Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Lewis.

Hi Taryn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved creating. I was that artsy kid you’d catch drawing, painting ceramics, dabbling in photography, and even acting. But creating on social media? That was a whole different story. I actually avoided it until I turned 24 because I knew I’d be addicted to it.

And I am. Here we are, several years and 101,400 followers later, I get paid to create!

I started just like anyone else, really- made a Facebook to stay connected to family. Instagram, to keep up with friends. Pinterest, to manifest my future. The basics. It wasn’t until COVID hit and I joined TikTok in 2020, that I started creating consistently while balancing my 9-5 at the DOJ. My cringey dance trends, acting voiceovers, and transitions somehow garnered a small audience calling me “Queen T”. Before I knew it, I was producing all sorts of content – GRWMs, OOTDs, tutorials, vlogs, and brands started reaching out to me!

Things took a serious turn in 2021 when I survived a shooting. Two of my colleagues became angels. Friends became strangers. PTSD, now a daily battle. But through it all, TikTok became my safe space among family support and therapy. It reignited my passion for creating and gave me an outlet to escape my trauma.

Two and a half years and over 100 clients later, I’m living my dream as a full-time Creator. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with my favorite brands including amika, COVERGIRL, Steve Madden and now TikTok as a #TikTokPartner in their Pride Creator Community! Recently, I even hosted my first brand event in partnership with Aerie, as part of Aerie’s innovative grassroots initiative to strengthen community bonds and brand presence. It’s been an amazing experience bringing online connections into the REAL world! These are the days I used to dream about and I’m forever grateful not just today but every day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path to becoming a full-time Creator has been far from smooth. My ongoing battle with PTSD remains my most significant challenge. Unexpectedly, creating full-time has actually amplified my triggers, occasionally pushing me back into survival mode. The blurred line between work and play can be isolating, and it’s tempting to use work as a distraction.

Especially considering that financial security is another hurdle in our industry. The unpredictable nature of income can be incredibly stressful, creating constant pressure to work because of a fear of missing out on earnings. I’ve had to learn to manage multiple income streams and streamline my business to be sustainable during both high and low periods. It’s an ongoing learning process, and I’m continually developing new strategies to navigate this aspect of my career.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others’ financial and collaborative successes, doubting your own path. Especially being outside the Influencer Hubs, FOMO can creep in, making it feel like we don’t have access to the same opportunities. I’ve had to take active steps to protect my mental health, such as muting triggering accounts and surrounding myself with a supportive community of fellow Creators.

I’ve also sought new ways to ground myself. Decluttering and digital detoxing have become essential. Maintaining a clear space helps me keep a clear mind. While traveling and disconnecting in nature, serves as my much-needed digital detox. These activities help me reconnect with myself and my surroundings, away from the overstimulation and demands of social media.

Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I’m learning to be more patient with myself, more persistent in pursuing my goals, and more adaptable to change. It’s not an overnight process—as much as we’d like it to be. This path has taught me the importance of grounding myself and setting healthy boundaries. It’s allowed me not only to inspire others but also to be inspired by the power of community and connection. Finding my tribe has made all the struggles worthwhile.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Simply put, I create commercials for brands on social media! I specialize in producing high-quality content for beauty and fashion brands. For my smaller clients, I use my platform to spotlight their products with easy-to-access shopping links, boosting their visibility and reach. As for my powerhouse partners, I produce organic, user-generated content that presents their products in a more relatable light.

However, I’m best known for my authentic and vibrant approach to content creation! From colorful transitions and behind-the-scenes bloopers to my recent macro shot “commercials,” I strive to be a bright spot on my audience’s feeds. I consistently engage with my community, sharing both triumphs and challenges, offering a unique blend of entertainment, inspiration, and education.

Looking back, I’m super proud of what I’ve accomplished. I mean, working with American Eagle? A literal dream come true. Creating in CoverGirl’s studio? Absolutely unreal. Attending NYFW? Pinch me! And now to have hosted my own brand event with Aerie? I must be dreaming!

But what I’m most proud of, hands down, is the amazing community I’ve built on social media. I think that is what sets me apart from others. I’ve created a platform that goes beyond beauty and fashion, blending it with personal growth and resilience. Being able to inspire my community to chase their dreams while creating a safe space for them to heal alongside me is truly rewarding beyond words.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
A lot of things. The little things really.

Rainy days. Cotton candy skies. Slow mornings with coffee. Snuggling with my furbabies. Riding rollercoasters with my sister. Creating and connecting. Traveling to the mountains. Lunches with my dad. Exploring a local markets with friends. Watching scary movies with my mom.

I know these might seem like simple things, but after what I’ve been through, they’re anything but. Each one of these moments brings me a sense of peace and joy that I’ve learned to cherish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiktoktare.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiktoktare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiktoktare
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynlewis/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiktoktare
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkaeNfe-Lu2rrCJvaCn9zww
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktoktare?lang=en

Image Credits
Virginia Bessette (@vb2photography) Meg Maffey (@m3mediadc)