Flight Of Spice’s Diana Carolina Shares Travel Adventures And Beauty Tips With Ample Doses Of Glamour

Flight of Spice creator Diana Carolina can’t easily be placed in the usual box of an average beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger. A product designer, artist, certified yoga instructor and globetrotter who formerly worked at the United Nations, she doesn’t adhere to a vapid stereotype. And that’s the whole point. “Don’t assume a woman can only be one thing. We may be mothers and still be sexy. Devoted wives, yet always independent. Powerful business women, but love to play dress up,” says Carolina in an Instagram post. “It’s just a matter of who we want to be today – and how we want you to perceive us.” Regardless of the side of personality or aspect of her career that’s at the forefront, she has a glamorous streak that’s appealing to both followers and brands such as La Mer and La Prairie. Beauty Independent caught up with Carolina to discuss her role as an influencer, the impact of motherhood on her personal care choices, her multi-pronged approach to featuring products, the unchallenged reign of Instagram and her current focus.

You’ve lived in nine countries. Did any of them have a significant impact your idea of beauty?

I certainly think they all have in a different way, but my real passion for beauty started in South America. In Colombia, they take such good care and put so much effort into their appearance. They are religious with their beauty routines, and it really set an example. They also use a lot of home remedies. And I vividly remember in Costa Rica being in awe of how they use nature as their source of beauty and nutrition. I learned something from each place, and I’m thankful to carry it with me and use it in my routines.

You’ve had many different facets of your career. Are you blogging full-time now?

My balance has certainly shifted. Right now, I just came out of my maternity leave, and I’m just getting back into things. My brother took over the majority of the design company [Alva De La Selva], and I do have another business in the works, but, for now, I’m really feeling the focus on blogging. It’s been hard to juggle everything, so this feels like the right space.

Is there anything you’ve learned from your other endeavors that helped with blogging?

Oh, yes. In terms of design, I developed an eye and aesthetic preference over the years, and I really appreciate who is behind the brand. I enjoy learning about what went into the materials, the design and the inspiration of each line, all of the unseen things that truly adds value to a brand. As for the U.N., I worked in the environmental sector, so I’m always looking for that element, from packaging to materials. Both fashion and beauty can come across very superficial, so when a brand aims to go beyond and convey a socially conscious message, it’s very important.

How did your blog start?

It was when I was working at the U.N. I wanted to start a magazine or at least write an environmental blog. That’s how it started, and no one read it. So, I started expanding and covering organic markets that I would visit in different locations and incorporated posting photos of myself. It was then it started to pick up. So, it all sort of evolved to this day.

Did you have any idea that you would become an influencer?

No, not in a million years. At first, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea, the focus on me, but, now, I love the job. I have access to meeting so many different people. As a regular consumer, you don’t get this experience often. You don’t see what goes into the process, so I feel really privileged to have access to that. And the events, seeing the trends firsthand, using my creative aspect, and bringing an inspirational aspect to it, that made me start to enjoy it.

What do you wish brands knew about working with influencers?

I would like brands to understand that we need to use a product first in order to really honestly talk about it. I want to guarantee my followers that it’s a good thing. You can’t just throw money at it. We need to have a conversation, and I need to have an experience with the product.

How do you choose which products or brands to feature?

I prefer them to be clean in regards to ingredients or be highly innovative. Then, I usually test the products. I have really sensitive skin. So, if it works for me, I usually find it works for many. Then, I’m comfortable moving forward promoting it.

How do you prefer to work with brands?

Right now, I’m launching an IGTV series every third week solely focused on beauty. Then, I do many sponsored posts [and] film YouTube channel reviews. Anything that is sponsored also becomes a post on the blog. Having this well-rounded approach goes a lot further as far as what the consumer understands.

Has being a new mom changed the brands you select?

Yes. There was a definite switch to more clean beauty when I got pregnant, and [I was] really being aware of what I was putting on my body. I am going back to some of those that are a blend of natural ingredients and innovative advancements because you do have to find what works, and it’s hard to find that balance. I think it’s about what you want to teach your children and their future habits specifically [around] making smart choices when it comes to the environmental impact.

Why do you think the indie beauty movement has gathered such momentum?

It’s the care that goes into the products: the small-batch production, the passion, the people who know what works for them and sharing it with those that need it. Mass produced and generalized doesn’t work because you’re not being catered to.

You’re attending Indie Beauty New York next week. What brands are you most excited to see?

I’m truly excited to discover and explore all of the brands that are being conscious about their ingredient sourcing and environmental impact. So many are going to be there! A few that stood out are Terra Origins, Raw Spirit, Sea Buck, Persika, Biomilk, Mineral Air and Raw Chemistry.

What are your thoughts about the progression of social media?

It’s the question all influencers are discussing. Back when Instagram changed the algorithm and everything felt stagnant, I thought it was going to collapse. But, now with Stories and IGTV, which could never replace YouTube because it’s essentially a search engine, I think they’ll stay on top as long as they’re innovative. Other things will pop in and out, but, for now, it seems to be the constant.

What’s next for you?

What’s next for me is taking the blog to the next level and really getting back to it after having my daughter. My creative elements are flowing, so [I’m] more into sharing that and creating more partnerships. I also plan to be more focused and selective about who I partner with. It sounds cheesy, but I want to create something my daughter can be proud of. Enjoying what I do on a daily basis is a priority for me.