Influencer and resident fashionista Ashley Bruzas is not letting quarantine hold her captive. Despite social distancing guidelines, Bruzas is utilizing time indoors to continue building her brand, Veronika Stealz. Over the years, she has worked on content and strategy for Nike, Converse, Moose Knuckles and more; indeed, in 2018, she moved to New York City to work directly with emerging direct-to-consumer companies in the nation’s leading media industries. As influencer marketing shifts in the face of the coronavirus, Bruzas touches on how Veronika Stealz has grown over the years and her plan to unleash her creativity amid the outbreak. 

What made you decide to launch your personal brand, Veronika Stealz?

It’s crazy to think that five years ago, I was in a university with a whole bunch of extra time, and I found myself exploring the creative side of myself. I was living in Toronto and had access to a cool community of photographers, brands and creatives. I got into photography, blogging and networking long before the idea of the “influencer” came about. It wasn’t necessarily about making money and a career, more so about the community and things I could learn. Veronika Stealz came naturally—nothing was planned. It just made sense at the time. It was fun and probably one of the smartest decisions I’ve made from a professional growth standpoint. I’ve learned a lot. 


How would you describe your brand? What message are you trying to get across?

At the beginning, I was really focused on being myself, using lots of color and fun concepts. I didn’t really have a plan. As things started to progress, it was all about business. I wanted to be myself but also focus on travel opportunities and lifestyle content. I think Veronika Stealz as an entity is about self-expression, having fun and being friendly with like-minded communities. 


What is your favorite fashion brand you’ve collaborated with to date and why?

I’ve worked with so many over time. Ultimately, my favorite would probably be Nike, Moose Knuckles or Peace Collective. Being a part of their processes and watching their visions come to life was inspiring. They taught me a lot about branding.


How has quarantine affected the way you curate social media content?

It’s an interesting time. A lot of us are spending more time on our phones, and there are more eyes on social media. What’s really important now for influencers and brands is being active, sharing positive messages and content. Influencers should motivate their communities. It has been great to see brands who are supporting good causes and personalities who are shifting to lifestyle, wellness and beauty. I like to curate social media content based on trendy, thought-provoking and forward-thinking brand messaging. Mejuri and Dagne Dover are doing that really well.


What recommendations do you have for fellow social media influencers trying to make the best of their situation?

Keep the content flowing. Make a schedule. Reach out to brands or other influencers in your circle who might want to connect. You may have to lower costs or think creatively about content pitches, but at the same time, there are long term rewards. Staying positive and active throughout these times will be crucial for the brands and content creators who want to come out of this in a productive way. You may not have control over the virus, but you have control over how you want to look forward. 


What, in your opinion, is the future of fashion?

I think the future of fashion is online and personal: influencers, brands and communities sharing looks. We buy based on what we like and how other people are wearing it. Magazines and editorials help brands come to life and share their vision, but the reality is that UGC (user generated content) is the future. We want to see the woman or consumer, and we want to see ourselves in that brand or vision. As brands and creators invest more time in creating digital content that is unique and personal to their following, brands will become online rather than in stores. 

Follow Ashley on Social Media:

Instagram: @veronikastealz 

Website: whoisveronika.com