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

Alright, Yzabelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started experimenting with Instagram when the platform first launched — I was fascinated by the creativity it allowed, from filters and angles to the way a single image could tell a story. Over time, what began as curiosity turned into a craft. I learned not just how to take photos and edit videos, but also how to shape a concept from idea to execution and then measure its impact through metrics.

The most essential skills along the way have been patience and openness to inspiration — knowing that creativity takes time and that ideas can come from anywhere. If I could have sped up my learning process, I would have focused sooner on balancing the creative and strategic sides of social media, and on not underestimating myself. One of my biggest early obstacles was learning how to balance the workload and build confidence in my voice. Those challenges, though, ultimately pushed me to grow and gave me the perspective I have today”

Yzabelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in New York City, and that energy and drive have shaped the way I approach everything I do. I first got into social media in its early days, back when Instagram was all about filters and YouTube was just starting to take off. What began as experimenting with photography and creative expression grew into a full career.

Today, I offer social media management, consulting, and photo/video content creation. My work centers on helping brands bring their products and stories to life in a way that feels authentic and approachable. Whether it’s through aesthetic b-roll, talking directly to the camera, or thoughtful voiceovers, my goal is always to create content that feels like a conversation with a friend rather than an advertisement.

What sets me apart is the balance I bring between creativity and strategy — I love making content that not only looks good but also connects, engages, and performs. I’m especially proud of staying committed to this path even during moments when it felt tough. Those challenges shaped my resilience and made me more intentional about the kind of content I put into the world.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s that I believe social media should feel personal, relatable, and human. My approach is about capturing that spark of authenticity while also making sure the strategy behind it drives real results.

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

My audience grew slowly and organically over time. When I first started on Instagram, it wasn’t about numbers — it was about creativity. I loved experimenting with filters, photography, and new ways of storytelling. As the platforms evolved, I learned to evolve with them — shifting from just photos to incorporating video, b-roll, voiceovers, and more intentional strategy.

What helped me build my audience was consistency and authenticity. I didn’t try to be everything to everyone — I focused on creating content that felt genuine, like talking to a friend. That relatability kept people coming back. I also paid attention to metrics, not to obsess over numbers, but to understand what was truly resonating and where I could lean in more.

For anyone just starting, my best advice is to start messy and stay consistent. Don’t wait for things to be perfect — post, learn, adjust, and keep going. Be patient, because growth rarely happens overnight. Most importantly, focus on building community, not just an audience. Engage with people, reply to comments, and make your space feel welcoming. Social media is about connection, and if you lead with that, the growth will follow.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the ability to take an idea that starts in my head and bring it to life in a way that resonates with others. There’s something powerful about creating content that feels authentic and seeing people connect with it — whether that’s through a comment saying it inspired them, or a brand seeing their story come alive in a way they hadn’t imagined.

I also love the process itself — the mix of creativity and strategy. Every project challenges me to think differently, to experiment, and to keep evolving with the platforms. But the real reward is when my work sparks connection — when someone feels seen, understood, or simply entertained. That’s what makes all the long hours and effort worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atravelersnotebook
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yzabelleonate?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yzabellemarie?si=09JqJbl4Ry1P-duo

Image Credits

All photos and work by Yzabelle Onate.