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

Leah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

The first trend I see as a social media marketer is that short-form video is becoming one of the leading formats of content on social media marketing, For businesses who are on social media looking to connect with and build an audience, they should consider a video strategy. Social media allows your audience to get to know your brand in a deeper, sometimes more casual way, and video is the next best thing to being in front of them. According to wyzowl, about 50% of users are more likely to share a video than other types of content. And users in the U.S. in general are on TikTok longer than any other social media platform, on average even 5 minutes longer than on Youtube according to Statista. You are missing out on a key way to engage with your audience without videos, and they do not even have to have high-production value or be professionally edited. Relatability is key. The Stanley cup fire video that went viral shows how storytelling matters more than being 4k.

The second trend I see is the resurgence of carousel posts on social media. With AI becoming more and more sophisticated and better accessibility to high-quality video filming gear, I see users going back to the basics with their posts on social media with polaroid or even blurry shots. Especially on Instagram, users are simply uploading multiple photos related to a season in their life or an event in a loose, fun way. Social media was never really a stuffy place, but you’ll see many huge accounts with over a million followers posting meaningful content to them that gives us a true glimpse of their life without gimbals or a DSLR following them around.

As an artist, having a regular social media posting strategy in combination with being a vendor at in-person markets is the best way to build your fanbase and customers continuously. Since 2020, I am seeing artist alley or art market applications fill up sooner and the process of becoming a vendor more competitive with many artists wanting to sell live. It’s now more important than ever to make connections on social media with your fans who will often follow you to plan a visit to shop you at an art market. I have met so many wonderful people online who have shopped me in person, as well as strengthening relationships with people I met in person through posting my art online.

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

My name is Leah, I am a business owner and an artist. I do both at the same time!

Jar of Stars Creative is my social media marketing business where I focus on helping businesses create a social video strategy to help their business grow on social media. I tie their social media goals to their business goals, whether that be to make sales, capture leads, or build community, so they can reach their true fans. I do anything from consulting, social media strategy, and content creation. I love working with purpose-driven or aesthetic (beauty, fashion/accessory) brands.

Social media marketing, especially video marketing these days, is how people learn and engage with brands. I help busy business owners focus on running their business while I help them achieve their business goals through their social media presence.

My artist name is Hoshikari. I am a digital artist that draws starry dreamworlds in a pastel, kawaii style on my iPad. From my art, I produce keychains, prints, stickers, and bookmarks. I have been a vendor at twelve and more art markets in Texas, and want to do more. Recently, I have been doing more work to showcase and highlight my Filipino American cultural background. I hope to make people happy with my art, and look forward to collaborations with other creatives locally!

I moved to the greater Austin area from Seattle. Austin is such an artsy city, with a thriving arts scene. I love how this area supports small creators and want to meet more cool people.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Create content that represents you and what you love. It’s good to jump on trends, especially the trends that you genuinely have fun with, but make sure what you post is authentic to you. It’s so easy to see when someone is posting just for the sake of posting, or making content they think everyone wants to see. Doing social media for your hobby or business can already feel overwhelming, so make sure it stays something that you enjoy doing or you will not keep up with it.

To that point, do your best to be consistent. Post on a regular schedule so your audience knows when and what to expect. Many people are on social media to be inspired, entertained or to learn so think about that when you create your content. Think about how you can get your audience to participate in the post in a genuine way.

Speaking of participation, jump into your community or niche and support other creators. They will support you, and bring their fans to you as well. Whenever someone comments or interacts with anything on your account, always respond whether it be with a comment or emoji. It’s always appreciated. Growing on social media can take off fast or be slow, either one is not better or worse than the other. We all grow at our own pace, just don’t leave your audience behind. And no matter which platform you are on, these points can be applied and will help you.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

What I wish I knew when I started my business was to meet and talk to people. In the beginning, when your business or your art is not under a known or famous name, you have to put yourself out there. Go to meetups, sell at art market events, business events, or volunteer. Any activity where you meet new people. You never know who will become a collaborator, a supporter, or even a customer/client.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people– oftentimes, other people who attend these events are worried about the same thing. This will help you grow your craft, and often times your new connection will connect you to someone else as a referral. I have met so many amazing personal and business connections doing this, and I wish I did it sooner.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jar of Stars Creative
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarofstarscreative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahav/
• Other: The information I provided is for my social media marketing business. Social Media Marketing Business TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jarofstarscreative Feel free to also share my art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoshikarin/

Image Credits
Elisha Terada