Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenton Holden
Hi Trenton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As crazy as it may seem, it all started with a simple question that I still ask myself every day: “What do you want out of life, and is what you are currently doing making you happy?” My answer was consistent – I wanted to earn income by having fun and just being myself. That is what I am good at and trying to be anyone else made me unhappy, and I found the most success when I was true to myself. I wished to find a way to make a profit and have fun while doing so, like those people on TV. Luckily, in this day and age, social media offers the opportunity to do just that. With the help of my team and a few years of fun on social media, we established Cai Worldwide LLC. Since then we have gained a profit and 41,000 Instagram followers and even more across other social media platforms.
Education:
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication with a concentration in Film Studies and a minor in business (advertising structure). During my time in college, I was dedicated to soaking up as much knowledge as possible while also earning money by creating custom apparel and promotional content for various companies and organizations both on and off campus. I was determined to learn everything I could so that I could use my degree and knowledge to work in front of the camera and create job opportunities for those close to me. I believe I have accomplished that. I used the skills I learned not only to market myself but also to create a business from doing so.
Before Influencer:
A couple things I learned is you have to:
– Be at peace with starting over. My friend always tells me, “It is okay to start over because at least this time you are not starting from scratch; you are starting from experience.”
– It’s okay to want it more than somebody else.
– Take the time to focus on the present and enjoy what you have accomplished so far.
– Don’t surround yourself with yes men; have a diverse team of people with different skill sets but a mutual goal. Surround yourself with people who will have your back and be honest with you.
– Trust yourself and your vision even if nobody else does not.
– Don’t worry about anyone else, focus on yourself and trust things will work out for you when it is your time and your season.
Influencer Journey:
I started by creating couple’s content with my ex, but that didn’t last long because we were on different paths and she needed to focus on other things. Then, I joined a podcast group and tried making podcasts, but it was difficult to stay consistent as we all had other priorities. However, I didn’t give up. I started creating my own content, focusing on hidden gems in my local area and eventually launched my own podcast. One of my “Hidden Gem” videos went viral, gaining 500,000 views, and from there, my content gained more traction. Companies started reaching out to me for collaborations, and my following grew organically. Some companies offered to help me gain more followers and views, but I chose not to take shortcuts and continued on my path. It was challenging, but it paid off. Now, I use my platform to earn income and create job opportunities for my friends, which has always been a dream of mine. I know that content creation might not last forever, so I’m making the most of it while I can. I work hard for the future and to leave a legacy. I’m driven by the ability to earn income while being true to myself and to travel the world with my loved ones. I’m grateful for the success I’ve achieved so far, and I’m not afraid to fully commit to my journey. 🌎
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It wasn’t easy. It was challenging, and it still is, which is why I still enjoy doing it. I believe nothing easy is ever worth keeping. At times, companies reached out to help me grow my followers, and I felt the pressure to have more followers and views. I wanted to grow as quickly as everyone else and go viral, but I’m not working alone. I consulted my team, and we decided to keep growing organically. We wanted genuine followers who appreciated my content. Like every influencer, I’ve struggled to grow followers, find business, and go viral, but I didn’t give up. I love what I do. While numbers and money are important, I chase my ambition, not just the financial gain. Every loss or failure taught me something, and with each, I grew. In this industry, overcoming adversity requires faith, consistency, and hard work, and that’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for my Instagram reels, ‘Hidden Gem in Houston, TX,’ where I venture into Houston, discovering the most exciting and exclusive experiences in the city. I specialize in directing, recording visuals, recording audio, and editing every video. It may sound like I do it all, but I have a great team behind the curtains that I’m most proud of. I wouldn’t be nearly as far as I am without the help of Tara and Martaeus who work to find new things to do around the world, communicate with clients, book deals, and handle the backend of our business.
I also have an upcoming clothing brand that I’m preparing to launch soon. It’s called Pródo, and you can see it being worn throughout my Instagram page. I’m especially proud of this because it’s a full-circle moment for me. I used to create apparel for others while in college for extra income, and now I’m able to create my own apparel and share it with the world.
My history sets me apart from others. I come from a place of struggle and adversity, but I did not allow that to define or hinder me. I used it as one of my most motivational tools. I work hard for the kids I don’t have yet and my legacy to come. I’m driven by my ambition and motivated by the adversity and hardships in my past to be better than I was yesterday. God has dealt me a great hand, and I’m not afraid to go all-in.
What were you like growing up?
I was an ambitious and adventurous child. I liked taking risks, which is probably why I enjoy adventure so much today. I was also very attentive and aware of my surroundings. Even though I was having fun and enjoying my childhood, I was paying attention. As I mentioned before, I know adversity and hardship. As a child, I would often see my classmates have many things that I didn’t. My family had to make do with a lot, and it was very apparent that my mom and stepfather were doing everything in their power to raise my brothers and me in an area that we probably could not afford financially. I had a great childhood, but it was a childhood for which I know my parents had to sacrifice a lot. My mother is one of the most ambitious and determined individuals I know. She would move mountains for her sons. Watching her do all that she did to give us a good life helped me see everything I did and did not want for my future. All I was missing was the plan and ability to make that future a reality. I am grateful to be able to do so today. I like to think that I have not lost my childhood adventurous ways. Coupled with the hustle and ambition I witnessed from my parents, this is likely one of the reasons why I am as motivated and adventurous as I am today.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
– Spaceland Skydive, Houston, Tx
– Delfin Charters, Nassau, Bahamas
– Fireside Surf, Dallas, Tx
– Houston Slingshot Rental, Houston, Tx
– Texas ATV Rentals, Houston, Tx
– Cameron Ranch Glamping, Cold Springs, Tx
– Southern Trails, Austin, Tx
– The Aquatic Playground, Houston, Tx
– Hustle Over Luck, Houston, Texas
