From Fun to Financial Gain: How Anastasia (@aleynikovaa) woke up to 10 million views overnight.

Photos Courtesy of @aleynikovaa

For years, Anastasia Kovalchuk built her career as a personal stylist in Miami, never imagining that Instagram could be more than just a creative outlet. Like many, she believed the widespread perception that being an influencer wasn’t a "real job"—until she proved otherwise. Now, she’s turned her passion for fashion and beauty into a full-time career, and in this exclusive interview with Roe Magazine, she’s sharing her journey, struggles, and best-kept secrets for success.

The Turning Point: Realizing Instagram’s Potential

“I’ve had an Instagram page for 10 years, but I never thought of it as something I could earn money with,” Anastasia admits while applying her foundation. For the longest time, she kept her focus on her offline business, assuming that social media was more for fun than financial gain.

It wasn’t until a year ago that she decided to rethink everything. "I wanted more freedom, I wanted to do what I love—and that’s fashion," she shares. Selling her business was a big step, and not everyone understood her decision. “People were like, ‘Wait, you sold your business? Are you going to be an influencer now?’ They didn’t see it as a legitimate career.”

Fast forward to today, and Anastasia has built a thriving platform, proving that influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a business.

Staying Authentic in Brand Collaborations

As she blends her concealer, Anastasia opens up about one of the biggest challenges influencers face: authenticity. With so many brands eager to collaborate, it’s tempting to accept every offer—but she quickly learned the importance of being selective.

“I only work with brands that align with my niche and values,” she explains. “Sometimes I get offers to promote kids’ products or food, but I always turn them down because my focus is fashion and beauty.”

Her advice? Stick to what makes sense for your audience. “Your followers can sense when something isn’t authentic. They want to see the real you, not just another ad.”

The Secret to Growth: Consistency and Reels

When it comes to audience growth, Anastasia doesn’t sugarcoat the reality. "I won’t surprise you with this answer, but the key is consistency—no matter what."

She follows a strict posting schedule and makes sure to prioritize Reels, which she credits for 80% of her audience growth. But beyond just creating videos, she emphasizes the importance of value-driven content. “If you want to monetize your blog, create Reels that people can benefit from. That way, you attract the right audience—not just random followers.”

As she dabs on her favorite Tom Ford highlighter, she reflects on the shifting landscape of social media. “People are tired of seeing that perfect, curated image. They want real life. So don’t overcomplicate content—make it as natural and relatable as possible.”

The Viral Moment That Almost Didn’t Happen

Like many creators, Anastasia faced self-doubt. She spent four months posting daily with little traction. “I was ready to give up,” she admits. "I thought, ‘I put so much effort into this, and nothing is happening.’"

But the moment she stopped caring? Everything changed.

“One morning, I woke up, and my Reel had 10 million views overnight—and I gained 5,000 followers just like that.” It was proof that consistency pays off, even when it feels like no one is watching.

Pitching Yourself: Don’t Wait for Brands to Find You

As she perfects her lip combo with Dior lipliner and Tower 28 lipgloss, Anastasia shares a game-changing tip for influencers looking to secure brand deals: don’t wait for brands to reach out—pitch yourself.

“I used to think companies would just discover me,” she says. “But in reality, you need to take initiative.”

Her strategy? Create a media kit showcasing your blog, analytics, and why brands should work with you—then send it directly to the companies that align with your vision. "You’ll be surprised how many will want to collaborate!"

Final Advice for Aspiring Influencers

Anastasia’s biggest piece of wisdom? Stop comparing yourself to others.

“You need to find what makes you different and own it,” she says while adding a final touch of highlighter to her inner corners. "Even things you think are weaknesses can become your biggest strengths."

And above all—just start. “You won’t see instant success, but if you stay consistent and do what you love, you’ll get there. And when it finally happens, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

With her glowing, dewy look complete, Anastasia flashes a smile. "That’s it for today—see you next time!"

🎥 Watch Anastasia's full GRWM and influencer journey on Roe Magazine’s YouTube