We recently connected with Camille Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Camille, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

During my undergraduate years studying chemical engineering, many assumed that the hardest part of my journey was the rigorous curriculum. While it was undeniably challenging, the real struggle was something deeper – feelings of isolation, discrimination, and the glaring lack of representation. Out of the entire chemical engineering class, only four of us were Black students, and only two were Black women. That experience weighed heavily on me. I often felt like I was navigating this path alone, with very few people who could truly relate to my challenges, both as a student and as a Black woman in STEM. When I finally graduated, I was craving community – a space where I could connect with others who looked like me, shared similar experiences, and truly understood the complexities of being Black in STEM. While I was involved in various organizations during college, they lacked the personal connection and intimacy I longed for. Post-college, I turned to social media, creating content on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, often sharing my experiences as a Black woman in STEM. To my surprise, my stories resonated deeply with people. My comments were filled with individuals who shared their own struggles, stories of isolation, and the search for a community that understood them. Over time, I started noticing familiar faces – the same people showing up in my comments, DMing me, encouraging me to create a space where we could all connect on a deeper level. It was those repeated requests and the growing sense of a shared need that pushed me to turn an idea into action. After two years of fostering this community online, I took the plunge and officially registered STEM So(ul)cial as a business. The support was overwhelming. What began as a small group of like-minded individuals quickly grew into something far larger. We’ve grown exponentially because we’re filling a need for intimacy, connection, and belonging that so many in the Black STEM community have been craving. STEM So(ul)cial isn’t just about networking or professional development – it’s about creating real, lasting relationships and strengthening the Black STEM ecosystem around the world. What excites me most is knowing that we are building a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported, and that we’re not just solving a problem – we’re offering a unique approach by prioritizing community, vulnerability, and connection.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Camille Smith, a chemical engineer, social entrepreneur, and content creator. I founded STEM So(ul)cial to build connections and provide support within the Black STEM community. My journey began during my undergraduate studies in chemical engineering, where I experienced isolation and a lack of representation. This led me to share my story on social media, which resonated with others facing similar challenges. As my online community grew, people encouraged me to create spaces where we could connect, leading to the launch of STEM So(ul)cial. STEM So(ul)cial provides events, workshops, and resources designed to foster meaningful relationships and professional growth among Black STEM professionals and students. What sets us apart is our focus on intimacy and genuine support, going beyond typical networking to create a sense of family within our community. We’re currently active in over 15 states, and I’m proud of how we’ve grown into a movement that empowers Black STEM professionals to thrive personally and professionally. As a multi-hyphenate, I also create content around balancing multiple passions, navigating early career challenges, and event curation. Through my platforms, I share resources like digital planners and Notion templates for multi-hyphenates, helping others organize their lives and pursue their passions. I’m most proud of the strong, supportive community we’ve built at STEM So(ul)cial. For anyone interested in getting involved, know that our work is centered on empowerment and connection, and we’re dedicated to uplifting Black professionals in STEM.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media started with sharing my experiences as a Black woman in STEM. I initially posted content about navigating the challenges of being one of few Black students, and those stories resonated deeply with others who had similar experiences. As my posts gained traction, I focused on engaging with my audience consistently—responding to comments, asking questions, and creating content that addressed their needs and interests. Over time, I developed a loyal community of people who related to my journey. I found that being transparent and relatable helped build trust, which was key in growing my following. I also experimented with different platforms like TikTok and Instagram, tailoring my content to each one while keeping the core message the same: balancing multiple passions as a multi-hyphenate. For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to start by identifying your unique story or perspective. Share content that feels authentic to you, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—it’s what often connects people to your brand. Consistency is crucial, but so is quality. Engage with your audience, and treat them as a community, not just followers. Lastly, experiment with different formats, whether it’s video, images, or live sessions, to see what resonates best. Growth takes time, but with patience and dedication, you’ll build an engaged and supportive audience.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team was a challenge for me initially because, as a perfectionist, I often defaulted to doing things myself. However, as my team grew, I realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable. One of the most effective strategies I’ve adopted is holding regular 1-on-1s with each team member. These meetings help me understand what motivates them and what keeps them engaged. While we all share a common purpose based on a lived experience, maintaining high morale requires more than just a shared mission. People need to feel empowered and that their contributions are valued. By fostering an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully, the team stays motivated and on track.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stemsoulcial.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stemsoulcial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stemsoulcial/?viewAsMember=true
• Other: TikTok.com/@stemsoulcial
  Personal instagram: instagram.com/iamcamillesmith
  Podcast instagram: instagram.com/stemtalksontap

Image Credits

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