Abigail Ratchford Interview

Instagram's Most Fashionable Beauty Influencer

After a photographer friend shot her first photoshoot and posted her pictures on his site, she was immediately swarmed with attention from numerous men's interest sites. In 2014 she moved to LA where her modeling career took off and her social media following grew drastically. Her video, More Bounce to the Ounce, immediately attracted the attention of TMZ and went viral, and since she has since been featured everywhere including Sports Illustrated magazine's Lovely Lady of the Day and regularly in MAXIM.

Abigail has an electric drive and passion, and her own creative energy is the brilliant force behind the ideas for all of her videos. More than just a pretty face, Abigail's comedic chops also went viral on her recent Funny or Die appearance.

Interview with Abigail Ratchford

Question: How did you develop your loyal Instagram following?

Abigail Ratchford: It all started about 3 ½ -4 years ago. I began sensing what my fans wanted and learning their patterns of likes. I made sure to keep a mix of selfies with editorial and shoots to make my Instagram fun. After a while I made a twitter account to have a more interactive and personal experience with my fans and keep them loyal. That mixture had such a positive effect because my followers got became engaged with my life and projects.


Question: When did you realise you were a social media star?

Abigail Ratchford: It all started when TMZ posted a bio video of me and almost overnight I had thousands of new followers as well as brands, designers and photographers reaching out to work with me. That video pushed my stardom.


Question: What do you choose to share on SnapChat that you don't show on Instagram?

Abigail Ratchford: SnapChat offers a behind the scenes look on my life and projects I work on. I get to share fun tid bits, funny moments and create a full story. Instagram is more of the curated finished product.

Question: How do you decide what photos to share on Instagram?

Abigail Ratchford: I have learned to understand my audience and my fans. They really like selfies because it's a more intimate and personal view into my life. I also try to choose 2 or 3 photos from a shoot into a multi pic Insta to show my creative side. It's great to mix and match between shoots and selfies.


Question: What advice do you have for those of us who want to keep our Instagram interesting?

Abigail Ratchford: As I mentioned, it's key to knowing your audience. Mixing between shoots, working with different photographers and selfies keeps it interesting and helps you to not become one dimensional. Another factor is understanding your body, I know how to flaunt my curves and achieve the glamor in that. Also, it's important to evolve with your fans, that's why it's important to be proactive and engage with comments.


Question: How do you ensure Instagram doesn't negatively impact your life?

Abigail Ratchford: Everyone who has a big following knows that with that comes a lot of haters, trolls and people who love to be negative. The key is to not give them any reaction. I usually block them and delete their comment and engage in conversation with positive followers to keep the vibe upbeat and respectful.


Question: Can you please share your top tips for achieving flawless and glowing skin, like yours, with us?

Abigail Ratchford: I can't emphasise enough the importance of washing your face before you go to bed every night
Exfoliate once a week Wear sunscreen always, no matter what climate you're in.
Stick with a brand. Mixing with too many skincare brands can leave your skin really dry. I find it most gentle & effective when I use one brands skincare line on my face.
A skincare line I'm into right now is a Japanese brand called Tatcha. Their cleansers and creams work wonders and can be found at Sephora.


Question: What five products could you not live without?

Abigail Ratchford: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
Mac Lip Pencil, either Soar or Whirlwind
Moroccan Oil for soft and shiny hair
Making sure the skin care product you use has Hyaluronic acid as it is a powerful, moisture binding ingredient


Question: Do you have a morning routine, can you share it with us?

Abigail Ratchford: My morning routine starts off by waking up and order Starbucks via Postmates. When I have time, I stock up on these awesome Korean Face Masks near my house In Koreatown (K-Town). They offer so many options to choose from and at an affordable price! I leave the mask on for about 35 minutes and look through my emails. Unless I'm working that day I try to not apply makeup every day.


Question: Can you tell us about what's next for you? (vlogs etc.)

Abigail Ratchford: I'm excited to announce that I'm working my own skincare line called Baby Face Beauty. I hope to launch by February 2018. I'm a product junkie so it's important that I put something out that is simple and easy to use. I want each set and bundle to include three products like eye creme, moisturiser and cleanser that can be easily used in your daily skincare routine.

Interview by Brooke Hunter