These Columbus social media influencers have the rizz right now. See who to follow
In an attempt to highlight some of Columbus’ most successful online entrepreneurs, I seem to have missed a few key individuals and accounts. The response to the first article was overwhelming, and a lot of people reached out to let me know who’s who in the Columbus, Georgia, social media game.
Statistics show that the market size has more than tripled since 2019, topping out at $24 billion this year. While Instagram used to be the biggest game in town when it comes to influencers and social media marketing, TikTok has caught up or even overtaken the Instagram market.
A closer look at our local digital economy revealed that Columbus and the surrounding areas has given rise to quite a few influencers savvy enough to reach these high follower numbers. Here are a few more locals who are making a major impact in the virtual space.
Jake Koehler- 13.8m YouTube subscribers and 2.2m TikTok followers
Aptly dubbed Scuba Jake, he spends most of his time diving for treasure. He has aided in police searches, pulled a long lost trunk from the bottom of the Chattahoochee, and found more lost rings and watches than he could use in a lifetime. For all his efforts in helping Columbus find their lost items, the city officially named Oct. 2, 2018 Jake Koehler Day. He also makes content about nature and the outdoors and has an online outdoor apparel shop, DALLYMYD, where you can find clothes for all sorts of adventures.
Marquay the Goat - 6.6m TikTok followers - 375k Instagram followers - 261k YouTube subscribers
Better known as Marquay Collins, he is a 19-year-old phenom. It all started with his impression of a helicopter (see above for what I mean by this) Marquay has a robust following across several platforms, and is one of the most successful content creators by any metric. His content is pretty fun covering all sorts of things about food, reviews, cars and general lifestyle stuff. His mother, Sandra Collins, has her own substantial online following and they often collaborate on sketches or comedy bits.
Princess - 130k Instagram followers
Princess Ahkeebha Ali is a successful makeup artist and model. Self-described as “revolutionary,” she first discovered her love for her craft in middle school when she used her mom’s Mac makeup and seven brushes. She thought to herself, “I don’t know how to do makeup… but I know how to paint, I’ll just pretend my face is a canvas” and haven’t looked back.” She was interviewed by Teen Vogue for her inspired makeup looks and has represented some major beauty brands.
Lulie Wallace - 105k Instagram followers
Lulie majored in art at the College of Charleston and started painting shortly after. Her art is meant to be a reflection of who she is. She enjoys joyful, thoughtful people and her work challenges her to evolve for the better. She also works with textile design and her work has been featured in Coastal Living, luxe. Southern Living, Atlanta Homes, Garden and Gun and Real Simple. Lulie works with her friend and partner, Teal, to offer a little of this and little of that at their shop, Mish Mash in Highside Market in Columbus.
Teal Duncan - 101k Instagram followers
Born and raised right here in Columbus, Georgia, Teal has become a staple in the local cultural community. She says her inspiration comes from her family, her faith and by the light and movement of her environment. She also owns a shop in Columbus’ new Highside, Mish Mash with partner (and other creator on this list) Lulie Wallace.
Evelyn Henson - 85.5K Instagram followers
Evelyn first discovered her love of art after making a painting for Mother’s Day when she was in college. She follows the idea that “painting is a celebration of life” and has made her mark with personalized gifts like mugs, fine art, calendars, ornaments and puzzles, all with your pet’s face. Her work has appeared in Glamour, Domino, People, Southern Living, Garden and Gun and Martha Stewart.
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