We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mirendah Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mirendah , thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I manage my own social media. I am the creator , editor , director , talent – everything.

It really isn’t much of a choice . I’m just starting out in the social media space (3 and a half years in) from the creators side (I used to work in advertising but room the agency side) – so with that – I’m still learning my craft , my audience and trying to figure out the vibe I want my social media content to take but once I feel like im established I might hire an editor to help.

It’s a lot of work. I honestly underestimated how much goes into content creating and especially if you’re doing everything yourself and with so many platforms to consider. It’s not always a one size ( or same content ) fits all ( will work on the different social media platforms..

What id share with business owners thinking of doing their own social media is be yourself – it goes along way and makes content creating easier and fun. It’s a learning journey so don’t expect perfection the first time round or at all ( that’s something I personally still struggle with). Always remember to add value in your content and solve your clients problem with what you’re selling.

If you have enough revenue – by all means hire a team – it makes it easier so you won’t burn out quicker but be consistent , have fun and take inspiration from other creators , support them and grow.

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.

Hi – I’m Mirendah Smith – I’m originally from South Africa (proudly ) and I’m currently living in the USA.

I started my career and advertising as an account executive. I was the middleman between the client and the creative team.

I’ve always been keen on the creative side of the ad agency. I felt like that position allows you to be so open, and so creative without being limited to a desk job or endless meetings.

My sister is also in the arts as a singer and a dancer so she has been a major influence in my career choice to be a content creator. I was exposed to so much because of her profession. I guess we’re both not 9-5 behind the desk type of people.

My content is fashion ,beauty a bit of lifestyle, and I’m soon to tap into motherhood as I am a first time mom to a one year old baby girl as well as travel. I know we’re normally advised to pick a niche and focus to that but I feel that’s also getting you “ stuck” in a bubble. Yes it’s good to establish your main pillar and build on that to have a community but live your truth. Content creating is about every and all things you enjoy – you’re just sharing it with the world in digital form.

I provide styling tips , all the clothes I wear are affordable so I’m creating content for women who want to look chic, stylish and trendy without breaking bank. This obviously will change as my brand grows. I would eventually like to be in the luxury section of fashion and beauty.

In terms of incorporating motherhood into my current niche, I just want to inspire mothers to feel good and be able to still look presentable even after that roller coaster ride called motherhood. Just because we are mothers does not mean we have to look as exhausted as we feel ha ha

I do reviews of products,try on hauls , styling tips etc and I’ve worked with some amazing brands along the way.

What I most proud of is how resilient I’ve been since starting this content creating journey. It’s so easy to compare oneself to those who have been in this game for a while who now have established A big following and landing all these dream brand collaborations.

I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s ok to take a step back from social media to kind of get back in touch with reality and to regroup and refocus. It’s a very competitive industry but also very rewarding if you’re authentic to your craft and yourself .

With all that being said – I don’t have a huge following but , I have managed to collaborate with amazing brand such as Prada beauty, Valentino Beauty, Blushmark , Calia etc and I know more collaborations are in my future.

What I would want future clients or followers to know about me is that I am a very hard-working young lady, I put 100% of me into my work. Just cause I don’t have a hundred thousand followers – don’t let that deter you from anything. Im a work in progress and I love what I do.

Watch the space I’m about to blow up

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I’m speaking from experience with this – I have people close to me who don’t understand what goes into content creating.

A lot of people seem to assume that you just put your camera on a tripod press record and that’s it. Not realizing that the music they listen to every day , the movies they watch on a daily – Those did not just happen because someone decided to switch on their camera and that was it.

There is literally so much that goes into producing content. The Concept, the planning , costumes, editing, scripts, reviewing, revising , money spent on equipment, classes to improve yourself , time etc

So much goes into content creating, and for people to think that this is not a real job or a job that’s really worth being monetized is unfortunate.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that you are not” trapped in a bubble “.

As someone who used to work a desk job, even though was in advertising, that felt like Groundhog Day. Where as when you’re a creative the world is your oyster.

Coming up with ideas and having to see them come to life is the best thing ever.

I feel like you get the opportunity to be a storyteller and connect with people on a different level.

You get to express yourself & to get paid to basically create – now that is a win.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirendahm/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mirendahm
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mirendahm?_t=8qAU2meOhDS&_r=1

Image Credits

Mirendahm
AJ97media_official412