We were lucky to catch up with Nikita Marshall recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nikita, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My interest in content creation mainly began as a hobby to fill in the gaps in my life while I was figuring out my career path. I had seldom regarded myself as an artistic person but tried not to limit myself to the idea that I was created for more. My journey started amid the pandemic when spending countless hours on the internet was the new normal, and as a result, I was able to learn so much from social media, research, and my peers. I spent many hours watching videos on how to create engaging and relatable content, along with lots of practice. I vividly remember being excited to take pictures and videos of every moment and watching them piece together beautifully. Additionally, learning varying editing techniques through apps like Capcut and Inshot, was the most exciting part of creating content for me, bringing the video clips and pictures to life.
The knowledge and growth I have accumulated throughout this journey were mainly due to facing the work and equipping myself with the necessary tools, consistency, and discipline. One of the things I wish I had done earlier that would have sped up my learning process is networking. I am naturally an introvert but extroverted once I become familiar. I know what you’re thinking, an introvert working in social media? crazy right? However, I was able to overcome this fear by joining communities with like-minded individuals which forced me to challenge myself and do the necessary work. Thus, being a part of a community is paramount to progressing in this industry.
The skills that were most essential to me at the beginning of content creation were writing, photography, and editing. I love capturing moments and later reliving them but over time I was able to learn how to take great pictures and varying types of videos. I remember the first time I figured out how to match the clips in a video to the beats of a song, I was completely mind-blown. Later, I also discovered how to add text overlays to my video and how to use strong ‘hooks’ to capture the audience’s attention. I continuously experimented with different styles of videos and photos, using both my mobile phone and digital cameras. Content Creation is a continuous learning process with new developments and changes every day and it is important to have the right mindset to embrace those changes.
Some obstacles that stood in the way were managing other areas of my life with creating content. I was in my final year of University studying Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management along with volunteering at the United Service Organization (USO). Due to these commitments, I was unable to spend as much time as I wanted to in the beginning perfecting my craft. Also, being able to follow the brand’s creative brief was very fundamental and necessary when working with brands.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Two years ago I was at a point in my life where I was rediscovering and redefining myself, my career, and what my future would look like. I had worked in the banking and finance industry and was entering a new unknown chapter of my life. As a result, I spent a lot more time on social media and saw how it had changed the lives of many for the better. In the past, I used social media as a way to keep in contact with family and friends. It was a form of recreation and still is but I had no idea I could have a career in social media.
For the majority of my adult life, I have struggled with both face and body acne and resorted to makeup to hide it. This negatively affected my mental health and confidence in embracing my authentic self.
Thanks to social media, I was able to educate myself on how to take care of my skin, adopt a skincare routine, and even learn how my ability to love my skin was linked to my mental health. Seeing my peers and so many others experience the same struggles as I did and openly share their stories on social media made me feel empowered to share mine. This gave me so much more confidence, knowing that I am not alone, and ultimately realigned a new passion and purpose for me. To share with others my skincare journey and how they too can love their skin.
As I began using various skincare and beauty products, there were a few that stood out to me as favorites and I enjoyed sharing those with my audience. I later saw there were various ways to monetize my content so I reached out to brands in hopes of collaborating.
The content I typically create is organic, feel-good content that features tutorials, product applications, product recommendations, product unboxing, and UGC content. My main objective as a content creator working with brands is to create authentic and relatable content that captures the brand’s identity, primarily focusing on brand awareness and product introductions which can then result in sales and conversions. This type of content favors the brand since consumers are more inclined to accept recommendations made by genuine people as opposed to the brand itself.
I am proud to be able to share space and time with so many beautiful creatives and artists who seek to make the world a better place. Being a creator is no easy feat but remembering my why, and knowing that even if my video inspires just one person to love themselves a little more and embrace their insecurities I have won. I believe once you show up as your true authentic self, you will always be successful.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to make others feel good about themselves, through skincare, makeup and even the little things in life. Romanticizing everything, even those insecurities we are afraid of showing. I love creating content that inspires, transforms and helps my audience/community. My mission is to have fun, and stay authenticly true to myself, and in doing so, it will only translate positively to my creative process and work.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Some resources I wish I knew about earlier in my creative journey would definitely be creative platforms like Canva which I use to create my portfolio and numerous other projects. This creative resource also allows me to showcase my work to brands when reaching out for collaborations. Her Campus Media is a great creator platform that connects creators with brand campaigns and host creator events that foster networking and community. There are also many other creator platforms and brands ambassador programs that have helped me to gain experience and exposure in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stefmazing.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stef_mazed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stefone25
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefon-nikita-marshall-146b1672/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/stefmazing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8fvNwKumf3bntrPSyZ5jUw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefmazing?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://v.lemon8-app.com/s/jcyjxZfsR
Image Credits
Nikita Marshall