The debut edition of Forbes' Top Influencers global list ranks thirty social media icons across three categories: Beauty, Fitness and Home. Between the 30 social media stars, these honorees have a combined following of approximately 250 million, earning up to $300,000 per post.
Topping Forbes' list in the Home category is Grace Bonney, a New Yorker whose Design*Sponge blog reaches a million readers a month, with brands like Ann Taylor, West Elm and 3M paying to partner with her. Another name in the Home category's top 10 is familiar to the rug industry: CocoCozy, a licensing partner with Capel Rugs.
The Top Influencers global list will be published quarterly, ranking ten superstars from each of three unique categories per launch.
"For years, Forbes has ranked 'traditional' celebrities, like TV and film stars," said Clare O'Connor, a staff writer for Women@Forbes who edited Forbes' Top Influencers list. "This year, we decided it was time to take a look at folks using social media to earn both fame and, in many cases, multi-million-dollar fortunes. We'll continue to track this burgeoning economy, which will evolve as platforms like Snapchat rise in prominence and brand new competitors inevitably emerge."
"It's time to recognize the influencer economy as a legitimate entrepreneurial pursuit," added Christina Vuleta, Vice President of Forbes Women's Digital Network. "These social innovators are creating markets around their lives, and passions and fulfilling a need for millions of people who want to hear from them versus a traditional brand sponsor."
The debut edition of Forbes' Top Influencers global list ranks thirty social media icons across three categories: Beauty, Fitness and Home. Between the 30 social media stars, these honorees have a combined following of approximately 250 million, earning up to $300,000 per post.
In the Debut Edition of Forbes' Top Influencers in Beauty, Fitness and Home Zoe 'Zoella' Sugg (#1 in Beauty) is a 27-year-old British beauty blogger with over 11.6 million YouTube subscribers and a bestselling line of candles, lotions and accessories at U.K. chain Superdrug. Number one on the fitness list is Kayla Itsines whose 'Sweat With Kayla' app generated $17 million in revenue in 2016 (according to App Annie), making the 25-year-old Australian the Internet's undisputed workout queen.
CAPEL RUGS WITH COCOCOZY
Cococozy's partnership with Capel Rugs started in 2013, when she launched a new program of five collections and 24 rugs. Since that time, her Cococozy for Capel program has steadily grown to include a variety of styles, constructions and price points. At the October High Point Market, the COCOCOZY for Capel Rugs line added four new collections, including the highly popular Finesse Tower Court design and the Color Block design.
"We're so excited that Coco has been honored this way," said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts for Capel Rugs. "She is an amazing blogger and communicator with inspiring, relatable messages and tips for today's busy women. And she's also a highly talented designer with a knack for creating fashion-forward rugs and textiles that are both livable and affordable."
Cococozy also has a licensing deal with Mirth Studio for painted wood floor tiles, and makes her own line of pillows, throws, home textiles and accessories.
"A television executive by day who prefers to remain 'pseudonymous,' the blogger behind Cococozy started out in 2008 at the behest of a friend," said Forbes in the profile it posted about Cococozy on its website. "Since (then), she's grown an online presence into a fully-fledged textiles and furnishings brand."
"Blogging is not easy, so you have to love what you do," said Coco in explaining her success. "You have to love what you are talking about, you have to love to story-tell and you have to have dedication and consistency. I enjoy every minute of sharing my point of view on décor, design, fashion, entertaining and more," said Coco. "Through my blog, I also try to encourage other women to pursue their passions and dreams."
FORBES TOP 10 HOME BLOGGERS