Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Huda Umair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Huda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

As I was exploring the freelance journey on social media, I started affiliate marketing on the side too. Honestly, first time I earned as a paid marketing was $80 after 3 years of promoting my link and discount code.

It was as demotivating as it sounds, but it was not solely about the dollars only. I was in the process of learning a whole new world of digital marketing that includes Pr marketing, social media marketing, affiliate marketing, Ugc, SEO, Videography/photography skills and what not.

I used to take barter collaborations too and kept polishing my skills. 3 years later I managed to make 12-15 x more just by freelancing on a single medium.
You can work on different mediums and generate income from all of them. It’s just about how much time and energy you are willing to spend.

Huda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

So professionally I am a Pharmacist and been enthusiastic about healthcare all my teenage and twenties. However life does not come scripted, and when I moved to Middle East I had very little to no career growth options, given to my circumstances at that time.

It took me sometime to realize what was doable, with my talent and skillset. I never did freelancing before and hence I had no idea where to begin from.
I researched online resources, took online courses, worked on my communication skills, disciplined my schedule and most importantly I was not shy to take help from creatives in the same field.

I started digital/social media marketing as a freelancer from the comfort of my home in Middle East and little did I know, I managed to create marketing content for more than 500 clients till this date.
Having said this, I am still passionate about carrying my pharmacy degree ahead now in America. However I do feel that there should be more awareness on freelancing, its mediums and to earn out of it.

I specialized in hospitality, lifestyle, educational and beauty content for social media and user generated content for the brands and businesses. My blog name is @thatmodestlife and I am known for my creative storytelling and aesthetic content.

Something that I am most proud of being an influencer and in the light of social media all the time, is that I never gave up on my values and beliefs. I am proud to market the products/services in a way that it should be marketed, but with my personal touch to it.

I also share little snippets of my daily routine, parenting style and life disciplines so audience develop a sense of connection and not just the endorsement of products all the time.
I belief this is also the reason why your followers and audience take your words and recommendations seriously.

I have always been very mindful of taking the campaigns and brand promotions where I know I am able to deliver the right message. This word ‘Influencer’ comes with a lot of responsibility and I make sure to justify it.

In the end, it’s not how much you have earned, it is also about earning with integrity and dignity. In a place like social media where you get paid on the views, it is important to leave the right influence and footprints for others to follow.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The career shift from healthcare sector to digital marketing was quite a pivot in career as well as in life. However looking back, now I feel it brought me a lot of learning and independence.

It opened up the doors of growth, a stream of income and most importantly freedom to work remotely from any part of the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is ultimately to start my own marketing agency to deliver more personalized services. To take it ahead, I want to see more skilled and talented individuals work together in a team bringing their expertise, core values and creative juices to the table and create nothing less than a magic for our clients.

Being a creative artist is so rewarding, you don’t get to settle unless you deliver your imagination into something exceptional.
I feel there should be more platforms and mediums where freelance creatives get better compensations for what they do. I am also working on e books and digital products that hopefully be launched within this year and will help individuals monetize their digital work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatmodestlife/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huda-qadeer-1a023395/