Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Renna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was juggling the demands of being a full-time student-athlete in college while also working a full-time job. Despite my busy schedule, I felt a strong pull to start something creative, something that allowed me to express myself and connect with others. Like many people, I turned to social media for inspiration and quickly realized I wanted to explore the fashion industry, even though my vision wasn’t fully clear at the time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The first steps were small but crucial to the process. I started by using a basic camera and tripod or asking friends to take pictures of outfits that resonated with me. I didn’t have any fancy equipment or a professional setup, just a desire to create something relatable. I spent hours learning to use basic editing tools and researching what worked well on social media platforms. Consistency was key. I made it a point to post regularly, engage with others, and create a vibe that felt authentic to me.
The early days were full of trial and error. I experimented with different types of content, from outfit grids to styling videos, while also learning about hashtags, engagement strategies, and the basics of building a personal brand. Balancing this with my existing responsibilities wasn’t easy, but I made time, often late at night or early in the mornings.
Momentum built slowly but steadily. Followers began engaging more, sharing how much they connected with my content. Those moments made me realize that this could be something bigger, a future community of people who could relate to and find inspiration in what I shared. To step up my content, I invested equipment and upgraded my phone and camera for better quality. I also started reaching out to brands and fellow creators, and brands started reaching out not expecting much, but hoping to build relationships. I have had the opportunity to work with brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Express, Save The Duck, Verishop, Russell Athletics, H&M, Ekster, Casetify, Degree, Azzaro, L’Oreal, Fashionnova, Paul Jones.
Over time, these efforts snowballed. Fast forward to today, I’ve been fortunate enough to see how far consistency and hard work can take you. I’ve landed not one, but two Times Square billboards with Express, a surreal moment that still feels like a dream. I’ve attended some of the most exciting events in NYC, including New York Fashion Week (NYFW), and even had the incredible opportunity to meet the legendary football star David Beckham.
This ongoing journey has given me the chance to meet other creators and industry professionals, sparking my interest in many other fields and encouraging me to think outside the box. I’m incredibly excited to see what the future holds and can’t wait to explore the opportunities ahead.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to try everything. Remember, failure is essential for growth. Take time to reflect on what isn’t working, make adjustments, and try something new. What worked for me, and what I continue to focus on, is staying consistent, being patient, experimenting, and always learning.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I would have to say networking and meeting new people. Connecting with individuals who can empathize with your experiences and engage in meaningful discussions is truly incredible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/chrisrenna?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYoNFR-M6kXm8Nujqp_r4R31xiIpU_FiNd4eLlX1Bc0nWTQVmKp7IBMpLQ_aem_QwfyLfTpEFSKDUJjzhoUxw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christrenna/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-renna-626a6a162/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisrenna
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisrenna