We recently connected with Troyia and have shared our conversation below.

Troyia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now in the social media and content creation industry is the rise of ‘authentic imperfection.’ Creators and brands are pulling back from overly polished, curated content and leaning into more real, relatable storytelling. We’re seeing behind-the-scenes moments, bloopers, unfiltered emotions—things that used to be considered ‘off-brand’ are now the content people crave.

I actually noticed this shift firsthand when I posted a reel that wasn’t part of my planned content calendar. I was getting ready for a brand shoot, still had rollers in my hair, and just casually shared a moment of me dancing around my apartment hyping myself up. It wasn’t edited, it wasn’t scheduled, but it went viral and brought in more DMs and engagement than some of my highly-produced pieces. That moment made me realize: people aren’t just buying into your products or services; they’re buying into you.

Of course, this trend comes with both opportunities and challenges. On the opportunity side, it lowers the barrier to entry for creators and small brands who might not have big production budgets. It’s also creating deeper connections between creators and their audiences. But the concern is that ‘authenticity’ can sometimes become just another aesthetic—where people feel pressured to perform vulnerability or chaos to stay relevant. It’s a fine line between being real and performing realness.

For me and my clients, I always say: authentic content doesn’t mean sharing everything, it means sharing intentionally in a way that aligns with your brand values. The key is to be strategic while staying true to your voice—whether that’s polished or playful or somewhere in between.

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

I’m Troyia Monay—a content creator, social media strategist, and the founder of 4SixCreative – a boutique social media agency dedicated to helping female-founded and led brands grow, thrive, and actually build community on social media. At my core, I’m a teacher and storyteller. My mission is to help creators and brands not just post—but show up intentionally, connect deeply, and turn their platforms into powerful tools for visibility, impact, and income.

I got into this industry in a very organic way. I started as a content creator myself, sharing the behind the scenes of starting an online fashion boutique, Wanted Wardrobe. Over time, brands began reaching out for partnerships, and friends started asking me, ‘How are you growing so fast?’ ‘How do you get these collaborations?’ That’s when I realized I had something valuable to teach. I started coaching other creators and business owners, helping them find their voice online, build communities, and monetize their platforms—and that eventually grew into my agency.

Today, I wear multiple hats: I create educational content for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs; I partner with brands to produce authentic, eye-catching campaigns; and through my agency, I offer done-for-you social media management, content creation, strategy consulting, and influencer sourcing—specifically designed for female-led brands that want to look good and see results.

What sets me apart is that I don’t believe in cookie-cutter strategies. Every client, every creator, every brand has their own story, their own audience, their own vibe. I’m not here to slap a trend on top of a brand—I’m here to help them carve out their unique space online and build something sustainable. I also combine creativity and strategy in everything I do. Yes, we’re making content that stops the scroll—but we’re also making content that moves people to action.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building a business that allows me to empower other women—especially Black and Brown women entrepreneurs and creators—to step into their confidence online and take up space unapologetically. Whether it’s through my educational content, my agency services, or just by showing up as myself online, I hope I’m inspiring others to own their brilliance and tell their stories.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: we’re here to make social media work for you. Whether you’re a creator trying to get paid partnerships or a brand trying to grow your audience, I believe social media should feel fun, empowering, and effective. You don’t have to sacrifice your voice or values to be visible. You can show up authentically, creatively, strategically—and get results that align with the life and business you’re building.

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

I built my audience on social media by showing up consistently, experimenting boldly, and staying true to my voice—even before I had a clear strategy. In the beginning, I wasn’t trying to be perfect; I was just sharing what I loved: my favorite beauty products, behind-the-scenes of my life, relatable moments, and educational tips as I learned them. And over time, people connected with me—not just my content. That’s when I realized that authenticity builds community.

One big turning point was when I stopped trying to post what I thought I should post and leaned into what felt natural for me. I embraced my personality, played with trends in my own way, and wasn’t afraid to try new things—even if they didn’t always land. That willingness to experiment helped me figure out what resonated with my audience. I learned to blend entertainment, education, and inspiration so my content wasn’t just pretty—it was valuable and fun.

If you’re just starting to build your presence, here’s my advice:
1. Be consistent, but give yourself grace. You don’t have to post every single day, but you do have to show up regularly to build trust.
2. Don’t wait to be ‘ready.’ Your first videos won’t be perfect. Your first posts won’t go viral. Post anyway—you’ll learn as you go.
3. Lean into what makes you you. People follow people, not just content. Don’t be afraid to show your quirks, humor, or personality.
4. Mix strategy with creativity. Trends are fun, but you need to know why you’re using them. Create content that both catches attention and communicates your message.

I always tell my clients: social media isn’t a sprint—it’s a relationship. The goal isn’t just followers; it’s building a community that trusts you, values your voice, and is excited to support you. That takes time, intention, and a whole lot of experimentation. But when you focus on connection over perfection, you’ll build something lasting.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what really helped me build my reputation in this space is twofold: my results and my relationships. I’ve always prioritized impact over just looking good online. Whether I was helping a creator land their first brand deal, helping a small business increase their visibility, or creating content that stopped the scroll—I made sure my work spoke for itself. Word of mouth, client referrals, and people seeing the transformation I was helping others achieve played a huge role in building trust and credibility.

At the same time, I focused on building genuine connections. I didn’t just post and log off; I engaged with my community, supported other creators, and intentionally networked—online and offline. I showed up consistently, not only as a creator but as an educator, a collaborator, and a cheerleader for others. I think people saw that I was really invested in their growth, not just my own, and that built loyalty and respect.

What sets me apart is that I blend strategy with creativity and heart. I’m not giving cookie-cutter advice or trendy solutions—I’m helping people build sustainable brands that feel aligned and authentic. I care about the people behind the platforms, and I think that human-centered approach is what’s helped me stand out and stay relevant in such a fast-paced industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Stan.store/troyiamonay
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/troyiamonay
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@troyiamonayy?si=6eMfnqrFtmHHnE91

Image Credits

Troyia Monay