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

Toria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In September 2023, I found myself at a crossroads—a moment of decision that would either push me forward into my dreams or keep me tethered to comfort and security. At the time, I was working a retail sales job at Hand and Stone. The stability of a paycheck was something I had clung to, even though my passion had always been content creation. I had started to make a name for myself as a UGC creator, but I wasn’t considered a full-time creator yet. There were no guarantees that the next month would bring enough income to survive. But I had this persistent voice in the back of my mind saying, “If not now, when?”

Every day, I felt the tension between what I was doing and what I knew I was meant to be doing. It was like standing in the shallow end of a pool, when all I wanted was to dive headfirst into the deep end, unsure if I’d sink or swim. I had been telling myself that when the ‘right time’ came, I’d quit my job and make the leap. But the reality is, there’s never a perfect time to take a risk.

So, I quit.

Walking out of Hand and Stone for the last time, I felt this mix of terror and exhilaration. I had no safety net, no Plan B—just the raw determination to make it as a creator, despite not having the steady income or even the label of “full-time.” I didn’t have it all figured out. But I knew one thing: I wasn’t going to let fear dictate my future. If I failed, at least I’d fail knowing I bet on myself.

The first few weeks were hard. There were sleepless nights where I wondered if I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I wasn’t getting consistent brand deals, and some days, I doubted whether anyone would ever recognize the value I brought as a creator. But then, slowly but surely, things started to shift. I doubled down on pitching to brands, refining my content, and putting myself out there. It wasn’t long before opportunities began to open up—brands started reaching out, collaborations flowed, and the community I had been building started to grow. I was finally stepping into the full-time creator role I had dreamed of for so long.

But the biggest change wasn’t just financial—it was in the way I saw myself. I realized that sometimes, the risk isn’t just about betting on whether you’ll succeed or fail. It’s about betting on your worth, on your passion, on the belief that you deserve the life you envision for yourself. And taking that leap, despite all the fear, was the moment I chose to believe in me.

Looking back, I can say that quitting my job was the risk that changed everything. It taught me that growth doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from daring to step into the unknown. And while it’s still a journey, one full of ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This risk set me free, and I want people to know that when you take a chance on yourself, the possibilities are limitless.

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.

For those who are new to my story, my name is Toria Lexus, and I began my content creation journey at just 14 years old on an old Instagram account called @toriasmirror. At the time, I was struggling to make friends, and social media became my outlet to express myself and connect with others. Even back then, I had a dream—a dream that one day, Toria Lexus would be a name people recognized as an influencer and creator. The vision was clear, even if the path was uncertain.

My passion for content creation is deeply personal. I’ve always felt that my middle name, Lexus, which stands for elegance and class, was a reflection of how I wanted to show up in the world. When I walk into a room or network with others, I aim to embody that same elegance, with a presence that leaves a lasting impression. My dream partnership has always been with Lexus, not just because of the name, but because I align with what it represents—sophistication, excellence, and innovation.

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, and my biggest inspiration has always been my father, Thomas Costa. He’s the one who showed me what it means to be dedicated, resilient, and unafraid to dream big. His nickname for me is “Precious” because, as he always says, I should never be treated less than that. His belief in me has shaped the way I approach my work, my relationships, and my brand.

What sets me apart from other influencers and creators in this crowded space is my authentic storytelling. I focus on female entrepreneurship, lifestyle inspiration, and social media strategy, blending my personal experiences with actionable advice. I’m transparent about my struggles—whether it was battling self-confidence during my teenage years, losing social media management clients due to industry changes, or the financial challenges I faced after quitting my sales job to go all-in as a creator. These challenges have shaped me, and I believe my vulnerability and honesty are what resonate with my audience.

In terms of services, I offer personalized UGC coaching, helping brands and businesses create content that not only engages their audience but feels authentically theirs. I curate content for brands to use on their social media or paid ads, while also continuing to build my personal brand as a social media icon. What you see from me online is exactly how I show up in person—real, relatable, and passionate about what I do.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and friends. My boyfriend, Evan, deserves special recognition—he’s been my biggest cheerleader, always pushing me to be the best version of myself. His encouragement has been instrumental in helping me reach new heights in my career.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built. My social media platforms aren’t just about numbers; they’re about genuine connections. I’ve had the privilege of working with brands that have evolved into friendships, and I’ve continuously refined my content to reflect my true self. It’s a journey that’s constantly evolving, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

If you’d like to join me on this journey or explore more of my work, you can follow me on Instagram or TikTok @torialexus. For business inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most challenging moments in my journey happened this past year when a social media management client made some incredibly hurtful comments. They told me, “You’ll never be ready to make it as a content creator” and that “your emotions are never needed.” Those words cut deep, especially because I’ve always believed that my emotions and authenticity are what set me apart in this industry. To hear someone belittle the very things I take pride in was devastating.

The mental toll was heavy, and I found myself questioning everything. For the first time in a long time, I doubted whether social media was really meant for me. I decided to take a break over the summer to clear my mind and figure out if this was still my passion. I spent those months reflecting, processing, and deciding what direction I wanted my life and career to go.

What I realized during that time away was that my emotions aren’t a weakness—they’re my strength. My ability to connect with people, to be vulnerable and real, is what makes my content resonate. It’s why my audience shows up, why brands want to work with me. The comments that once made me feel like I wasn’t enough became the fuel I needed to prove to myself that I *am* ready, and I always have been.

Now, here I am—standing tall, building a name and a brand that the 14-year-old version of me would be so proud of. I came back stronger, more determined, and more committed to staying true to myself. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through tough times; it’s about using the negativity to sharpen your vision and prove to yourself that no one’s opinion should define your worth.

Today, I’m thriving as a content creator and entrepreneur, knowing that those comments don’t define my journey—*I* do.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media wasn’t an overnight success—it was the result of consistency and staying true to myself. From the start, I made sure that the content I posted wasn’t just for the sake of posting, but truly reflected who I am. I focused on creating high-quality content that captured attention and told a story, making sure my posts were not only aesthetically pleasing but also personal and relatable. Consistency in my posting schedule helped me stay top of mind for my audience, but the real key was showing up authentically every time.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting to build their social media presence is simple: don’t get caught up in the numbers. It’s easy to get discouraged when your follower count isn’t growing as fast as you’d like, or when a post doesn’t get the engagement you hoped for. But it’s so important to focus on creating content that you’re proud of, rather than chasing the algorithm. Keep showing up, learn new trends, enhance your editing techniques, and most importantly, tell a story that people can connect with.

Social media is a marathon, not a sprint, and good things take time. Stay patient, stay consistent, and continue improving your craft. The audience will come when you stay true to your vision.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torialexus
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@torialexus