We were lucky to catch up with Jalonda Hill recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jalonda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
When I first decided to become an influencer, I reached out to someone for help—aaaand let’s just say that didn’t go as planned. So, I had to figure it out on my own. Enter: YouTube University. I went down a rabbit hole of videos, studying influencers I admired, taking notes, and then putting my own spin on things. One of the best pieces of advice I got from a friend? Talk to your audience like you’re talking to your bestie. Game-changer. That’s how I found my voice—authentic, relatable, and just me.
If I could do it all over again, I’d definitely build a team sooner and find a mentor. Would’ve saved me so much time and trial-and-error!
As for skills? Not sure if this counts, but being real with people—open, honest, and relatable—has been key. (Okay, technically that’s three things, but you get the point.)
Now, let’s talk challenges. Whew. Time management was a big one. When you’re your own boss, there’s no one telling you what to do or when to do it—so you have to be disciplined. No deadlines? No problem? More like major problem if you don’t stay on top of things. Then there was the whole comparison trap. I’d catch myself looking at people who seemed further along and thinking, Ugh, why am I not there yet? But I had to snap out of it. Everyone’s path is different, and what’s meant for me will find me—no timeline stalking necessary.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
WOW—where do I even begin?! I’m someone who loves to laugh, play pickleball, spend time with my little nieces, travel every chance I get, and stay active—I’m a big believer in moving your body often and seeing as much of the world as possible. Life is short, but we have the power to make every chapter the best one yet.
I recently turned 50, and let me tell you—it put a fresh spin on everything! I’m praying for 50 more, and navigating what that next half looks like feels like standing in front of a blank canvas. No limits, just endless possibilities.
Let me take you back a bit—I’m a Cincinnati native who spent many summers in Detroit, so The D definitely helped raise me! I cheered a little, but my real love became basketball. I played for two years in high school until I became pregnant my junior year. That paused my hoop dreams, but it didn’t stop my drive. I graduated, went to college, and bounced around between majors—pharmacy, respiratory therapy, fashion design—before realizing I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart.
One of my earliest hustles? I was about 9, painting rocks and selling them—and baby, people bought them! That spirit never left.
One of my proudest moments was when a brand flew me out to California for a paid campaign and to speak on a panel. The best part? They let me bring my daughter and niece as my +2s. We stayed at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the most beautiful suite you can imagine. Watching their faces light up, screaming and running around filming everything—it was priceless. They got to attend events, receive PR packages, and even met one of their favorite TikTokers. They filmed a TikTok together and it went viral! It was a dream trip, and more than anything, I was so proud they got to see what’s possible when you work hard and dream big.
At the end of the day, I want people—especially women—to know that you can start fresh at any age. You’re never too old, too late, or too anything to evolve, explore, and expand into your purpose. I’m just getting started, and I’m bringing joy, energy, and intention with me every step of the way.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I actually owned a boutique for almost 20 years, so styling and creating outfits has always been second nature to me. Around the time I started thinking about becoming an influencer, I had maybe 3,500 followers. Not a huge audience—but I had a passion. So I created a styling video just for fun, and it ended up getting more engagement than anything I had ever posted. That was my “aha!” moment.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a friend who told me: “Talk to your audience like they’re your best friends.” And that changed everything. I stopped trying to sound perfect or polished and just started talking—really talking—like I would with my girls. And they responded.
Showing up authentically has been key for me. Some days I’ll hop on IG stories with a full beat and outfit… other days it’s me in a scarf with pimple cream on my face. I think people appreciate that balance, because it’s real.
What really helped build a strong bond with my community was being open about my life—the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’ve shared my wins, but I’ve also shared the hard stuff. When I opened up about becoming newly single… guuurrl! My DMs blew up. So many women were going through similar things and just needed someone to say, “Hey, I see you. You’re not alone.” That vulnerability built trust. And that trust built a tribe.
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Advice for building a social media presence? Here are 3 tips I live by:
1. BE the content. Take pictures and record what you’re already doing. You don’t need to create a whole new version of yourself—you are your content.
2. Add value. Your content should inspire, educate, or entertain. Find your rhythm, and serve your audience in ways that light you up.
3. Use questions as content. Share tips, tell your personal stories, and get your community involved. That’s the ultimate 3-in-1 combo.
At the end of the day, social media is about connection. Be yourself, show up often, and never underestimate the power of your story.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was so locked into building my boutique that I had no idea the influencer world even existed. That all changed when I met two sisters who also owned a boutique. A few years later, I noticed a shift in their social media—it went from promoting their store to jet-setting, sharing products, and linking everything in their Stories. I was like “Wait… what is this?! Because I KNOW I can do that too!”
I’ll never forget my first reel. It was a styling video featuring a $5 BCBG mini sequin skirt I thrifted. That post got more engagement than anything I had shared in the seven years prior. That was my lightbulb moment. That was outfit inspo meets purpose.
In 2020, I spoke it out loud: “I want to become an influencer.” I had no idea where to start, but deep down, I knew it would happen. As things slowly started picking up, I realized it was time to take things seriously. I reached out to an influencer agency—not once, but twice—with no response. And instead of taking it personally, I took it as a sign. I knew their inbox was probably full, but more importantly, I realized my page wasn’t ready.
So I got to work. I leveled up my content. I got consistent. I asked myself the tough questions—“Can a brand see their product on my page?” At the time, the answer was no. But I was committed to changing that. Fast forward to January 2022: I was walking in the version of me I had once only imagined.
But the journey wasn’t easy. In 2023, I lost my mom, and it shook my entire world. Grief tried to choke the life out of me. There were days I felt numb. Days I wanted to quit. I’m tearing up even writing this.
And now? I’m literally sitting on a plane to New York City for a paid campaign with a brand I love. I’m emotional. NYC used to be my old stomping grounds during my boutique days—I’d fly in for buying trips. And now? I’m flying back for BIG work. Don’t have me crying on this plane in front of all these strangers!
Let me say this loud and clear: if you have a dream, a business idea, a vision—and you believe you can do it—YOU CAN. Look in the mirror. It’s you vs. you. Put on your blinders, get laser focused, and make it happen. Don’t worry about who else is doing it—because there’s only ONE YOU. And that’s your secret sauce.
Like that mouthwatering sauce on the plate after a good meal—the kind that makes you wanna grab a piece of bread and sop it up—yeah, that’s YOU. That’s your flavor. That’s your magic.
I’m forever inspired by Kyrzayda. One of her last messages to the world was: “Do it. Do it now. Don’t wait.” And I carry that with me. She was one of the most influential fashion voices. I ran to her page for everything—style, presence, that haircut (ya girl even rocked it too). She was cold. Timeless. Unforgettable.
So if you’re reading this, take it as your sign: start now. The time is always now.
xo,
Jalonda
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xojalonda.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xojalonda?igsh=YncycXpjeW00bXdj&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xojalonda
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@xoJalonda
- Other: LikeToKnowIt (LTK): https://www.shopltk.com/explore/XOJalonda?web_share_path=creator-shop-share
Image Credits
Joshua James | Joshua James Photography
Kristina Allen | Kristina Kelee Photography
Fabian Estrada | Estrada Photography