Hashtag Authentic: Finding Creativity and Building a Community on Instagram and Beyond

Instagram is the fastest growing of all social media platforms, with 400 million monthly active users worldwide - half of whom are under the age of twenty-five. While some use the app as a personal networking tool, many also use it to build their creative business endeavours; whether in food and drink or fashion and lifestyle.
 
Sara Tasker has done just that, and since setting up her account whilst on maternity leave in 2013, has become an Instagram coach, iPhoneographer and social media influencer. Her chronicle of authentic everyday life and her mindful Me and Orla blog has developed into a business in which she provides access to free social media tips and creative business advice, alongside some hugely popular paid for e-courses for independent creatives.
  

Sara Tasker is an award-winning blogger, business coach and social media guru. 
 Since starting her Instagram account @me_and_orla while on maternity leave in 2013, she has become a celebrated influencer and iPhoneographer, garnering legions of followers through her calm, atmospheric and authentic style. 
Her podcast, Hashtag Authentic, regularly sits at the top of the iTunes charts thanks to its high-profile guests and honest, actionable advice for creative business owners. 

 Sara's work provides a counter-point to the popular negative attitudes around social media, influencers and screen-time, and shows how bringing these tools together can help us to build a life where we can truly thrive.

Sara hails from Manchester and lives in the Yorkshire hills with her daughter, Orla, her husband, and an impractical number of pets.