We recently connected with Ciana Dunivan and have shared our conversation below.
Ciana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
How did you learn to do what you do?
I first discovered my passion for content creation during COVID, when I started making TikTok videos. It was very much a trial-and-error process — I found my niche as an outdoor creator, sharing solo hiking tips, safety advice, and encouragement, especially for women adventuring alone. Committing to posting every day, I learned SEO strategies, started reaching out to outdoor brands, and steadily grew my account to over 10,000 followers. That journey sparked my love for content creation, video editing, and brand storytelling. Soon, local businesses in Arizona began asking me to create content for them, and I realized I could turn my skills into a business — helping brands show up authentically online.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Honestly, I would’ve started posting sooner. In the beginning, perfectionism held me back — the fear that my content wouldn’t be “good enough” slowed me down. Once I lowered that expectation and embraced real, raw, imperfect content, things took off. Showing up authentically builds trust and connection much faster than polished perfection ever could.
What skills do you think were most essential?
Being able to speak confidently on camera was huge — it made my content feel personal and relatable, whether it was a TikTok, Reel, or live video. Visual storytelling was another essential skill: having the ability to see the bigger vision behind a post, pair it with the right audio, and edit it into something scroll-stopping. Beyond trends, it’s about creating content that resonates and feels memorable.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Self-doubt was my biggest obstacle. I didn’t have a formal degree in marketing, and at times I felt behind others who did. But I leaned into my passion for storytelling and kept learning by doing. Over time, I realized social media is just one part of a brand’s overall marketing strategy — and I’ve grown to love thinking bigger, from organic content strategies to recommending influencer partnerships and paid ads when needed.
Ciana , 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?
Hi, I’m Ciana, a Social Media Manager and Content Creator, and founder of Dunivan Digital Marketing. I specialize in helping brands show up authentically online through strategic social media management and compelling content creation.
My journey into this field began during the pandemic, when I started creating outdoor and travel content on TikTok. I found my voice through trial and error, building a niche around encouraging solo adventures, especially for women. That experience — growing a community from scratch, learning SEO, reaching out to brands, and posting daily — laid the foundation for my career.
Today, I offer social media management services, short-form video content creation, user-generated content (UGC) campaigns, and organic content strategies for brands that want to connect with their audiences in a real, relatable way. I help businesses move beyond just posting — I help them build community, tell their story, and create content that is both visually compelling and aligned with their larger marketing goals.
What sets me apart is my creator-first approach: I don’t just manage social media accounts; I think like a creator and a strategist. I understand the importance of creating scroll-stopping videos, while also keeping the bigger marketing picture in mind — from influencer partnerships to organic growth strategies to paid ad recommendations. I’m deeply committed to helping brands not just “keep up” online, but actually connect with their audience in ways that feel authentic and lasting.
I’m most proud of how much heart and strategy I bring to my work. I built my career by showing up consistently, even when it was uncomfortable, and I pour that same dedication into every project and client relationship. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is built on passion, creativity, and a true partnership mentality — I treat every brand I work with like it’s my own.
Whether you’re a brand looking for social media support, a company wanting to create content that actually resonates, or someone who just believes in the power of real connection online — that’s the space I work in, and I’m so excited to continue building it.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has been immersing myself in the local Phoenix community — both online and in person. Central Phoenix especially has such a strong love for supporting local businesses, and being actively involved in that has made all the difference.
I make a point to show up: attending markets, supporting new restaurant and boutique openings, taking local classes, and genuinely being part of the community I also create content for. I’m not just someone managing social media accounts behind a screen — I’m also the person shopping at their stores, taking their classes, and staying after events to connect with new people.
By showing up consistently — both on camera and in real life — I’ve built a reputation as someone who isn’t just about marketing; I’m truly for the brand. I bring energy, enthusiasm, and genuine support to every client relationship. Because of that, a lot of my clients come from referrals and word of mouth, as well as through social media. When people hear that I’m committed, dedicated, and genuinely excited to help brands grow, it builds trust — and that trust has been the key to growing my business.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing a project through from start to finish — from the initial spark of an idea to the final post going live — and knowing that it genuinely resonates with a brand’s audience.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about producing a campaign, a project, or even a single video reel that I wholeheartedly believe in. It’s not just about how well the content performs, although that’s always a bonus. I know I’ve truly succeeded when the brand I’m working with feels seen, heard, and fully represented. When they tell me that the content captured exactly what they wanted to communicate — that’s the win for me.
Each project can involve a lot of moving parts — planning the concept, scripting, scouting locations, filming, editing, caption writing, and finally publishing. But when it all comes together exactly as envisioned, and it connects authentically with the audience, it’s an incredible sense of accomplishment. That feeling never gets old, and it’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cianadunivan.com/
- Instagram: @dunivandigital
- Linkedin: Ciana Dunivan
