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

Torie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

My first dollar earned as a creative was back in 2022, when I did a Black History Month ad for Kroger on social media. I felt like I had made it! Like my work is finally being recognized. I was nervous as get out but I did enjoy the final results. I hope to work with them again in the future and other companies as well.

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

Well first and foremost, my name is Torie Nicole and I am a beauty blogger. I love the aesthetic of beauty. I would be considered a micro influencer. Since I was a kid, I have always been super creative. I used to cut my Barbie doll’s hair, cut up their clothes, and reconstruct their clothes into my vision. I loved to draw and color. As well as write poetry. Even as a kid, I was always drawn to makeup. I remember sneaking into my mom’s makeup and attempting to do my makeup like Aaliyah and the ladies around the neighborhood. I decided to get into the content creating years ago but I was also so scared to do it. Finally in 2019/2020, I decided to take the leap of faith and I’ve been enjoying it. I think what sets me a part is that I am truly, authentically myself. I am consistent with being myself. The thing I am most proud of is actually taking the leap of faith and embarking on this journey. I have let fear and the “possible” negative comments from others deter me for so long. Honestly, I overthink EVERYTHING down to what kind of content I am posting and how it looks like. I am perfectionist but I am learning to let things be what they are. I just want those who follow me and potential new followers know that I am human and I go through the same motions as you. I want to provide a safe space for everyone to just talk about things that we go through. And of course adding what I love to do in the mix as well.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Listen Linda, I am still building my audience on all platforms. I say start with ONE social media app and build up that audience. What I have struggled with is that I overwhelmed myself and trying to join all these “social media gurus” groups on how to build your audience, and trying to keep up with so many apps. Chile, it was too much. I am not knocking those individuals and their hustles but I think they should provide more realistic ideals to those who are trying to get into this realm of utilizing their social media as a means of business. I can say that I did learn a few helpful strategies for my brand but my biggest suggestion is to be consistent and organic with your content. No one wants to watch someone who is being inauthentic. Always tap into you! There is no one like you, always remember that.

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

I feel like I’m always having to show my resilience in my everyday life. But the darkest point of my life, I had to truly grab myself by the boot straps to push myself out of that point. I had miscarried June 3rd, 2020 and it was such a traumatic. No one truly prepares you on the effects miscarrying has on you. That time brought up soooo many insecurities that I thought I had gotten past. It was truly hard. I talk a lot on my YouTube videos about how I feel insufficient and at that moment, I really felt that way. It was like my dreams being shattered right in front of my face. I’m so thankful for my village for being pillars of support. Therapy was also a big proponent in getting through that time as well. I still struggle with the miscarriage from time to time but I’m at such a good place with it that I don’t mind sharing my story because crazy enough, miscarriages happen more than not.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamtorienicole
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorieNicoleFBPage
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvL8CzopKczEOlX5kbOqWdQ

Image Credits
IG @sweetlikehoneyphotos