The questions and comments du jour that many of you pose to people like me or overheard in casual converstation is “What is an influencer? Who is an influencer? We don’t really understand what this is.” Nervously laughing and awkwardly inquiring, people tease and joke about the superficiality associated with saying “oh, I’m an influencer.”

To me, I see the job a little differently than others do. I take this position, this role as an influencer, more seriously. My story goes back to who I am, where I’m from, and how this whole movement became a thing.

Rewind to when I was in Kindergarten in the 1980’s at Franklin Montessori School in North Potomac Maryland. I remember my very first stage role was as the wizard in “The Wizard of Oz” -- yes, it was that quiche of a performance. I have always attracted a lot of attention and always entertained those around me (whether I was trying to or not) throughout my life. In hindsight, I honestly now know I was exactly the person I am today, 30+ years ago. After “The Wizard of Oz,” I took up theatre as a talent of mine and challenged myself creatively for many years to follow. Throughout my upbringing, I was a singer, dancer, and actor-- a triple threat if you will. Never shy of the spotlight, I always curated an audience and took them on a journey to tell some sort of story.

As I grew up, I realized I never had a single clique; I was friends with everyone. I was involved in a little bit of everything: theatre, sports, event organizing, philanthropy, designing, traveling fraternity life, you name it. I was always sharing, sometimes very passionately, my opinion, my perspective, and my recommendations for all things creative.

*That’s a Wrap, for now … Orbitz Pride campaign photoshoot May 16, 2019.*

My young self didn’t even realize this could be a profession. Throughout college I was seeking ways to be more, well, Timur, “Ti” (be) “mur” (haha, get it?).

I started my business in 2005. With that, came events, leadership opportunities, failures, and successes. A lot of things happened while I was learning who I was and expressing myself through my business projects: I ended up taking on the role as “promoter.” Back in the day, this is how the media world referred to a person who is now known as an “influencer.”

*Fashion’s Night Out, Early-Pre Autumn, 2018*

People with significant impact, following, and ability to create a platform for sharing events, ideas, services, perspectives were all enclosed under this title of “promoter.” No matter what it was, I have always liked to share and I have always loved people 🥰.

People are our products as influencers; It’s the audience that are our products.

*Before speaking on a panel representing The Mayor’s Office of Washington, DC as 1 of 20 creative leaders in the city #WeDC House at SXSW Austin, TX 2019*

I learned this over many years of being a creative person and professional, a marketing manager and marketing and creative director. Having my own bold personality and never shy of the camera or publicity, or of anything actually, I tried to grow this business until I eventually needed to escape this platform that I was standing on.

I felt a strong energy pushing me to leave D.C. for California and new opportunities to build my professional self that did not come with so much attention. I went to San Francisco to be removed from said attention, but realized that no matter what I do, or where I go, attention follows. It has always flocked towards me.

*305 Fitness, on-going partnership, Spring 2019 Ad Campaign*

I eventually came back to D.C., as many of my friends and followers would know, and made the decision to embrace this platform, this role, and the chance to make the most of my ability to captivate people’s attention. I’ve used my platform to give back to not just D.C., but also to the world through launching brands, products, businesses, events, experiences, and connecting people from all different cultures and backgrounds.

I’m so fortunate that everything I love and am passionate about I’ve been able to utilize as a launching pad for the community and beyond. To me, that’s truly what an influencer is.

*Dogust at Dacha event hosted at retained client for creative direction, Dacha Navy Yard, for a #NationalDogDay Yappy Hour for 30+ dogs. August, 2019*

My most recent endeavors with the Chappy app, Dacha Navy Yard & Dacha Beer Garden, Barry’s Bootcamp, Orbitz Travel, Washington Blade, etc. have been true and sincere passions of mine. I do not work with those who I cannot support and depict their stories, and frankly, vice versa. I pride myself on authentic work and I strive to push that on all who interact with me.

*First Barry’s + Chappy app collaboration at #BarrysDC Washington, DC. July, 2019*

Speaking of The Washington Blade, it is truly an honor to work with The Blade to host the Best of Gay D.C. awards at Dacha Navy Yard with presenting partner Chappy-- all of my favorite clients.

I am also nominated for best local influencer for the second year in a row!

*Nominated Best Local Influencer, 2018 & 2019, Washington Blade “Best of Gay DC Awards”*

I am genuinely excited about this event and all the incredible people and businesses it brings together. In support of my position as a natural storyteller, click here to place your vote for me as best influencer so I can add this accolade to the many on my lifelong wishlist of professional accomplishments and to promote the stories of incredible individuals and companies around the District.

I’m so grateful for all of your constant devotion and support over the past few years. Being an influencer is really about having the ability to connect and confidently engage with an audience near and far. It’s a ton of work, but it’s the utmost pleasure to be able to do this professionally.