You follow them, you know them, some may say they “influence you.” Social media influencers are everywhere these days, but did you know that there are some even in your backyard? Meet the social media trendsetters of Columbia Heights.
From food to fashion to photography, these Instagrammers know how to collect a gathering and all live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood.
@frenchieyankee
Known for his breathtaking photos of DC and beyond, David is always finding the perfect shots. Finding pretty streets, houses, and interiors that catch his eye. David is always looking for “moody corners of the city, bright, and colorful sunrises and sunsets, [and]travel pictures.” To David, a photo worth sharing is something that “makes people feel something and have an emotion, whether it be happiness, sadness, intrigued, anger, [or]joy. And if people become engaged, it’s definitely a nice perk to be able to share more with them.”
David has three amazing spots in Columbia Heights for photos. For him, Malcolm X Park (especially after a rainy day), the Coupe, and the houses on Monroe Street NW between 16th and 14th Street NW. However, David also had this to say about Columbia Heights: “It is so vibrant, so alive; I am so happy it was my home for the past 4.5 years.”
@brandonvan
With his “feeling-cute-might-delete-later” vibes, Brandon gives his crowd more than just selfies. Throughout his feed, you can see that Brandon is a great ASL interpreter—interpreting everything from Billie Eilish to Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. However, Brandon hinted there may be more in the future, such as food creations and home economics.
Brandon has been part of the community of Columbia Heights for two and a half years. His Instagram stories and posts often feature unique alleyways within the area. Brandon loves to “veer off to some cute little brick runway between some family homes,” he says. “There are little worlds in between everything” in Columbia Heights.
@misschristiegirl
Christie started her account for “women who crave and are passionate about movement.” Her Instagram is filled with fitness, dance, and inspiration for her followers to be their best selves. Fitness has been a big part of her lifestyle. She loves to move and stay active.
For beginners, she advices that people start with an activity that they LOVE to do, “whether it’s dancing, playing tennis, or going for an evening stroll. Once you get up and moving, it’s more natural to want to add movement into your daily routine.”
One of the places she suggests for a walk and possible photoshoot is Meridian Hill Park. You also might be able to catch her there, walking her dog, Prince.
@chelsey_dc
Stunning family portraits and stories “filled with a mix of advocacy posts, inspiring art/quotes, and parenting memes.” Chelsey’s Instagram is one to definitely check out. One of the reasons that Chelsey’s Instagram is so popular is because when she does post, “it is usually to capture a particularly joyful or meaningful moment or memory.” Before COVID, Chelsey and her beautiful family could be seen at the Tubman, Trolley, Girard St. Playgrounds, and the Columbia Heights Famers Market. However, slowly but surely, her family is starting to venture out again, “with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in-hand.”
Currently, Chelsey loves to share rooftop views and the murals that are available throughout the neighborhood. Examples are the ones at Tubman, 14th and Irving, and Bloombars.
@tylerwesterfield
Tyler’s Instagram is a “collection of sweet treats and savory dishes” that he makes for friends and family. Tyler loves entertaining, and Instagram is his method of documenting his hard work. For him, baking and cooking are forms of relaxation as well as space to be creative. “I am a very visual persona, and my Instagram is the perfect outlet to show off my treats,” says Tyler.
Tyler got into entertaining his guests with his culinary skills when he was young. Growing up, his family would have parties to “celebrate just about anything, from pool parties to celebrate summer birthdays to festive Halloween parties. I always enjoyed helping my family prep for the parties by decorating to making the food. I think that is what sparked my interest in baking, cooking, and entertaining.”
Before COVID, Tyler could be found shopping around at all the different farmer’s markets for fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Right now he’s sticking closer to home and visiting stores like the Black Lion Market on 14th Street. The Black Lion Market has “a great selection of items you need and some you didn’t think you need[ed]. One day I walked in and decided to pick up some fresh injera and berbere spice, took them home and made injera crisps with yellow lentil dip!”
@pandasantoro
Amanda is known for her quirky, stylish, and vintage looks on Instagram. Her content is focused on her plants, style, food and drinks, home decor, and favorite local businesses. Amanda sees her Instagram as “a creative outlet and a networking opportunity. In the last few years, I’ve been connecting with other local creatives, photographers, thrifters, foodies, small business owners digitally, and building relationships.” To her, supporting local D.C. businesses is an important concept.
For Amanda, a picture is worth posting if it speaks to her: “from vibrant colors to my favorite local spots, or a fun photoshoot concept I’ve thought of and styled.” Some of her favorite spots are anything with simply textured brick walls, local restaurants, or shops. “Unique backdrops can be found on every block.”
@this_is_awkward
Reana has something that will surely get your attention: her sharp, bold content. Currently, she is posting more “home-based content, [meaning]garden photos, fashion/style photos, and the obligatory cat and food (but not cat food) content.” However, with experience as a freelance photographer, it is no wonder she captures the mood as easily as she does.
To her, a photo worth posting is “well-composed and edited in addition to being an image that sparks emotion in me and moves me to share it.” She uses Instagram to “share photos and bits of writing and poetry as a form of personal expression, as art.” Recently, she’s been using her captions to share personal journaling or a looser form of poetry.
Currently, her garden has been her local inspiration. “I love being around the plants, and every day they’re doing something new and interesting.”
