We recently connected with Charlesann Roy and have shared our conversation below.

Charlesann, appreciate you joining us today. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?

Before the pandemic, I had my sights set on a career in graphic design, and I was actively applying for roles in that field. However, as the world shut down, job opportunities in design became scarce, and companies were scaling back rather than hiring. I suddenly found myself at a crossroads, needing to rethink how I could use my skills in a changing job market.

During this time, I leaned into something that had always been a part of my life—social media. I had been creating content for years, but now I started to see it as more than just a personal outlet. Businesses were shifting online rapidly, and I realized that my design background, paired with my understanding of digital storytelling, could help them navigate this transition.

One small contract turned into another, and soon I was helping businesses and organizations elevate their online presence. What started as a way to stay afloat during uncertain times became a full-fledged career in social media and content creation. Looking back, I see that COVID forced me to think outside the box, pivot, and embrace a new path—one that has allowed me to grow creatively and professionally in ways I never expected.

Charlesann, 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?

My journey into content creation and social media began in college. At the time, I was working at a marketing firm, thinking I had my career path mapped out. But just before graduation, I found out that the firm couldn’t offer me a full-time position, and suddenly, I was back at square one. I spent months applying for jobs, hoping to land a role in graphic design—what I had earned my BFA in—but then, the world changed.

When the pandemic hit, job opportunities in design vanished overnight. Like many others, I found myself stuck in uncertainty, unsure of what was next. But during this time, one thing remained constant: social media. I had been creating content for years as a hobby, but now, I started to look at it differently. Could I turn this passion into a career?

With everything moving online, I realized I had an in-demand skill set. I started with one small contract, supporting friends with their businesses, which led to another, and eventually, a full-time role with an organization in Detroit. This opportunity has allowed me to combine my love for visual storytelling with a mission to uplift Detroit communities, rebuild neighborhoods, and empower the next generation.

Today, I specialize in social media strategy, digital storytelling, and content creation. I create engaging visual content that connects brands and organizations with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through photography, videography, graphic design, or social media campaigns, my goal is to tell stories that inspire, inform, and create impact.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend design with strategy. Coming from a graphic design background, I understand the importance of aesthetics, but I also know that great visuals alone aren’t enough—they need to be purposeful. I focus on creating content that not only looks good but also aligns with a brand’s mission and goals.

I’m most proud of my ability to adapt and grow. My career didn’t unfold the way I initially planned, but every twist and turn has led me to where I am today. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have played a significant role in my journey, teaching me new skills, connecting me with like-minded creatives, and helping me refine my craft. Social media isn’t just a job for me—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a space where I can make an impact.

For anyone following my work, I want them to know that storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. I believe in the power of digital media to educate, uplift, and connect people. Whether I’m creating content for a brand, an organization, or my own personal platforms, my goal is always the same: to inspire, engage, and bring value to the audience.

Above all, I want people to know that their journey doesn’t have to be linear. Challenges and detours can lead to opportunities you never expected. If my story shows anything, it’s that resilience, adaptability, and creativity can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came just before graduating college. I had my ten-year plan mapped out, confident that I’d secure a full-time position at the marketing firm where I was working. But just before graduation, I learned they couldn’t offer me a role. Suddenly, I was back at square one—applying for jobs, facing rejection, and trying to stay optimistic about what 2020 would bring.

Then, the world changed. Graphic design jobs disappeared from job boards overnight, and I found myself in a holding pattern. It was a moment of deep uncertainty, but instead of letting it define me, I asked myself a critical question: What skills do I already have that are in demand?

Social media had always been a creative outlet for me, but I realized it could be more than that. I leaned into content creation, picked up small contracts, and supported friends with their businesses. One opportunity led to another until I secured a full-time role in Detroit that aligned my passion for storytelling with a mission-driven organization.

That period of uncertainty tested me in ways I never expected, but it also forced me to be adaptable. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through hard times—it’s about recognizing when to pivot, using the skills you have, and believing that setbacks can lead to even greater opportunities.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One resource I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey is the power of community and mentorship—especially through online platforms. Early on, I was figuring everything out on my own, relying on trial and error. But once I started engaging with other creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, I realized how much knowledge was available just by connecting with like-minded individuals.

I also wish I had taken full advantage of YouTube University sooner. There’s an endless amount of free, high-quality content out there on everything from social media strategy to monetization and branding. Learning how to optimize my content, define my niche, and make social media work for me earlier in my journey would have saved me so much time.

Another game-changer was discovering self-development podcasts. They’ve helped me shift my mindset, detox negative thoughts, and embrace the idea that growth starts with believing in yourself. If I had adopted this mindset earlier, I would have had more confidence in my creative abilities from the start.

Looking back, I see how valuable these resources have been, and I encourage anyone starting out to seek knowledge, surround themselves with the right people, and never stop learning.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesannroy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesann-roy-0b5b2615b/

Image Credits

photo credits go to chuck nagy photo for the last image with me holding the phone in my hand