We were lucky to catch up with Linnea Collins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Linnea , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’m always thinking about the type of content that I want to publish as a Podcaster, and the kind of person that I want to be. I’m always thinking about the audience. I’m thinking about what value I can add to their lives. I’m thinking of ways that I can impact, help, encourage, be creative, and inform. I was watching the news on a summer day, and I saw how many teachers were quitting. They were complaining about low pay, feeling drained, and feeling under appreciated. Back in June, I decided that I wanted to do something nice for teachers. Teachers are so imperative yet I don’t feel they are appreciated in the way that they should be. So, I decided to dedicate a podcast episode to every teacher called, “Thank You Teachers”. I wanted to highlight all of the great things they do for our children. In addition, I reached out to my fellow creative Sister, Shanine Alessia who is a Teacher & Author. I wanted to do a giveaway. We gave a teacher a 100.00 gift card, and a book, Reaching While Teaching which was written by Shanine Alessia. That meant a lot to the teacher who received these gifts, and it meant so much to me. I just wanted them to know how much we need them, and how much they’re appreciated. I wanted them to know that we SEE them. I wanted to do my part. Teachers are VITAL!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Podcaster, Author, Blogger, and Entrepreneur.
During my school days, I was in love with journaling. I had a rough time in middle school, so I would write about it in my journal. It brought me comfort. I always wanted to fit in but never did. I felt so misunderstood by everyone. I was sad more than I was happy. I was just different. In high school, I started writing these crazy, scary, short, and creative stories lol. I also wrote some poems. I was in a writing class, and was always praised by my teacher. However, I didn’t take myself seriously nor did I believe in myself. I don’t think that I liked myself very much back then. I believe that I was born to create, but I didn’t start exercising that creativity until 2018 when I started Linnea Blogs Her Way. I woke up with dreams that I wanted to follow. The blog is a place for me to express my trials and tribulations sprinkled with some creativity. I write about my life, the lessons I’ve learned, short stories, conduct Q&A style inspiring interviews, bring exposure to fellow creatives, cover celebrity news, and so much more! It’s personal and relatable content. My blog has garnered 5,000 plus views. But, I wanted more. I wanted to expand my reach.
In 2019, I started Unpacking The Box Podcast which started off as an extension of the blog. However, it has transformed into something far greater. It’s about unpacking the box that has been shelved for too long. The box that has been collecting dust. The box that we’re afraid to unpack, but need to unpack for the betterment of others. Guess what? Sometimes we don’t even remember what’s in that box. I discuss a plethora of topics including Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Divorce, Boundaries, and more! In addition, I do inspiring and creative solo shows. I also conduct inspiring interviews with celebrities, fellow creatives, and fellow entrepreneurs! You just never know what’s going to happen next on UTBP! Currently, my podcast has a total of 14,600 plays and counting! But, I wanted more.
In 2020, I started Queenz Throne Podcast which highlights women who have amazing stories to tell. The topics include, Domestic Violence, Rape, Colorism, women working in male dominated fields, and more. I want to tell these stories to allow us to be heard, and to bring clarity where clarity may have been lost. I want to bring more awareness and bring women together. But, I wanted more.
At the end of 2020, I started Queen Wolff, LLC. in order to help my fellow creatives soar. I wanted to offer tips and tools to help them become successful. My business is currently under construction. I also sell inspirational and empowering graphic tees! But, I wanted more.
In 2022, I self published two books called, Rooftop Escapes: A Compilation Part 1 & 2. Both books are compiled of creative expressions on topics ranging from life and love, to traumas that harbors some truths. They are designed to make you look and think deep within. It is meant to convey our most vulnerable feelings and thoughts with deep messaging intertwined.
I am proud of myself for following my dreams, and for never giving up. I’ve worked so hard, and accomplished so much. I don’t have a lot of money. But, I have gifts. I have talent. I have a purpose to fulfill, and the will to do it. My brand and my work was built on transparency which is my foundation. God, Authenticity, Love, and Passion guides me. They keep me.
My style is distinctly unmatched. You will always know when it’s Linnea aka Queen Wolf! I’m not better than anyone, but I am different.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”-Maya Angelou
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having the freedom to create. I love that I get to do whatever I want to do. I literally wake up with so many ideas. I want to create so much! It’s also amazing when I meet other creatives who can relate to me and what I go through. Our minds wander to places that are beyond understanding, sometimes. We can’t help it because it comes with the creative territory. Lastly, I love when people enjoy my work. When people are impacted in some way, shape, or form by my work, it makes me feel good. Whenever someone tells me that I inspired them to start or to do anything, I’ve completed my mission. That’s an added bonus.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Wow! Social Media is a tricky place. I’m still learning how to build. However, I will say that it’s whatever you want it to be. I grew just by being myself, posting relatable, transparent, funny, and intriguing content. I’m consistent. I engage with my following and support others. I look at my insights often to determine who my audience is, and who I want to target. I like to try new things. I like to tweak hashtags, and play around with reels/videos. I promote my work often in fun and creative ways. I take risks. I utilize multiple social media platforms! The more, the merrier! More importantly, I ask myself if I can turn my followers into buyers, listeners, and readers? I look at past posts, and see what attracts my followers. The answer is, yes I can! I have! With all that being said, QUALITY over QUANTITY!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Linnea
- Instagram: unpacking_the_box_podcast
- Twitter: @unpackingthebox