We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Luckey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alyssa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to help others, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered how to do so through my creative work. Growing up in a small town in rural Wisconsin, I often felt isolated and misunderstood. At 12, I became the primary caregiver and teacher for my younger siblings after my parents separated, all while being homeschooled. Throughout high school, I balanced two jobs to help make ends meet, alongside my own schoolwork and family responsibilities, all amidst a rough home life.

In our small town, this was highly unusual. Most of my peers had supportive families to rely on, which made me feel like an outsider. The contrast between my life and theirs was stark, and as a result, I was often bullied and felt alone, both at home and school.

Entering college, I began to find my voice despite my significant social anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment for me. I started creating TikToks, sharing my childhood stories, and was amazed at how many people related to my experiences. This platform allowed me to open up about the personal battles I faced, from health issues to the challenges of being a woman in a corporate job, and the joyful chaos brought by my little family of fur-balls.

As I continued to share, it was incredible to see how many people resonated with my posts. The connection and empowerment that my content brought to others were profoundly rewarding. It made me realize the importance of authenticity and honesty on social media.

In a world where so many present a polished facade, I believe it’s crucial to be genuine. Growing up feeling different and isolated, it’s refreshing to be that realistic voice on social media, encouraging others to advocate for themselves and embrace their uniqueness. And, of course, to consider adopting a few furry friends along the way!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I am Alyssa, a 24-year-old from Merrimac, Wisconsin. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Life Sciences Communication. Initially, I planned to pursue medical or veterinary school, but I eventually found enjoyment in Project Management for pharmaceutical clients and content creation on social media, which is how I spend my weeks!

During the day, I lead teams in building clinical trial software. By night, I leverage my Life Sciences Communication background to create engaging lifestyle content for my social media audience and produce User Generated Content (UGC) for select small businesses. Although this mix can be tiring at times, it helps me stay grounded and in touch with reality.

I often see people in the content creation space lose touch with reality as their platforms grow, which I find disheartening. That’s why, in my content and daily life, I strive to live and post without a filter. I speak my mind and empower others to do the same, acknowledging how challenging it can be for some.

This authenticity also guides me in collaborations and UGC offers. It goes against my core values and beliefs to promote a product that doesn’t work for me or provide misleading information to others—that’s just not who I am. Balancing my 9-to-5 job with my creative endeavors allows me to stay true to my values and beliefs while sharing pieces of my life to help my audience, as well as some small businesses.

I’m most proud of the community I am creating, where people feel empowered to speak their truth and connect over shared experiences. It’s important to me that my followers see the real, unfiltered me and know that they’re not alone in their struggles. That’s the essence of my brand: authenticity, empowerment, and a touch of everyday joy.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was hiding my true character. For so long, I believed that faking it and conforming to others’ expectations was the key to acceptance and success. However, I’ve learned that this approach leads nowhere, and there is no shame in being who you truly are.

As a kid, teenager, and even during my early college years, I tried hard to fit in, often changing as much as possible about myself to be liked by others. When I first started my social media journey, I mainly followed trending videos and didn’t branch out because I was scared of being me.

The turning point came through a combination of exposure therapy and real therapy. It was exhausting to maintain a facade, and more often than not, people could see through it. Gradually, I began to realize the importance of authenticity and the freedom it brings.

My advice to anyone struggling with this: be yourself. Manifest a welcoming world by embracing your true character and stop hiding who you really are. When you do, everything else will fall into place. I myself am still continuing to work on this!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the genuine connection I build with my audience through authenticity. Growing up in a small town in rural Wisconsin, I often felt isolated and misunderstood. Sharing my personal experiences and struggles on social media has not only been therapeutic for me but has also resonated deeply with many others who have faced similar challenges.

One of the most fulfilling moments is when I receive messages or comments from followers saying that my content has empowered them to speak their truth or helped them feel less alone. Knowing that my openness and honesty can make a positive impact on someone’s life is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that by being authentic and vulnerable, we can create a supportive community where people feel seen and heard.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is seeing how my content brings people together, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages others to embrace their true selves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/alyssaluckey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssa_luckey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-l-a259a113a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr2MQrLqui3Ip7vTXfvqPCA
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckey1s

Image Credits

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