We were lucky to catch up with Ana Paola recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I think I’m right where I need to be and it all happened as it should have. I’ve been dabbling in content creation for about ten years, but it took a while before I saw it as more than just a hobby. It all started with goofing around with our old family camcorder and making fun videos with my sisters. Despite this early interest, I didn’t seriously dive into videography until 2015, when I wanted to capture a trip with my boyfriend (now my husband). I patched together clips from my phone and a basic Fuji camera on Windows Movie Maker, and honestly, I totally fell in love with the whole process.

This hobby slowly turned into a side gig as I taught myself how to use Adobe Premiere Pro and started taking on clients while still working my full-time job. Eventually, I felt bold enough to try turning this into a full-blown business, but I jumped the gun—it was a disaster. I had to put my dreams on hold and go back to a full-time job in health and human services, a field I thought I had left for good.

That job was draining, and I clung to my love for creating videos until COVID hit. Then, my husband and I moved to NYC, and that big city energy got me excited about making videos again. I ditched the heavy gear for my smartphone, which was way less hassle. I started posting day-in-the-life videos on TikTok, narrating in Spanglish because that’s how I roll, and people really vibed with it. There weren’t many folks mixing languages like that online, and it struck a chord with a bilingual audience.

As tough as it was to see my first creative venture fall flat, I’m truly grateful for how things have turned out. Those early challenges were crucial—they prepared me for the thriving creative career I have today. And I believe I’m just getting started

Ana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in Sacramento, CA, and I’ve been creating diverse content for nearly a decade! When I moved to New York in June of 2021, I found myself in a creative slump and turned to TikTok for some light relief. As I scrolled through endless “NYC day-in-the-life” videos, it struck me how unrelatable they were—they didn’t reflect my lifestyle, appearance, or the blend of cultures I live with. So I thought, why not create my own videos? And that’s exactly what I did, but in Spanglish, because that’s how my thoughts naturally flow. At the time, there weren’t many creators mixing languages, so I just started sharing these dual aspects of my identity for fun, without any expectations.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. I’ve received countless comments, messages, and DMs from viewers who felt seen for the first time by my content. For many of us Latinos, maintaining our cultural roots while assimilating into American life involves navigating two cultures, two languages, and sometimes, feeling like we have two personalities. Growing up, we were often discouraged from mixing English and Spanish, which could make us feel like our very existence was somehow incorrect. This was compounded by the lack of diverse media representation, where Latinos are often stereotyped as housekeepers, gangsters, or the exotic “spicy” partner.

Social media has opened a door for us to challenge these stereotypes and showcase the richness of our lives. We’re demonstrating that we can lead diverse, successful lives and embrace all aspects of our identity. Speaking Spanglish and celebrating our heritage isn’t just about communication—it’s a statement of pride. Being Latina in the US comes with its challenges, but it’s also filled with incredible strengths. Being bilingual isn’t just convenient; it’s a superpower. It’s time we celebrate and embrace our multifaceted selves.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first began sharing my videos on TikTok, I was primarily connecting with my bilingual, playful girl cousins from back home. They loved the entertaining glimpses into my life, now 3,000 miles away, and their enjoyment really shaped my approach to content creation. I kept imagining I was talking directly to them, which helped me stay consistent and authentic in what I posted. This strategy was key in attracting an audience that resonated with my style. I think the more specific you can be about who your content is for—envisioning their personalities, interests, and experiences—the better you can connect with them. Even give them a name, if that helps, and tailor your posts with that person in mind.

Engaging with your audience and building community is crucial. I make it a point to respond to comments and messages, and the interactions often feel like they’re coming from family—they’re that personal and heartfelt. This tells me I’m on the right track. But a piece of advice I hold dear is to not take comments too personally. Don’t let the highs inflate you or the lows deflate you. Stay true to yourself, and keep showing up just as you are.

Lastly, focus on consistency over virality. Quality content is more important than quantity, despite what many social media gurus might claim. Building a genuine community, even slowly, is far more rewarding than chasing viral hits. Also, don’t hesitate to repurpose your content. People aren’t watching as closely as you might think, which is actually a great advantage. Reuse clips, retell stories in new ways, and reintroduce older posts to new followers. It’s about keeping your narrative fresh and engaging for everyone, whether they’ve been with you from the start or just joined your journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most significant lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that I need to feel completely ready before I try something new. Waiting for that perfect moment of readiness can mean waiting forever. We’re often told that becoming fearless is the key to unlocking our dream lives, but that’s a myth. True bravery isn’t about the absence of fear; it’s about feeling scared and taking the leap anyway. In fact, fear can be a good thing—it keeps us honest and can be used as a tool to guide our actions. For years, fear held me back—fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of rejection. I worried about how others might perceive me or what might happen if I didn’t succeed. But now, I’m focusing on overcoming these fears and not letting them prevent me from living the life I truly desire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anapao.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anapaowow/
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anapaowow