Since I was a teenager, I was obsessed with watching YouTube videos and Instagram reels about influencers who work with brands to promote their products. This was something that I’ve always wanted to do, mainly because of my video editing and graphic design skills. I also wanted to improve my public speaking skills by doing something that is outside of my comfort zone, such as speaking in front of a camera.
In late December of 2023, I applied to be an ambassador for Bubble Skincare, a popular skincare brand geared towards tweens and young adults. When I got an email back from them, stating that I was accepting into their ambassadorship program, I was beyond excited. I received my first PR package and tried out their products. Not too long after this, I applied to be an ambassador for Avatara skin, another popular skincare brand. Similar to Bubble, I loved all their products and shared my love for them with my friends and family.
During the summer of 2024, I decided I wanted to do something bigger. I decided to apply to Campus Trendsetters, a Her Campus Media program that allows college students to improve their content creation skills. After taking their classes and passing various quizzes, I got my certificate that certified me in content creation.
Since being a part of Campus Trendsetters, I’ve worked with a variety of brands including Sol de Janerio, Dashing Diva, Nair, Hallmark, Shea Moisture, Clinique, Therabreath, Honey Pot, Starkist and more. Currently, I am continuing to make content for brands, as well as leave reviews after trialing their products, and sharing products I receive with others.
Because I’ve enjoyed making content with a variety of brands, I wanted to branch out a little bit more. My next goal was to work with a fashion brand, more specifically Hollister, because I loved all the clothing they’ve had over the past couple of years. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, I applied for their creator program, not expecting to hear from them at all. A couple days later, I got accepted to join. With loads of excitement, I started setting up my storefront and purchased things online to wear in Instagram photos.
To this day, I am making content for Hollister, as well as the other brands I’ve mentioned above. When I first started this side hustle, I did not think I was going to get very far, but, despite not taking off like most influencers, I am proud of the progress I’ve made and all the things I am doing outside of college.
This is your sign to follow your dreams. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s a very true statement. While following your dreams might not seem like the easiest thing to accomplish or do, especially since we are all strapped down to the college lifestyle, it’s not impossible. Sometimes you have to shoot for the impossible to see all the opportunities ahead of you. I wouldn’t be where I was today if it wasn’t for stepping outside of my comfort zone and working hard.
