We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Denise Albite a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Denise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking a risk.. is like diving into the unknown. It’s about doing whatever that makes you a bit uneasy, but you also know it’s what you need to do to grow as an individual. Whether it’s switching jobs, starting your own business, or just facing down those nagging fears and insecurities you’ve been carrying around forever. Taking a risk is being comfortable with not being comfortable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

So, my content creation journey officially kicked off in November 2023. But let me tell you, it wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment decision like waking up and saying, “Today’s the day I become a fashion content creator.” No, this dream’s been brewing since high school, back when haul videos in 2012 were all the rage on YouTube. Watching influencers unpack their shopping hauls was oddly captivating. I thought, “Hey, I could totally do that!” But then doubt crept in – who’d wanna watch me, right?

As social media exploded and everyone wanted to be an influencer, the idea of content creation felt overwhelming. So, I stayed in the shadows, scrolling through socials, keeping up with the trends. In the beginning of 2023, though, that spark reignited. I dipped my toes into TikTok but struggled to stay consistent. Insecurities about not fitting the “ideal influencer” mold got to me so I stopped posting and thought “ maybe this is not for me”.

But then November 2023 rolled around – a turning point. I said “let’s try again”. It was time to embrace my authentic self, flaws and all. And that’s when “jetsetdenise” was born on IG, a space where I could share my love for lifestyle, travel and Curvy/Midsize fashion while keeping it real. I wanted others to feel seen and understood, to know they weren’t alone in their struggles.

Starting out, I didn’t overthink it. I just went with my gut, creating content that felt genuine. Sure, filming myself changing outfits was nerve-wracking at first. I obsessed over angles and appearances. But then it hit me – nobody’s perfect, including me. So why hold myself to impossible standards? That mindset shift pushed me forward.

The support from fellow creators has been amazing. Connecting with them, hearing their stories – it’s been inspiring. And as my page grew, so did opportunities to collaborate with brands that vibe with my lifestyle. Whether it’s the matcha I sip in the morning or the leggings I rock at the gym, partnering with brands I believe in has been a game-changer.
I love being a brand ambassador, sharing products that enhance our daily lives. Building relationships with these brands, co-creating content – it’s such a cool experience knowing that this was once only a dream for me. Knowing that my content adds value to both my audience and the brands I work with fills me with pride.

Although I have a long way to go, I believe that continuing to create genuine content will always shine through. Ultimately, I’m grateful for how my platform has evolved and the connections I’ve made along the way. But what I am really most proud of is inspiring others to take that leap, to embrace their authenticity despite the doubts. Taking risks, being true to yourself – that’s where the magic starts to happens.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media is thrilling yet kinda terrifying. You put yourself out there and you get a mix of love and hate. But hey, that’s part of it all. When I started, I was all about finding folks who looked like me, who made me feel like I belonged and safe.. I’m all about sliding into someone’s DM asking about that crazy story they posted or commenting on that cute shirt in their reel. It’s all about getting to know people on a deeper level,And now, I get to hear about folks trying out recipes I randomly shared on my story, which I think is so cool!! Connecting with people from all corners of the globe – it’s what makes this social media platform so awesome in my opinion.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being active on social media is undoubtedly the opportunity to connect with individuals from all walks of life. Through my platform, I’ve had the pleasure of building genuine friendships with some incredible people, some of whom I’ve even had the chance to meet in person. It’s truly remarkable how social media has the power to facilitate meaningful relationships, dispelling the notion that everyone you encounter online is merely projecting a façade. Embracing these authentic connections has been so amazing, highlighting the genuine human experiences that can unfold in the digital world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsetdenise/

Image Credits
NA- I own rights to this photo