes from my own experiences, and the experiences of people that came waaaaay before me.
What prompted you to start the "Hang Ten" podcast?
I thought it would be a great way to connect with people in a fun yet challenging environment. I love taking the podcast out of the podcast studio.
What are your long-term aspirations for your music, influencer content, and surf brand, and how do you envision your brand evolving in the future?
I’d love to retire the term “influencer”, mostly because I think it promotes a weird capitalistic over-consuming and shallow lifestyle. I love slow fashion, authentic artists with real stories, and like-minded individuals. As long as all of that follows me around, I’m excited to let the universe take the reigns and enjoy as it unfolds.
How do you see your brand's role in shaping and contributing to the larger cultural and artistic landscape in the coming years?
I would love to keep the younger generations inspired by surf culture and good music, all while supporting the working class and people who have real and relatable stories to share. I’d love to give back to my community as I grow, and shape a world where my future children are proud to carry on the legacy of Soul Arch.
Emily Zeck's journey from social media enthusiast to successful influencer, country artist, and surf brand owner exemplifies the power of strategic branding and unwavering commitment to one's vision. Her ability to create a cohesive brand identity across multiple platforms and ventures serves as an inspiration to influencers and entrepreneurs in any niche. Emily's success underscores the critical importance of developing a strong, authentic brand and consistently delivering value to one's audience.
For aspiring influencers, Emily's story highlights the necessity of crafting a unique brand identity and organizing one's efforts to maintain consistency across all touchpoints. In today's crowded digital landscape, a well-defined brand can be the difference between getting lost in the noise and standing out as a memorable, influential voice.
To witness Emily's branding mastery firsthand and stay updated on her latest adventures in surfing, music, and entrepreneurship, be sure to follow her on social media. You can find her on Instagram @awhheckitsemilyzeck, where she regularly shares glimpses of her vibrant lifestyle and creative pursuits. Her account is a testament to the power of consistent branding and engaging content.
For those looking to elevate their own personal or business brand, consider signing up for BrandLife. This platform offers valuable resources and insights to help you develop and maintain a strong brand presence, much like Emily has done. By investing in your brand strategy, you too can create a lasting impact in your chosen field.
Remember, in the world of influencer marketing, your brand is your most valuable asset. Take inspiration from Emily Zeck's journey, stay true to your passions, and watch as your authentic brand resonates with audiences worldwide.