We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maya Carolina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

We’re standing on the brink of an AI revolution in social media. AI is no longer just a tool or whispers of the future – it’s reshaping the way content is created, consumed, and even trusted. While AI has the power to replicate and amplify content at unprecedented speeds, it lacks one thing that every audience craves: authenticity.

The rise of artificial intelligence is forcing us to ask a crucial question; what makes us irreplaceable in a world where machines can mimic creativity? This, I believe, is where we’re heading – a new era of social media where the value of personal branding and human creativity will skyrocket.

I often hear small business owners grappling with the rise of AI-generated content, asking, “Why bother?”. AI can spit out a thousand stock images, but it can’t tell your story: the way you see the world, the way your work makes people feel. And that’s the biggest trend emerging now – connection.

AI can replicate aesthetics, but it can’t replicate your lived experiences, nor your unique perspective. As this technology floods our feeds, the demand for what’s real (the messy, raw, human side of being a business owner) is set to explode.

The businesses and creators who thrive in this new world will be the ones who lean into their humanity. Those who craft their story so authentically and powerfully that no algorithm can predict it, and no machine can replicate it.

Maya, 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?

Every creative and business owner I meet has the same question on their mind: “How do I stand out?”. The digital world is noisy, and it’s overwhelming to know where to start when everyone seems to be doing the same thing.

I started my journey as someone who saw the frustration of talented creatives and entrepreneurs who struggle to connect with their audience in ways that led to real results. They had the passion, the product, and the drive, but their online presence didn’t reflect the depth of what they had to offer. They weren’t reaching their ideal clients through social media. That’s where I step in.

Through brand photography, content creation, and social media strategy, I help businesses in Columbus, Ohio and beyond show up online authentically while positioning themselves as leaders in their space. I offer clarity, connection, and consistency. When working with clients, l strip away the fluff, focus on what makes you uniquely valuable, and craft visuals and strategies that tell your story in a way that resonates with your audience, drives engagement, and turns attention into action.

I solve the problems of time, trust, and clarity. My mission is to give you the tools to show up authentically, confidently, and consistently so that you can attract the right audience, build relationships that matter, and, ultimately, grow your business.

What I’m most proud of is watching my clients step into their own light. Seeing a business owner who once felt invisible start confidently engaging their audience – and watching their online presence translate into more leads, deeper trust, and stronger sales – is the most rewarding part of what I do.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I’ve found is simple: get clear on your story and who you’re trying to reach – not just what you do, but why you do it. People don’t connect with polished perfection, they connect with your journey, your values, and the things that make your work yours.

Your audience doesn’t need more noise, they need connection. Show up consistently, share your story authentically, and speak to the people you’re trying to serve. That’s what builds trust, and trust is what drives growth. The kind of trust that turns followers into loyal clients who come back again and again. If you focus on that, you won’t just grow your audience but you’ll grow a community that believes in what you do.

So, if you’re wondering where to start, my advice is this: stop chasing the algorithm and start chasing the connection. Everything else will follow.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media is a bit like throwing a party. The best ones aren’t about how many people show up, they’re about the energy in the room. I stopped obsessing over headcount and started focusing on creating a vibe that makes the right people want to stay. In other words, followers are a vanity metric; they don’t mean much if they’re not engaging with your content or becoming clients.

I post like I’m speaking to one person, the person who needs to hear it most, because that’s how you turn a follower into a connection and a connection into a client. Stop focusing on being everywhere, focus on being where it matters. Don’t focus on the numbers, focus on the impact.

Engagement, conversations, and the trust you build are what will grow your business. Prioritize content that sparks interaction – ask questions, share behind-the-scenes moments, and let people see the person behind the brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayacarolina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayacarolina.dream/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084851025615
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-carolina-ba89b0224

Image Credits

Headshots of Maya Carolina by Meadows Brittney