Anna Heinrich on brand collabs and launching a blog

It’s been two years since she won Tim’s (and our) hearts on The Bachelor, but Anna Heinrich’s turn in the spotlight just seems to keep shining brighter and brighter. Having recently signed on with for its 3D White campaign, we decided it was the perfect time for a career catch-up with Heinrich to debrief on her work with beauty brands to launching her own lifestyle blog.

You must have a lot of brands wanting to work with you. How do you choose which ones you want to work with?
I’ve been very lucky to have the opportunity to work with some brands that I admire and truly believe in. For me, if I love the brand/product and it’s something that I want to share with my community, then it’s something I’ll promote. Also, if I can help a charity with a post or a mention, then I absolutely will – that to me is so important, to do good work with the 15 minutes I’ve been given!

Do you need to be conscious of conflicts of interest?
Yes of course, having the opportunity to work with brands is something that I don’t take lightly and I always want to put 100 per cent into what I do. I’m also a lawyer, so personal integrity is crucial.

What appealed to you about working with Oral-B?
I’ve always been a huge believer in the power of a beautiful, healthy smile so when Oral-B 3D White approached me to appear in their new TV commercial – it seemed like the perfect fit, and really exciting!

When you did the Bachelor, did you ever expect the spotlight to still be on you over two years later?
I didn’t know what to expect! Obviously I went on the Bachelor to find love and I’m so grateful for the experience. My world is so different now, but I couldn’t be happier. I’m in love, I love my work, and I don’t take any of it for granted.

You've launched a blog LovealwaysANNA. Why did you decide to do this?
LovealwaysANNA is an extension of who I am and what I represent. It’s a community where I can connect more intimately with the people who enjoy what I do. It’s a space where I can supply more of who I am, my experiences, and what I do. The blog is, namely, about me but I have created it solely for the reader.

What can readers expect from the blog?
LovealwaysANNA is a lifestyle blog where you get to see all the things I’ve fallen in love with – whether it be an outfit, or my amazing Mum’s cooking (#judesfood). You’ll see places that Tim and I love to escape to (#timandannaescape), and never before seen pictures of our holidays. You’ll find my latest and best selection of skincare and make-up products and tips, and also explore my total crush on health and fitness!

How did you come up with the concept for your blog?
It’s nothing revolutionary and it has been done before…but what makes my blog different is it’s about me! I think it’s easy to overcomplicate things, and I didn’t want the blog to go in that direction. I’m pretty easy going, and that’s what I wanted for the blog – it’s a visual representation of me and what I love.

Where do you see the blog heading?
I would like it to continue to grow and evolve into a better version of its former self. I would like it to be even more interactive than it is now and make it even more about the reader.

Have you found more brands are interested in you since launching a blog?
I’m in awe any time anyone is ever interested in what I’m doing! It’s a funny world we live in – the digital age, the age of “influencers” - where brands want to be featured in the digital space.  Since launching the blog, I’ve certainly had increased interest from brands, but I’m so protective over it that I’ll only work with brands/products/designers that I really love.

You have a large social media following. Do you find that your followers are mostly Bachelor fans or are they now more following you for the fashion and beauty angle?
Originally, people started following because of The Bachelor, of course! Three years later and the community has continued to grow as people have become more interested in other facets of my life (fashion, beauty, travel and cooking). Sometimes I can’t believe it myself. There’s a lot of really lovely people out there – liking my stuff and leaving me comments. It’s pretty amazing, in that ‘I can’t believe this is my life’ way!

What are your top three tips for growing an Instagram fan base?

  • First and foremost...BE YOURSELF (people can tell when you are trying to be someone you're not).
  • Be HAPPY – I truly believe a smile is essential and people warm to that.
  • And of course, have good fashion!  

What is your best advice for looking and feeling your best?
Be yourself! And be confident in being yourself. Find out what makes you feel great and make this a habit – whether it’s exercise or great products or even great food. Remember that when you feel your best, you’ll have the confidence to be your best.

And lastly, your favourite product in the Oral-B range?
My favourite product in the range is the Oral-B 3D White Whitestrips – they contain the same ingredient that dentists use to whiten teeth and are really easy to use. They make a really noticeable difference – so many of my friends and family have been commenting on how white my teeth are! There’s also a 3DW LUXE toothpaste I’ve been loving.