Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alyse Tatum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alyse, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I actually still work a regular job right now while I grow my business to replace that income. So I tend to think of it the other way, what if I risked it all and started creating content full time right now.

What if everything fully depended on me, my work ethic, and my ability to consistently earn an income from this? It’s a bit overwhelming for me to think about sometimes, though that is my end goal. So, I tell myself that I better get comfortable being uncomfortable and push harder to make my vision fully possible.

The last time I really thought about it was earlier this year, when I was between ending my last job and starting my current one. I took that time to try out being a full time creator and writer. I hustled harder than I ever have, reaching out to companies, negotiating, writing my first article as a contributor. I was on a roll!

Then, I started my new job, and my side hustle slowly dimmed back down. That did let me know that I can actually do it though, go full time. All I need to do is believe in myself and step out on faith.

Alyse, 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?

I’m Alyse Tatum, of Alyse Nicole Media. I have a blog called “It’s Alyse Nicole”, where I share food, travel, and lifestyle content, such as recipes, restaurant reviews, tips on where to stay while traveling, non-touristy things to do, and documenting the process of my home makeover.

I’m a content creator, which means I take photos and videos of places, products, etc., for businesses to use on social media, their website, in print, etc. I’m also a freelance writer, focusing on travel and lifestyle, but I can write about anything I’m assigned, from events to profiles for new businesses.

I take pride in really highlighting the business/product/brand I’m working with, having myself in the photos or videos as little as possible, unless my client wants me in them. It’s not about me. It’s about you.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Honestly, I get most of my business from people finding me through hashtags on Instagram. It’s been said that hashtags don’t work to grow your account, but I say it depends on how you’re using them.

I’ve always used hashtags for people who are actually searching for whatever type of post I’m making, and I always hashtag the location of my post and that I’m a blogger in Austin. For example, if I’m posting about a restaurant in Austin, I’m going to use #atxfoodie #atxblogger and #atx without a doubt. Then I’ll get more detailed by using the restaurant’s name or the type of food I’m eating as a hashtag.

The #atxblogger and #austinblogger hashtags are my bread and butter, though. That’s how I’m found the most.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

Yes. I come up with monthly social media game plans for businesses who have time to post but need guidance. I also offer social media management services for local businesses who may not have time to run their accounts but still want a presence.

The strategy service allows me to work with businesses anywhere, not just locally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsalysenicole.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/itsalysenicole
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/alysenicole85
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/AlyseNicole

Image Credits
First photo: Ryan L Imagery All other photos: Alyse Tatum