We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shardasia Adams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shardasia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
I think being successful is a mindset. Before actually breaking into the world of social media, I always thought being successful meant the number of followers, or the likes and views you brought to the table, but it’s more so about how you show up as a person. If you believe in your mind that you’re successful then you are. Even when you walk into a room full of people who have been in the game for years and you’re just starting out. If you’re confident that you’re already a successful being, then all of the societal expectations don’t matter.
Shardasia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Well I started taking my influencing career seriously about a year ago. When it comes to content creation or just being an influencer in general, the hardest part of it is starting. It took me so long to build because I was afraid and anxious about where to start. Growing tired of standing still, I just got up one day and started recording videos for YouTube. YouTube as a platform takes a lot more patience and self discipline. Something I still struggle with when recording for it. As far as Instagram, that is what really jump started my career. I began to network with other small creators after joining a social media group. That’s where I met a now very close friend of mine, Yasmeen. She taught me everything I needed to know about branding myself and pitching myself to some of the biggest brands out there. I provide a comical relief to my audience, being able to come up with scenarios that almost anyone can relate to is a gift of mine. I also feel like it sets me apart from other creators, I see most people branch into fashion, skincare, and so forth. While skincare is a favorite of mine, it isn’t my designated niche. Making people laugh on the other hand is. I do work with skincare companies though, recently I’ve been working to incorporate brands into my comedy skits so I can live the best of both worlds. Also with me being a writing and filmmaking major,, It all ties in. Creating content makes me feel like I’m directing a movie, scenarios I conjure up immediately puts me into a scenic mode. What I can say I’m most proud of is my faith to keep going, even when the going gets tough. I want people that follow me and those that begin to grow to love me to see me and be inspired to elevate against all odds.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my social media by investing in coaching calls, e-books, and experimenting with different videos to see what my audience would take to. My advice to people who are just starting out, invest in your dream. Don’t be afraid to get a coaching call or an e-book from people who have already solidified their social media presence. We all start somewhere, but I will warn you all to do hard research on the people you choose to work with. Some people will just throw you anything to get paid. Read reviews, look for testimonies. Then make your decision.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up, I was taught that the entertainment industry was a pipe dream. Especially for people like me. I was born and raised in Maryland. I still reside here. My family always told me that people from here really have to form miracles to break into the world of entertainment. It discouraged me for so long, it led me into majors and jobs I didn’t even feel right doing. With age, I just grew tired of letting the opinions my family formed become law for me. So, I stood alone and made things happen for me, it was the only way to do what I really loved doing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebr0wngirll/?next=%2F
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@littlebrowngirll?si=2yzF237btattQ2Cu