Dubai-based social media influencer nominated for the World Bloggers Awards

Dubai-based social media influencer Mun Mun Ghosh has every reason to smile amidst the pandemic. Nominated for the World Bloggers Awards, she is the only blogger from the UAE to make it to the list. Ghosh has been nominated in the Best Lifestyle Blog category.
"I have already made it through the first round and the second round is on. There are totally five rounds. I am very hopeful of making it to the final as I'm confident about the content I've been churning out throughout the year," said Ghosh, who was also nominated for Best Blogger 2019 by World Fashion Festival Awards.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the results will be declared digitally in October followed by the actual ceremony that will take place during the Cannes Film Festival next year. "If luck favours me, then I will be the only blogger from the UAE walking the red carpet at the awards ceremony during the Cannes Film Festival in 2021," she added.
The awards are being judged by Dubai-based restaurateur Nusret Gokce, aka Salt Bae, and Instagram star Gianluca Vacchi. Some of the previous winners were Foodgod - Jonathan Cheban (Kim Kardashian's friend ) and YouTube sensation Ashish Chanchlani.
We speak to Ghosh to know more about blogging and the award.
How did you get into blogging? 
I'm from Delhi and I've lived in Dubai for the past 37 years. I was a banker, then in 2010, I underwent a complete transformation and got into styling as I had a good taste for fashion. I took up styling assignments while doing a styling course from Kelly Lundberg's Divine Style Academy. I then worked in the media and PR industry, dealing with fashion. This process was restructured into a blog and that's how I started my journey.
What is the World Bloggers Awards all about?
World Bloggers Awards is the online part of the World Influencers and Bloggers Awards contest, which is aimed at finding the most interesting, vibrant, and influential accounts in the world. Besides contributing to the development of bloggers, the awards also support charities like The Diana Award, a legacy to Princess Diana's belief that young people have the power to change the world and Diana Award Anti-bullying programme.
As a blogger, what does this award mean to you?
For me, this is the Oscar for bloggers. A platform like this was much needed to recognize our efforts, for people who help businesses to attain a certain footfall and brand engagement. This award will encourage me to put across my perception of the world. Changing one's thought process is the most challenging aspect of human behaviour and blogging provides us the opportunity to do that. Also, in a way, it will be a victory for all those women who were told that they couldn't fulfill their dreams. 
What challenges did Covid-19 present for bloggers? 
Blogging has become challenging as events have been shifted/cancelled or postponed. But we are trying to support businesses by promoting them on our feeds. Keeping in mind, how the nature of some jobs may change post Covid, what benefits do you see for someone taking up blogging as a career?  Influencer marketing forms an important part of the marketing budgets of many firms, some of whom have budgets allotted only for bloggers. Also thanks to apps like Instagram and Tiktok, we are seeing more people quitting their regular jobs to become full-time bloggers. The income level varies though and it's not fixed, it differs from one campaign to another.
What opportunities does Dubai offer bloggers?
Dubai is a hub for luxury and mass retailers alike, add to that fashion and beauty and hospitality industries. Bloggers are the first in line, along with media houses, to be approached to market products or host events and shows. The response level is immediate for a brand/product/service via blogs.
Useful tips for anyone wanting to take up blogging
1. Know which is the best day and time to post on Instagram to increase engagement.
2. Tie up with Boutique PR agencies and attend mall events wherein the marketing and PR staff are usually present.
3. Invest in a good high-resolution camera.
4. Always try taking innovative shots for eg, if you are a food blogger, take creative shots or if you are a fashion blogger, make sure you put your best foot forward - from your outfits to hair and makeup.
5. Obtain a social media license if you are promoting or generating any revenue on any social media platform - brands will invest their trust in you. 6) Don't be afraid of approaching brands and being the initiator,  brands love it when bloggers come forth.
michael@khaleejtimes.com