Our chat with Madeline covered all the most important topics, from wine to beer and even whiskey. A woman who had the strength to leave a toxic relationship, concentrate on self-love, and the love of whiskey and beer and family values. You definitely do not want to miss reading this interview.
Madeline, we like to kick things off with you telling us a little about yourself. Give us a little background on how the “Madelinereginaceleste” came about.
MRC: Hey guys! So my name is Madeline Regina Celeste. My mom named me Madeline after her favorite childhood author, Regina is the name of my Aunt & God Mother, and Celeste is actually my confirmation name. I previously went by “mjfyb_mrc” which stood for Made Just For You By Madeline Regina Celeste. My profile has always been a reflection of my hobbies and what I’m up to- so I’ve kept it simple with my name as the title.
Why did you start @madelinereginaceleste on Instagram of all the social media platforms?
MRC: I started it as a photoblog actually. I found Instagram years ago looking for a photo editing app! I used to love working with photoshop and other editing programs, so IG was a quick and easy way to play with photos.
We’d love to hear about how your passion for beer and other spirits such as whiskey came about?
MRC: I made wine for my 21st birthday, and really bonded with my parents over it. I actually did not start liking beer until a couple of years after I turned 21… But drinking beer has always been a way that I bonded with my dad. As much as I enjoyed making wine, I have found that the beer community has been more accepting and people within the community are always eager to hang out- I love an excuse to be social. I’ve spent a good amount of time touring wineries and breweries.
Whiskey I’ve been discovering over the last two years or so. I have more of a respect for whiskey- it’s not a gulp or enticing because of cool can art… it’s an experience in each sip. It’s something that takes time and deserves my full attention. My first sip of Pappy was by chance- I was sitting at a bar at MGM National Harbor, and a (fairly intoxicated) passerby bought me a shot. I was instantly in love. I’ve found that someone with the patience to chat whiskey is a friend worth having.
What do you think is the most important quality for the micro-influencer to possess?
MRC: I appreciate the people that participate! It’s not just the #ad or the photo- I love people that respond to comments and messages. It really is about the community. Honesty in reviews is important… but everyone’s taste will always be a little different. It’s about the people!
What advice would you give craft beer distilleries or beer companies looking to use the Instagram social media platform to grow their brand’s image?
MRC: Respond to your fans! I freaking love when I send a shout out and someone from the business takes the time to acknowledge it- get to know your biggest followers by name. We don’t need free stuff to be motivated to love you- but being recognized as a supporter always feels good.
What is your stance on influencers being paid to post about brands? Should influencers be transparent regarding payment for posts?
MRC: I think transparency is important- we’ve learned a lot from the brand ambassadors that got in trouble for Frye Festival. I think if someone can monetize a passion, that’s great! I’m an American, haha. But transparency is fair to followers.
How do you think the rise of influencer accounts on Instagram has impacted on the way that people discover restaurants/beer/bars/food?
MRC: I personally use it all the time for discovery- I’m hoping it’s a gateway to us having even more access to discovery. For example, my dad‘s birthday is this weekend and we want to travel to Richmond to spend the day celebrating. I wish there was a more streamlined way for me to just search events on Instagram because I don’t have Facebook right now. Shoot- someone set up a way for me to find food trucks nearby me!
I also love following hashtags to see even more content in my feed.
I appreciate the people that participate! It’s not just the #ad or the photo- I love people that respond to comments and messages. It really is about the community. Honesty in reviews is important… but everyone’s taste will always be a little different. It’s about the people! – Madeline Celeste
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential for success?
MRC: Positivity. I loathe these pages that post negative things about other pages or brands. There have been several times I’ve been tempted to unfollow a page for its negative posts in stories. It’s unnecessary- do you, feel good about it. We don’t need to tear each other apart.
Do you get approached by a lot of brands that want you to promote their products? What is your protocol for dealing with those offers?
MRC: Not necessarily- I’ve just recently found myself with the freedom to say yes to opportunity, though. I’m always open to collaborate. The one thing I won’t pair up with is anything shower beer related. I’m just not a fan haha- a company offered to send me a few things to post about shower beers but I don’t drink in the shower, so I declined.
What do you wish brands knew before approaching you on Instagram?
MRC: I’m always looking for a sense of direction. Tell me what you’re hoping to accomplish in working with me, so I can better meet and exceed those goals. I’d hate for anyone to walk away disappointed after working with me.
On a personal note, what are some of the most important things in your life?
MRC: My dog Donny! And after recently separating from an incredibly toxic relationship… right now myself. We get too caught up in living in someone else’s image. Right now what’s most important to me is taking care of myself, and then being the best version of myself around others. Cheers!
