Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aleigha Storm. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aleigha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
As of July 2024, I’m proud to mark one year as a full-time entrepreneur. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to earn a full-time income by pursuing my passions. The journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve worked many different jobs, but my longest stint was with a major coffee company, where I was employed from 2015 to 2023. While the job offered benefits like a 401(k) and health insurance, the work environment was toxic and took a toll on my mental health.
I realized I couldn’t continue to rely on the minimal income I was making at that big corporation. Even back then, I was already creating content and had been on YouTube since 2010. However, due to an unstable upbringing, I struggled with consistency until I decided to relaunch my YouTube channel and focus on building my fashion niche. From there, I began collaborating with brands and businesses in the LA area.
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and moved to Dallas, Texas, where my career really began to take off. It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since I arrived in Dallas with nothing and no one, and yet I’ve managed to build this life for myself.
As I approach my 30th birthday this year, I reflect on my journey and wish I could tell my younger self to just keep going. There were countless times I wanted to give up, but my resilience and dreams kept me moving forward, knowing I was destined for something greater..
Aleigha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a full-time content creator who wears many hats—including social media manager, content editor, marketing manager, and UGC (user-generated content) creator—I like to describe myself as being in marketing. When people ask what I do, I simply say, “I’m in marketing,” because that’s exactly what it is. I serve as the brain behind a brand, helping companies plan their content for the next 30 days, reach their target audience, and drive conversions to increase traffic and sales.
I’ve had the privilege of being the face of many ads for major corporations such as Misfits Market, Instacart, The Farmer’s Dog, and many more. I genuinely love what I do, and I believe that my hard work, authenticity, and professionalism set me apart in the UGC marketing industry, which is incredibly diverse and doesn’t require a specific niche. It’s truly a blessing to be able to connect with a wide range of demographics in the field of marketing.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to take a leap of faith is the belief that they need significant funds to start a side gig or earn extra income. However, the beauty of marketing and content creation is that you don’t need expensive equipment or a lot of money to get started. When I mentor others in one-on-one sessions, I emphasize that you can begin with anything you already have in your home. It could be something as simple as shampoo, dog treats, or children’s toys—anything can be your starting point.
In the world of marketing and content creation, there’s representation for everyone—moms, families, singles, dog moms—you name it, there’s a demographic for it. The idea that you need money to start creating as a content creator is simply not true. What matters most is your creativity, passion, and willingness to begin right where you are. With those qualities, the possibilities are endless, and you can carve out your own unique space in this diverse field. So, don’t let the lack of funds hold you back. Start with what you have, and watch how far it can take you.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
The saying “your network is your net worth” is a powerful truth. As someone who’s naturally introverted and often feels awkward in social situations, networking events used to be my biggest challenge. I was terrified of attending them alone and often avoided them altogether. Although I still feel a bit nervous, I make it a point to attend at least one or two networking events each month.
The connections and opportunities I’ve gained by being genuine, honest, and professional have opened doors to rooms and experiences beyond my wildest dreams. It’s a testament to the value of stepping out of your comfort zone and investing in relationships. The people you meet and the networks you build can truly elevate your personal and professional life in ways you never expected. So, embrace the discomfort, show up as yourself, and watch how your network becomes a powerful asset.
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