Farah Merhi is who the Internet turns to for everything home decor. The entrepreneur, designer, author and creator has shaped the way millions think about home design, with more than 23 million followers across platforms. Her smart (and chic) content has made her one of the most recognized creators in the home and lifestyle space. Her reach goes beyond social media, with her very own furniture brand, Inspire Me! Home Décor.
This year, she joins the 30th Annual Webby Awards as a Judge. In our conversation, she shared what it truly takes to turn a social following into a lasting brand. Her approach centers around a few essentials: embrace discomfort, stay grounded in your why, and remain open to the pivots that drive growth.
Below, get a close look at how she’s grown her platform and her number one tip for anyone entering the 30th Annual Webby Awards.
@homewithfarah
Will you believe me when I say I did my tree twice? | wanted to go with red and burgundy tones this year because my daughter requested it. The thing is, red and burgundy on a tree can easily go the wrong way and not feel balanced. It can easily feel like it’s too much or too little and to find that right balance, it took me two tries &. I didn’t want to over do it with decor this year. Keeping it simple with a touch of glam and lots of cozy. I’m all about keeping my home light and bright during the winter and cold season. It gets dark and gloomy outside our windows for months, so I love to keep things light, bright, warm and cozy to offset the dark gloomy winter days. Here’s how it all turned out #homedecorideas
♬ Suave – The Pianist & D’Michel leb
Tell us about your background and the expertise you’re bringing to the Academy.
I have been an influencer and an entrepreneur since 2008. I built my brand and company from the ground up. From creating content for my social platforms and growing my following to over 23 million followers across social media, to having my own company, designing my own furniture line, and product line. I have worked with brands over the years and worked on dream collaborations. I wrote a book, and I am currently working on my second book.
From experience on social media, to experience in branding, running an online retail store, collaborating with brands, designing products… It all started as a passion, and with drive and hard work, it became a brand that inspires and reaches homeowners worldwide. I bring to the Academy my experience as a social media influencer/creator in the home and home decor category, an entrepreneur, and an author.
What projects are you excited to work on?
I am currently working on expanding my collection of home decor and furniture. My second book is in the works and will be published soon. I am also working on a few other major projects that will be announced soon.
We’re always big on what’s next at The Webbys — what are you big on right now?
With the ever-changing landscape of the internet, social media, and the online world, my goal is to continue to evolve, pivot, and grow in ways that inspire and give homeowners everything they need to make their house a home. The world feels heavy with a lot of uncertainty, but we can always count on having our home be our escape and safe space to relax and unwind in. I am big on educating and encouraging homeowners to create a home they love and feel loved in. I am focusing on expanding what I do in different ways through different avenues that will allow me to continue to reach more people in ways that are beyond just social media.
If you had one tip or a piece of advice for this year’s entrants, what would it be?
What has carried me through all the changes and evolving landscape of the online world has always been consistency and staying true to myself. In a world where it feels like it’s hard to stand out because of how much is happening online, remember to stay unique in your approach and don’t let yourself feel lost.
Stay focused on your goals and passion, remember your why, always push yourself, and get uncomfortable because that’s when you know you are breaking boundaries. Stay open to pivoting and evolving without losing yourself and your why. People are looking for heart and soul, a way to connect with a brand and the people they follow. What will set you apart is you. Your unique viewpoint that makes you who you are.
Enter The Webby Awards by the Final Entry Deadline on Friday, Dec. 19!
A Webby Award shows the value of your work, proving that your vision breaks through in a competitive market. You also gain visibility from Webby Judges, representing the Internet’s foremost creators and innovators. For massive industry exposure, enter at entries.webbyawards.com!
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