We were lucky to catch up with Zion Ross recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zion, thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I learned what I do through a combination of hands-on experience, research, and a lot of trial and error. From my time working with brands, organizing events, and managing social media accounts, I picked up skills by diving into projects and figuring things out as I went along. Starting Zion Jayd Photography was a turning point—I had to learn everything from photography techniques to content marketing, and that process taught me the power of consistency and creativity. Working independently and taking ownership of projects helped me develop confidence in my abilities.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
If I could go back, I would have sought out more mentorship and online communities earlier. It’s easy to get stuck in your own process when you’re doing things independently, but having people to learn from and collaborate with can speed up growth significantly. I also would have invested more time in learning specific tools like advanced editing software and analytics platforms early on—they play such a big role in professional content creation and marketing.

What skills do you think were most essential?
Creativity, adaptability, and communication are the most essential skills I’ve developed. Creativity is key in content creation because it keeps things fresh and engaging. Adaptability is equally important because the digital landscape changes so quickly, and you have to be ready to pivot when trends or algorithms shift. Strong communication, whether it’s with clients, audiences, or collaborators, ensures that ideas are executed smoothly and relationships are built effectively.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the biggest obstacles was balancing my various responsibilities, from school to work to personal projects. It’s challenging to give your full attention to learning when you’re managing so much at once. Another obstacle was not always having access to resources, whether it was equipment or mentorship. Despite these challenges, I stayed committed to growth, and each step taught me something new.

Zion, 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?

For those who may not know me, I’m Zion Ross—a passionate creative with a love for photography, content creation, and building community. My journey began when I received my first camera at around 14 or 15 years old. I was so excited about it that I immediately started taking pictures, and before long, I launched Zion Jayd Photography. I spent countless hours researching editing techniques and developing my style in lifestyle photography. Over time, as social media evolved, I noticed the growing trend of video content and wanted to try my hand at it.

In college, I joined College Trendsetters, which provided me with amazing opportunities to collaborate with well-known brands like Kate Spade, Glow Recipe, and Gillette Venus. Being part of that community encouraged me to start creating content more seriously. I found myself having fun experimenting with different formats and editing styles. This was a turning point—I realized content creation could be more than just a hobby; it was something I truly enjoyed and wanted to pursue further.

In the summer of 2022, I interned at Mattel as an Influencer Marketing Intern, working on exciting projects with iconic brands such as Barbie and Monster High. This role gave me invaluable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of influencer marketing, which strengthened my understanding of the industry. I appreciated learning the business side of content creation, knowing it would benefit me in the long run.

While interning, I continued taking clients for photography and began venturing into digital product creation. I remember how helpful my iPad was for staying organized in school, which inspired me to design a digital student planner. This eventually led to the launch of my Etsy shop, where I now offer a variety of digital products, including my newest release—a digital Bible journal that I launched on December 20th.

Currently, I focus on creating lifestyle content on Instagram and TikTok. My content spans various themes, including home videos, beauty, fashion, and cooking. Looking ahead, my primary goal for the year is to work with more brands, particularly those I genuinely love, and to grow my online community. Additionally, I’m planning to introduce more wellness content to my platforms because wellness has become an important part of my life. While I consider myself a “wellness girly,” I haven’t fully showcased that side of me yet, but I’m excited to start.

What sets me apart is my versatility and ability to balance multiple creative endeavors—from photography and content creation to product development and marketing. I take pride in staying authentic and relatable while providing value to my audience. Whether through sharing easy recipes, offering productivity tools, or simply giving a glimpse into my daily life, my goal is always to inspire others.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built so far and the growth I’ve experienced as a creator. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that everything I do is fueled by genuine passion and creativity. Whether you’re looking for engaging content, aesthetic photography, or digital tools to stay organized, I’m here to help. I’m excited about the future and can’t wait to see what new opportunities and collaborations come my way.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

**A Time I Had to Pivot**

During my internship at Mattel, I was presented with an exciting opportunity—the possibility of receiving a full-time offer after the internship. I was thrilled at the prospect, as it felt like the perfect launchpad for my career in marketing. Although my degree was in psychology, I had no immediate plans to pursue that field further at the time. I was fully committed to building a career in marketing and eager to dive deeper into the industry.

Unfortunately, I soon learned that I did not receive an offer from Mattel. It was disappointing, but I didn’t let it deter me. I was determined to continue pursuing marketing because I genuinely enjoyed it. My first official marketing role came during my senior year of college when I became a marketing specialist. This role required me to wear many hats, and it allowed me to broaden my skills and gain hands-on experience in social media management, content creation, and event planning.

However, at the beginning of 2024, I faced another setback when I was laid off from that position. That experience caused me to lose some hope in marketing as a long-term career. While I loved the creative aspect, it started to feel less reliable than I had anticipated. I realized that while I was passionate about marketing, I didn’t have the right foundation or support system to truly thrive in the field. Reflecting on this, I recognized that I could have taken steps to build a stronger community and skill set, but instead, I chose to take a step back and spend time figuring out what I truly wanted.

This period of reflection led me to a pivotal decision: while social media, marketing, and content creation will always be a part of who I am, I needed to pursue a career that offered more stability and personal fulfillment. I decided to pivot to a new field, one that would allow me to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives. I am now in the process of applying for a Master of Social Work program with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

I’m excited about this new chapter in my life. While I continue to pour energy into my social media and content creation as a hobby and side business, I am focused on building a meaningful career in social work. This pivot has taught me the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and being open to change. It’s a journey I’m proud of, and I look forward to combining my passion for creativity with my dedication to helping others in the future.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Encouraging diversity in creative expression is essential for fostering a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem. It’s equally important to maintain an open mind and provide genuine support to creatives, understanding that what appears on social media often doesn’t reflect the full reality. Creatives face constant pressure to produce, but they also require a support system that values rest and prioritizes mental and physical well-being. By taking care of themselves, they can continue to show up authentically for their audience and collaborators.

I’m proud of how I’ve blended creativity and community through my photography business, digital journals on Etsy, and lifestyle content. Moving forward, I aim to inspire others while building a fulfilling career in social work, combining my passions for creativity and helping others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/livinlifewithzi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinlifewithzi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zionross/
• Other: https://designsbyzshopco.etsy.com
  http://www.tiktok.com/@livinlifewithzi