Check Out Vikee Koh’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vikee Koh.

Hi Vikee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved fashion. My nickname in middle school was Designer Diva and it stuck lol. Before moving to Charlotte 10 years ago, I started following several people in the Fashion Scene here.

I made sure to connect with them all and make an impact in the Fashion Community. I started my blog Living La Vida Diva shortly after arriving in Queen City. Its main focus is fashion and community with a little food and beauty thrown in.

I find things and people and get excited! I want to share my finds with the world! As a vegetarian, I love finding and sharing new spots to eat. Especially locally owned spots. As an older blogger/influencer, I had to make my own niche in the “Blogasphere.” I don’t fit in and really don’t want to. I prefer for my content to stand out. I like the uniqueness, the difference.

I’m 100% honest in my influencer reviews. I think that’s important when deciding to try a product. I believe in “Collaboration Over Competition.” There’s room at the top for us all! I believe in giving back to the community and supporting local people. I work with several groups and nonprofits. Most notably Black Fathers Rock, whose goal is to change the narrative about Black Fathers, and The Honeycomb Experience, which focuses on local talent and collaborations.

I’ve been a part of Charlotte Seen for several years. They produce some of the most elaborate fashion shows around. But I’m equally as involved with smaller shows as well and recently joined the Board of the newly formed Charlotte Fashion Collective. I love showing the behind-the-scenes stuff and letting people see how hard everyone works! We celebrate all things fashion in the city.

I’ve been honored by the Carolina Fashion Awards three times. I was recognized with a Leadership In Style award for my work in both North and South Carolina as well as Social Media Influencer for ‘21 and Fashion Blog of the Year for ‘22. While I prefer to stand back and let others shine, it’s nice to be recognized occasionally for your work.

My ‘Spiritual Gangsta’ Ohavia Phillips, put out a plea to influencers last year during the civil unrest going on. While most influencers continued to post content as usual some of us chose to remain silent, she made me realize that wasn’t enough. That we should use our platform to educate, not just sell things.

From that point on, I’ve made sure to change the world. One post at a time. If I can influence you to buy a purse, I can influence you to be a good human. I guess want to leave my mark on the world. I want someone to look back and say “That was made possible because of Designer Diva.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started out it seemed like all the bloggers and influencers were young, tall, blond, and skinny. I was none of that.

But I did it my way! I’ve been told I’m not a journalist. And that’s right! I’m not. And I never claimed to be. I’ve studied writing in college and always loved it.

But it was not my major. I was also called “just a blogger” at a show by a member of the press and media. I let that bother me for a while. But I know my worth and I let it stop holding me back.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m really focused on fashion and food. I love finding vegetarian spots to share.

I volunteer at fashion shows and do everything g I can to show how much hard work goes into a show.

My most proud moments have been seeing someone I’ve promoted succeed at what they love!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Influencers get a bad rap.

But I think the honest, micro-influencers are rising! We’re not going anywhere. Brands and followers are tired of the ones with millions of followers that seem to ‘sell out’ and not even engage with their followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designerdivamedianc.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/designerdiva1103?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designerdiva1103/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/designerdiva111/status/1532132657789865990?s=21&t=4tBPJMBkyuassmpwHhG3yg
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/designerdiva1103