Chapter 28

Chapter 28 of We Solve Murders follows the evolution of Bonnie Gregor, an influencer who started her journey with humble beginnings. What began as a simple Instagram post of a pink toilet door quickly grew into a social media sensation. Within just a year, Bonnie’s follower count had surged to 14,000, a stark contrast to the modest start of sharing images with family and friends. A seemingly insignificant post caught the attention of the masses, with even Fearne Cotton’s mother sharing it, catapulting Bonnie to influencer status. This chapter reveals the surprising speed at which social media fame can be achieved, even from the most unexpected beginnings.

Reflecting on her rise to fame, Bonnie scrolls through her Instagram and remembers the early days when her #LooWithAView post initially only garnered four likes, with most coming from supportive friends or a persistent bot from South Korea. She recalls her initial attempts at social media fame, including a brief and unsuccessful attempt at a picture of Harry Styles, which she discarded as disrespectful. Bonnie credits her friend Reba for encouraging her to see the potential in her growing audience, with 14,000 followers officially classifying her as an influencer. This newfound label pushes Bonnie to seriously consider the possibility of turning her social media presence into a viable career path. Her self-reflection on this transition highlights the ease with which someone can go from casual sharing to a more purposeful career in the digital world.

Despite experiencing some setbacks—such as her follower count dipping after the initial buzz from the toilet door post—Bonnie quickly adapted. She creatively painted “ILoveMyKitchen” on her cabinet, which sparked a renewed interest in her content. This creative effort led her to turn her home into a space for her digital activism, decorating her walls with various slogans. Although she quickly realized she had run out of wall space to decorate, this phase in her journey shows how influencers often use their environment as a canvas for self-expression. Bonnie’s ability to adapt and think outside the box, despite facing challenges, is an important element of the influencer world, where staying relevant and engaging is key to growth.

Arriving in Letchworth Garden City, Bonnie feels a blend of nervousness and excitement as she prepares for an important meeting with Felicity Woollaston of Vivid Viral Media. Before the meeting, she takes a moment to immerse herself in the picturesque surroundings, snapping photos of her marketing efforts along the way. She takes the opportunity to place a sticker on a bench, capturing the moment with a photo and sharing it on Instagram, eager for the instant validation of likes and comments. The quick surge in engagement boosts her confidence and reinforces her belief in the power of social media to bring positivity to a world that can sometimes seem filled with negativity. Bonnie’s understanding of social media’s impact on personal branding is clear as she continues to build her presence with each post.

As Bonnie walks toward her meeting with Felicity, she reflects on her aspirations for the future. Despite her growing social media success, Bonnie feels that her current projects barely cover her expenses, and her day job is still essential to support her. However, with a wealth of creative ideas in mind, she is hopeful that Felicity can help her monetize her passions and transform her digital presence into a full-time career. Bonnie’s desire to learn from Felicity about the strategies that can turn her dreams into reality speaks to the common journey of many influencers striving to make the leap from hobbyists to professionals. Her understanding that success requires both big dreams and the right guidance is a crucial lesson for anyone navigating the complexities of turning a passion into a career.