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

Sydney , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

In 2019, my impulsive 20-year-old self decided to make a life-altering leap. New York City was calling my name, and I was determined to answer. Fresh off a contracted job and at a crossroads in life, I started looking for opportunities in both New York and DC. Within two weeks, I secured a job, found an apartment, and packed up my life in Washington, DC, to embrace the electric pulse of the Big Apple.

At the time, I was captivated by the world of social media and content creation, though I had no clue where to start. But as someone who believes in creating opportunity out of chaos, I came up with a plan to document my new life in the city. Inspired by one of my favorite shows, Sex and the City, I launched my YouTube channel, Sydd in the City. The name felt perfect—a nod to the iconic NYC series while reflecting my own story of navigating life in my mid-20s in a city full of dreams.

For the next year, I taught myself everything—how to film, edit, and post content using nothing more than my iPhone. I devoured tips and tricks online, poured hours into improving my craft, and used every platform I had to promote my growing influencer brand. Slowly but surely, I was finding my rhythm.

Then, March 2020 hit, and the world changed overnight. My roommate and I were just settling into our second apartment in Brooklyn, full of dreams for the year ahead, when COVID-19 brought everything to a standstill. Furloughed from my job like millions of others, I suddenly found myself with time I never imagined having. Rent didn’t pause, though, and unemployment checks only went so far. I had to think fast.

In true Sydney fashion, I made another bold decision: I would start pitching myself as a social media manager. After spending months immersed in content creation, learning, and practicing on my own, I knew I could turn this passion into a way to make ends meet. Armed with nothing but determination and my past experience organizing networking events, I reached out to former event clients, pitching my new service.

That’s how I landed my very first client—a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring youth in DC. Shortly after, I secured another client, a personal trainer. These weren’t friends or family—they were clients who believed in me, despite my being brand new to the field.

I had passion and drive, but I had never managed social media professionally. So, I leaned into what I knew best: organization and strategy. I scheduled weekly meetings with each client, crafted content strategies tailored to their unique audiences, and created detailed instructions on filming content in our pandemic-stricken world. I took on everything—editing, scheduling, engaging—learning as I went. It was a crash course in real-world social media management, and it was intense.

For four months, I juggled these clients, balancing the excitement of earning my first dollar in this field with the challenges of learning on the job. Eventually, as contract opportunities picked up, I stepped away from social media management to pursue higher-paying roles. But the lessons I learned in those early days were invaluable.

Those first clients gave me the confidence to dive deeper into social media marketing. Over time, I returned to freelancing, building my personal influencer brand alongside managing social media for brands, nonprofits, and even my family’s organization. I eventually realized this was more than a side hustle—it was my calling.

In 2023, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University with a Master’s in Design Management and Communications, cementing my dedication to this field. Since then, I’ve worked with clothing brands, restaurants, and a PR agency, all while growing my influencer brand, Sydd in the City.

Today, I’m a Field Marketing Manager at Howard University with Sodexo, a role I’m proud to hold. Looking back, that first leap into social media management during one of the most uncertain times in history set the foundation for my career. Every experience, from those early days of undercharging to managing major campaigns, has shaped me into the career woman I am today.

What started as a necessity during a global pandemic has blossomed into a passion-driven career. And it all began with two clients who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself.

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

I’m Sydney Porter, a digital marketing specialist, content creator, and founder of Sydd in the City, a lifestyle brand dedicated to storytelling and inspiring others through beauty, fashion, and social engagement. My journey began in 2019 when I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City, documenting my experiences as a 20-something navigating the Big Apple on my YouTube channel. What started as a creative outlet soon became a career path when I taught myself the ins and outs of content creation and turned it into a business.

During the pandemic in 2020, I landed my first clients—a nonprofit and a personal trainer—by pitching myself as a social media manager. I created content strategies, helped build their online presence, and learned invaluable lessons about storytelling, adaptability, and strategy. Since then, I’ve expanded my career to include freelance digital marketing, influencer collaborations, and a full-time role as a Field Marketing Manager, all while growing my Sydd in the City platform.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect creativity with strategy. I dive deep into what makes brands unique, crafting tailored approaches that drive results. Whether it’s helping businesses engage their audiences or using my platform to share relatable content, I’m passionate about creating meaningful connections.

I’m proud of my journey—from learning on my iPhone to earning a Master’s from Georgetown University—and the impact I’ve made for clients across industries. My goal is to help brands tell their stories authentically while inspiring others to take risks and follow their dreams.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been my proactive and personalized approach to pitching myself. Before reaching out to potential clients, I take the time to study their brand and identify creative ideas or opportunities for improvement. By offering actionable feedback or strategies, I show them exactly how I can bring value to their business.

I’m also not afraid to seize opportunities in the moment. Whether during networking events or casual conversations, I make it a point to pitch myself confidently, often sharing quick tips and tricks to help them better promote their brand. These personal interactions are my strength—I thrive in face-to-face settings, where my people skills and natural charisma shine.

My advice to anyone looking to grow their client base is simple: don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself at any time. Confidence, preparation, and genuine passion for what you do can open doors you never expected. For me, this approach has been instrumental in building strong relationships and growing my business.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The story of my career is one of evolution and adaptability. I started in the events industry, where I invested my time, energy, and resources to build a foundation. I completed an event planning program at George Washington University, landed an internship, and worked my first full-time role as an Event Planning Coordinator at the Capitol Visitor Center. After moving to New York, I joined an event accommodations company, continuing to build my expertise in creating memorable experiences.

Then, in 2020, everything changed. When the pandemic hit, large gatherings came to a halt, and the events industry faced an unprecedented challenge. Like so many others, I found myself at a crossroads. It was then I realized it was time to pivot into a career that could withstand uncertainty—one where people would always need innovative solutions.

Social media marketing felt like a natural progression for me. I had already been exploring content creation through my personal brand, Sydd in the City, and the pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity to dive headfirst into this new path. I invested in myself by learning everything I could about digital marketing, pitching my services, and working with clients to build their online presence.

That pivotal moment taught me the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt. Shifting from events to digital marketing wasn’t just a career move; it was a testament to my belief in staying open to new possibilities. I haven’t looked back since, and today, I’m proud to use my creativity and strategic thinking to help brands tell their stories in meaningful ways.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catchsyddinthecity/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-porter-a860a511a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CatchSyddintheCity