We were lucky to catch up with Yvanna Gilliam recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yvanna, appreciate you joining us today. Do you manage your own social media?

Social media has always been my jam! From being an early tech adopter to obsessing over culture, conversation, and aesthetics, it just clicked. But let’s be honest, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Imagine the frustration of managing your social media only to feel overwhelmed and without results. Juggling business growth alongside a thriving social media presence is two full-time jobs. That’s where I come in as a social media strategist. My greatest value lies in empowering founders and teams to focus on their core strengths, not mine. I start by helping them hone in on their goals and brand perception. We dig deep to understand their ideal client and discover ways to connect with them authentically (think sustainable content creation, not one-and-done posts). Consistency is crucial, so I ensure a steady flow of content and a structured workflow for the team. Seeing how my work frees up others to achieve their goals is an underrated perk of social media management. It’s about creating structure and a system for success, not just churning out posts. Love it? Do it! Hate social media? Outsource it! Free yourself to focus on what you do best.

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.

Confession time: I was a total YouTube addict, living and breathing beauty and fashion trends. Influencers outside my small town fueled my personal style, and I dreamt of becoming a magazine editor, with a keen eye for the next big (or even small) cultural phenomenon.

But my love for trends went deeper. I figured out how to recreate the looks I saw online, even on a budget. This “reverse engineering” fueled my creativity, and soon brands noticed! Now, I create content for their social media, websites, and ad campaigns.

But my passion goes beyond content. (Remember my business degree?) I also help businesses launch and scale their branding and marketing efforts. Unlike some “coaches,” I believe in real VALUE. That means taking tasks off your plate, not just giving to-do lists. It’s a full-service experience, from creative concepts to execution and posting. We also offer strategies for businesses with existing teams.

My favorite client quote? “I don’t even have to look at our social media anymore!” That’s FREEDOM. ✨

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Social media can be a highlight reel, right? I saw all this “perfect” content, but I knew I had to work with what I had. So, I challenged myself to create amazing content using just a phone and a computer. Forget fancy equipment! Honing your skills and showcasing your talent is key.

My first brand deals came from simply posting the things I loved and used every day. People craved authenticity, and brands noticed. Turning gifts into relationships became my secret weapon!

Being professional yet approachable is the sweet spot. Meeting deadlines, clear communication, and a positive attitude – that’s what builds trust. Relationships and your content are your true currency.

Now, I’ve expanded my income with affiliate links, allowing me to outsource some editing while keeping my content creation mobile. Travel is my passion, and I love the freedom to create anywhere. Big productions just aren’t my style!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Kelsey Jackson isn’t just my cofounder, she’s practically family. We have that kind of “always known each other” friendship. But beyond the laughs, Kelsey brings a powerhouse of talent.

Her graphic design and art direction skills are awe-inspiring. She truly understands the assignment – the first draft of our website literally left me speechless. And the second iteration, based on just a few notes from me? Mind. Blown. She’s lightning-fast, incredibly intuitive, and has a keen eye for what makes good branding, copy, and design.

Initially, I was hesitant to mix business with friendship. But Kelsey’s work spoke volumes. It was so good, it would have been crazy not to partner with her. Plus, our deep connection allows for brutally honest communication – no eggshells here, just clear and open dialogue. There’s no one I trust more to build this dream with.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvannabrooke/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw8satXHKpKxdQcqX_BLZMg