We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maizy Burk. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maizy below.

Maizy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

Creativity has always been at the heart of who I am. From taking photos on my first iPod to getting my first real camera, I’ve always been drawn to capturing the beauty in everyday moments. What began as Maizy Burk Photography, asking friends to model and taking photos just for fun, gradually turned into booking sessions, earning a marketing degree, and stepping into creative job opportunities. Over time, that love for art, storytelling, and connection evolved into something much bigger: the foundation of Authentic Content Co.
I’ve always been passionate about creativity, small businesses, and the way people come together through shared experiences. Authentic Content Co. became the perfect blend of those passions, a company dedicated to amplifying authentic brands and places through social media, photography, video, and storytelling, with a focus on hospitality, attractions, and local businesses.
It all started simply, filming everywhere I went and capturing the small details that make places special. That led me to reach out to local businesses for collaborations, and as my portfolio and credibility grew, those collaborations evolved into relationships with brands who wanted to share their stories in a more authentic way.
In many ways, the vision for this company has been in my heart for years. It just took courage putting myself out there, saying yes to opportunities, and showing up in rooms where I could learn, grow, and collaborate with incredible people. I kept practicing, kept creating, and kept reaching out and in January 2024, I officially launched Authentic Content Co.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Maizy Burk, and I am the founder of Authentic Content Co.

Authentic brings hospitality and attractions to life through compelling media and storytelling that spark curiosity and inspire people to experience a destination firsthand. Whether it’s the signature cocktail at a bar, the charm of a historic downtown, or the unforgettable vibe of a boutique hotel, I help showcase what makes each business stand out.

Based in the Midwest, Authentic Content Co. is rooted in a love for small businesses, community, and the joy of bringing people together.

This company has been a true passion project for quite some time. After spending years working across the hospitality industry, I discovered a deep love for the stories behind the experiences and for the joy that comes from helping others discover them too.

From high-quality photography and cinematic reels to social media strategy, branding, and marketing, everything I create is designed to amplify brands and foster genuine connection with audiences. In an era where consumers are bombarded with content, they crave authenticity. I take pride in connecting with my clients, spending time on property, and fully immersing myself in each brand’s unique vibe to share it with the world.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Something I wish I had realized sooner is just how important people are. The connections you make and the relationships you build can become some of your most valuable resources.

Going out of your way to connect with others is one of the most valuable things you can do. Find people who are doing what you aspire to do, who are carving their own path in your industry, and learn from them. Having the courage to feel a little uncomfortable or even embarrassed at first is part of putting yourself out there and it can pay off in huge ways.

I’ve often found myself being the youngest person in the room, having conversations that pushed me out of my comfort zone. But those moments showed others that I’m ambitious and passionate, and they opened doors I never expected.

Take the time to genuinely connect and learn from others – reach out on social media, stop by their business, send an email, or invite someone to coffee. Simply asking, “When can we connect?” can be a powerful move. Behind every brand or business are real people, entrepreneurs, and dreamers working hard to make the world a better place.

Throughout my journey, the people I’ve met have been a big part of what keeps me inspired to continue. Finding other creators, dreamers, and individuals who see the value in what you do creates a sense of community, which is so important. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people take a chance on me, and I’m deeply grateful for that. Don’t be afraid to go where you feel unqualified, authenticity will take you farther than perfection ever will. Be honest, be genuine, and keep showing up as yourself!

And of course, not everyone will support your journey; that’s just part of it. Every business owner faces negativity at some point. The key is to focus on those who do clap for you and celebrate your wins. Those are your people. Let their support fuel you, not the noise.

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

To me, there are so many rewarding aspects of being a creative, but they really come down to two main things.

First, the personal side.
When I was younger, I used to dream about what I would be someday, even though I had no idea what that would look like. My mom used to tell me, “Maybe you’ll be something that isn’t even invented yet.” At the time, that didn’t make any sense and definitely wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear. But she was absolutely right.

I grew up alongside the digital age making videos on the family MacBook, watching platforms like Vine, YouTube, and TikTok come to life. So much of what I do today didn’t even exist ten years ago. I feel so fortunate to use my creativity in this evolving industry, and to use it for good.

I truly believe that our inner child still lives within us. The things we loved as kids often still light us up as adults. For me, being creative is one of the best ways to honor that inner child to find beauty in the everyday, to romanticize the world around us, and to bring joy to others. A few years ago, during a time of transition and reflection, I heard a quote that really stuck with me:
“If you’re adding beauty to the world, keep doing that.” It reminded me that even small acts of creativity can make a difference.

Second, the impact side.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the real world impact of your work, especially when it helps small businesses and local places thrive. Watching a restaurant fill up after a campaign, hearing someone say, “I saw that post and now I’m going there,” or knowing that a business sold out of a menu item because of a video we created, that’s incredibly special.

In a digital world, it can be easy to lose sight of the tangible effects of what we do. But those moments when you see people gathering, exploring, connecting remind me why I started all of this. Creativity has the power to bring people together, and that’s the most rewarding part of it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.authenticcontentco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maizy.burk/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maizy-burk-88aaa9206/