We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Roiland. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

It took me quite a while to transition into earning a full-time income from my creative work. I began this journey over a decade ago, tirelessly producing 2-3 blogs a day, each accompanied by 12-15 images. I made sure to share this content across every platform available, fueling my passion for styling looks and creating captivating content. Eventually, I reached out to brands like Forever21 and FreePeople, who initially provided me with products to shoot without compensation. Over time, I learned to negotiate modest fees for my work, ensuring it remained true to my personal style.

After about five years of this hustle, an agency approached me, recognizing my potential and signing me right away. This pivotal moment marked my transition into a full-time paid creator. Having an agent completely revolutionized my career, opening doors to lucrative brand deals that perfectly aligned with my aesthetic and brand.

This progression happened relatively quickly due to my existing following and extensive portfolio of content for brands to review. I had laid the groundwork for success through my prior efforts, setting the stage for this significant milestone in my creative journey.

Amy, 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 launched my blog, Afashionnerd, over a decade ago. Armed with just a tripod and clicker, I captured my own photos and posted them unedited, allowing authenticity to shine through. Producing 2-3 blogs daily, each adorned with 12-15 images, I shared my content across various platforms, from Lookbook.nu to Facebook and Twitter, and later, Instagram. For four years, I saturated social media with my colorful, Wes Anderson-inspired style, never hesitating to reach out to brands big and small.

As my brand grew, I transitioned to collaborating with larger brands, negotiating modest fees for my creative work. Known for my vibrant aesthetic and whimsical approach to fashion, I embraced the 60s French style, seeking out fun locations that complemented my looks. I thrived on quantity, capturing moments and creating content with abandon.

Eventually, a social media agency recognized my potential and signed me, propelling my career as a full-time creator. Alongside this journey, I embarked on TikTok with my now 4-year-old daughter, who quickly gained recognition for her knack for styling outfits. Together, we amassed over 600k fans, infusing joy and creativity into our videos, a tradition we still cherish, albeit at a slower pace.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most fulfilling aspect of being a creator is the ability to inspire others and bring smiles to their faces. I’ll never forget the impact of sharing my birth story with Ryder; it resonated with so many women, offering comfort and encouragement during their own childbirth journeys. Knowing that my experiences could provide solace to others fills me with immense gratitude. Additionally, hearing from young girls who feel inspired by Ryder and me to embrace motherhood, even if they hadn’t considered it before, brings me joy beyond words.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the past few years, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, but I’ve always managed to stay focused on creating and pushing forward. Creating serves as a distraction from the difficulties surrounding me, helping me to stay grounded and find moments of joy amidst the chaos. Recently, my family experienced something devastating, and we’re navigating through it for the next 15 months. It’s been incredibly difficult, and there isn’t a day that goes by without tears. However, I’ve discovered that creating allows me to channel my resilience and find solace. Despite the pain, dressing up and capturing moments through photography brings happiness not only to myself but also to those around me. And ultimately, that’s what matters most to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.afashionnerd.com
• Instagram: afashionnerd
• Facebook: afashionnerd
• Other: tiktok: Afashionnerd

Image Credits
I took most all of my images and some are by Jessi Gray photographer my best friend Thank you