The world needs who you were made to be.”
Having an online presence is something that I am incredibly proud of. I don’t identify as someone who has a personal brand, but I would say that I do have a presence. When I take a few days off of Instagram, I believe that people notice. The times where I do share my stories and adventures, it impacts people. Every day I get a message from someone who watched a story of mine, and it made them laugh, or read a blog post that gave them hope. I’d be lying if I said that being so active online didn’t take a lot of work, because it does. I write every blog post, create all my graphics, and even edit all of my own video content, it’s a lot of work.
Creating content online has introduced me to some incredible people and, more importantly, has helped my career in insurmountable ways. I think it is crucial to encourage artists out there who may have an online brand but still looking for a day job; one should never have to choose. Many times creative ventures such as writing, singing, or photography aren’t lucrative paths in the beginning. It makes no sense to discourage a person from having an online presence when searching for a job, especially if their content is not offensive in any way.
For me, my intention is to inspire anyone who follows my journey. It’s fun to candidly share my stories hoping to touch the hearts of people. Now, I get it, I understand that not everyone is going to get my work and what it is I’m trying to do, but I know that someone will, and people have. I want to share five times my strong online presence has helped my career.
1. The Beyonce Resume tips video
Back in 2015, I created a YouTube video that took five Beyonce songs and morphed them into resume tips to help young students write better resumes. I was a sophomore at the time; the video is cringing to watch now, but back then, it earned me national press recognition. My video was shared on USA Today’s college website and caught the eye of the recruitment team at NBCUniversal. It was because of that one video that I was granted the opportunity to intern with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. My graduate school application essay was based on my experience at that internship and helped me get into grad school.
2. Generous Investors
Earlier this year, I met a woman on Twitter. She is a successful TV writer and well connected around Hollywood. This friend was tweeting about the low pay that people in the TV/Film industry experience at the commencement of their careers. When I chimed in and expressed how I couldn’t even afford a Los Angeles haircut after working 50 hours, this woman wanted to help. Weeks later, after she heard that I left CAA, she sent me $750 to make sure that I was comfortable and wasn’t stressed about money as I searched for my next job. My candor and personality online resonated enough with her so profoundly that she reached in her pocket to help me. There are so many stories I could share about the number of people who follow me online and are always willing to send me money. I think that people see the work ethic and everything I’m fighting against and want to help, it’s the biggest blessing.
3. Increased Book Sales
I have two books that I spent close to $3000 to produce. I don’t have a marketing team pushing my content for me, I have to self promote. When I share quotes, reviews, and excerpts from my book, word spreads. I’ve been invited to speak to students because a teacher friend, will learn of my books and tell their principles about my work. Sharing my story online has opened doors to sell more books and land speaking engagements.
4. Kim Kardashian Mania
In 2018, Kim Kardashian wished me luck on my job search as I was finishing up graduate school at Boston University. That tweet went viral and earned me more national press than I have ever received. The national press from that Kim Kardashian tweet got me on the Shaderoom, which increased my visibility, which in turn produced more followers and book sales.
5. Executive Mentorship
Last fall, I wrote a blog on how hard I had to fight to get a good job in Los Angeles. I talked about my struggles living with friends and having to move back in with my mother. It was one of the most candid blogs I’ve ever written. The blog got a lot of viewership on Linkedin. An executive at a major media company read the article and instantly messaged me extending her mentorship. This mentor has not only read my scripts and given me great feedback, but has introduced me to her friends around town. I have a meeting today with a C-suite executive because of this woman’s connections and influence. 
I understand the skepticism that some might have by my strong online presence. By candidly sharing my experiences, some might suspect that I can’t be trusted. I get that my writing may rub someone the wrong way or make me unlikable because we disagree on a point. No matter who likes my online presence or not, I have to be true to myself and keep doing what I’m doing. My experiences speak for themselves, and I truly understand the impact that my sharing has on others. I plan to stay unapologetic about being myself and sharing my story. I hope that after reading this blog, you are encouraged to keep doing whatever it is you do no matter what.
Whether it is blogging, photography, or creating music, don’t stop. The world needs what you have to offer. Please don’t let a job, someone’s prejudice or your own fear stop you from creating. You deserve the right to share your truth with the world if that is what you desire. I can say with confidence that your work may not be for everybody, but it is undoubtedly for somebody.