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

Alright, Ivelisse thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

First of all Ive always loved fashion but had a hard time finding plus size clothes that would fit my particular body type. I was always in the search for the perfect jeans, perfect dress and it was an issue for a long time. During this time I was inspired by other women on the internet sharing their struggles and also encouraging other women to love their bodies and to embrace their natural curves and I immediately wanted to be a part of the movement. First thing I did was change the settings on my IG, created looks with the clothes I already had at home and did many fun photoshoots.Then, I started sharing OOTD’s a couple of times a week. The next year I was already collaborating with one major brand and lots of small businesses that I love. I had to really dig deep and forget about what other people think or say about what I do and acknowledge that it really brings me joy to share my love for fashion and style.

Ivelisse, 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 am originally from Puerto Rico have a degree in Public Health and after working in the field for some time had the need to venture into something that would challenge my creative side. I needed something that I would enjoy while being able to connect with people in a different way. I knew that consistency had always helped me achieve my academic goals so I applied the same strategy to my Intragram Blog. Sharing beautiful, affordable and basic forms of style has always been my goal and am so proud of the connections I’ve made in the process.

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

Social media has given me the space to share the things I love, capture moments and be creative. I honestly love and enjoy every moment when creating content, from the planning to the moment Im camera ready. I have made great friends through social media that have supported me since I started. Also, collaborating with other creators and making great relationships with brands and small businesses in your local area have helped me immensely to reach new audiences.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I have not yet turned down my main source of income because I still wish to continue making a difference through the field of Public Health and have career goals I yet to accomplish. My blog is my #1 priority when I’m not working my regular 9-5. IvelisseLopezVlogs started the Summer of 2020 and at the beginning I started sharing my own looks that I had purchased myself and life experiences through Vlogs. Overtime started being contacted by brands like Torrid and Amazon boutiques. I was so excited to share and review products in exchange of content. Today, I am proud to say I am able to negotiate rates and contracts for most of my collaborations with brands. I am blessed to get to do what I love and be able to bring a form of additional income home while I’m having a great time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ivelisselopezvlogs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivelisselopezvlogs/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/luluelisseblog/