Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Rivera.
Hi Mia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always been interested in the social media world and I always thought how interesting it has been to see content creators shaping social media into a whole new aspect. In the summer of 2021, I decided this was a journey I wanted to take on myself and start collaborating with brands. I started reaching out to smaller businesses and began to email them about who I was and what I wanted to create for them. At first, I wasn’t getting as many responses as I was hoping for, but I definitely didn’t let that stop me. Eventually, I started getting a few gifted collaborations and started creating long term partnerships with these brands. My niche is mainly Lifestyle, Beauty and Fashion. Eventually starting in the fall semester, I began a Social Media/Marketing Internship for a company called “Rush Cycle” in League City, TX. It was nice to be able to understand and experience the behind the scenes you don’t see in promoting a company online. I was in charge of a partnership project which allowed Rush to collaborate with other local businesses in the area. This allowed me to understand I loved being on both sides of the social media world. Creating content for companies as a creator and help market businesses behind a screen. As of recently, I had the opportunity to go to New York Fashion Week as a VIP Intern and it was the most life-changing opportunity to be able to experience such a thrilling event. I am now currently the Social Media Director of a salon and spa called “Altered Images Color Salon and Day Spa.” I work on creating content, graphics, managing all social media accounts, and I help come up with advertising ideas to help promote our monthly specials/deals. Some of my personal favorite brands I have been able to collaborate with include FENTY Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and Ole Henriksen. These collaborations and opportunities I have had so far, have definitely pushed me beyond to always believe that anything is really possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but I think there are always obstacles you will face and how you approach them will determine your outcome. There have been moments when being on social media can be hurtful to your mental health and I have definitely had to have some breaks to clear my mind and not feel so stressed from it. There are also times when I have gotten creative blocks with thinking of new ideas and concepts for posting because I always want to try new things to see what works and what doesn’t. I am involved with a creator group online and they always give good advice and help one another with any issues, because we all at some point face those problems. I really think it’s all about balance and trying to be yourself as possible online, rather than trying to act like something you’re not.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a Content Creator, I work with businesses/brands on my Instagram page to help create content and promote their companies. I post Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle content online.
As a Social Media Director, I create content for all social media accounts, edit photos/videos, create graphics for flyers, help market our promotions and update our company website.
I think what I am most proud of is how I am able to understand both working for myself and working for a company. I also think at how fast I am able to jump right in with ideas, working here at my job has allowed me to have so much creative freedom that I enjoy. I am only 19 and have learned so much from my own personal experiences and from working as part of a company.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think just putting yourself out there to meet new people and find others that are in the same field will help a lot. I also use LinkedIn and it actually helped me land my internship for New York Fashion Week. I found out about my current social media job from my stylist because I have been getting my hair done here by her for the past 3 years and she mentioned they were looking for a new hire. You can really make any opportunity out of something very simple and I think that’s the best thing about connecting.
Contact Info:
- Email: riveracollab@gmail.com
- Website: https://msha.ke/themiarivera/
- Instagram: @themiarivera
