Today’s launch of Beyoncé’s Ivy Park athleisure line was breaking social media records even before the doors opened this morning at Topshop, Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter and the ultra-cool collection went on sale online. Just 14 days after announcement of the sporty-chic active wear, Ivy Park’s Instagram account, @weareivypark, is boasting 126,000 followers obsessing over 36 posts.
The newest brand on the block is beating out any other by far in Instagram’s history with an unheard-of engagement rate of almost 23 percent, according to Mashable. That is a stunning display of true star power and the Beyoncé impact. Ivy Park, a joint 50-50 venture with Topshop’s Sir Philip Green, promises to carry those numbers over into sales.
When we look beyond the Beyoncé and Ivy Park phenomenon, who are others motivating and building up big followings? Forbes took a look at Instagram to find out the top ten influencers and came up with a list that may surprise you. This is not a ranking of those with the highest number of Instagram followers. Rather, it’s a look at people who are most successful at inspiring with their personal achievements.
#1 Manny Khoshbin 543k followers
The founder of The Khoshbin Company is a California real estate developer who climbed from humble beginnings as a 14-year-old immigrant from Iran. He now heads an empire totaling more than 2 million square feet of commercial and residential real estate. @mannykhoshbin
#2 David SK Lee (@ferraricollector_davidlee) 180k followers
Lee arrived in this country at the age of eight, and he now owns Hing Wa Lee Jewelers. His collection of Ferraris landed him on the Forbes list. He now owns 18 and plans to expand that number to 30 by the end of this year.
#3 Jason Stone (@millionaire_mentor) 1.6 million followers
While studying for a degree in mechanical engineering almost 15 years ago, Stone started a business selling auto parts on eBay which ultimately became a multimillion dollar enterprise. His multi-disciplinary approach to internet marketing has made him successful today.
#4 — Diego Luca (@diegoluca) 120k followers
He sells, manages and charters super yachts worldwide through his business, Diego Luca Inc. Luca also operates a Monaco-based lifestyle concierge service. His profile showcases his luxury jet set lifestyle of rubbing elbows with the wealthy, and that image draws in followers in droves.
#5 — Daniele Zaccone (@danielre) 524k followers
This Italy-based style-and-fashion icon projects the essence of classical male elegance, style and grace. No wonder he is known as The Italian Flaire.
#6 — Alexander Mijares (@mijares) 150k followers
This is a Miami-based artist whose star is rising. He started painting five years ago because he needed a piece of wall art. Today his work sells on average between $12,500 and $20,000 and can go as high as $50,000.
#7 – Alex Jimenez (@theyachtguy) 744k followers
Jimenez business began to take off when he started using Instagram, and today he is one of the most influential Instagrammers in the yachting industry.
#8 – Gil Antolin (@luxuryworldtraveler) 2.1 million followers
Posting 6 to 8 times per day, Antolin has created a luxury travel brand with global reach. He posts to inspire others to travel.
#9 — Andreea Cristina (@_andreeacristina) 1.3 million followers
She was born in Bucharest, Romania, and her family settled in Ohio. She moved to Las Vegas and worked dealing with the high-rollers as a VIP host at the Wynn. She is one of the most successful fashion bloggers today.
#10 — Alejandro Soto and Ian L. (@thebillionairesclub) 2.6 million followers
These marketing geniuses have created what is possibly one of the strongest brand presences on Instagram in The Billionaires Club.
For the full lowdown on these amazing successes, head over to the Forbes story on The Top 10 Instagram Influencers.
