Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Cortina.
Joel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Literally, Just Joel Blog didn’t start initially as a blog but more as a point to prove. A few years back, I was working in corporate for an Italian brand restaurant company. During my time with this company, I sat near the marketing department and would overhear all these fantastic marketing ideas. However, I noticed these great ideas were not translating to the company’s Instagram page. The page was lacking creativity and an online presence. I knew Instagram would be the next big streamline in advertisements, and we had to get on top. With all of this in mind, I created a presentation and gathered the courage to pitch myself to take over the brand’s Instagram page to drive more traffic to our restaurants. Shortly after my well throughout the presentation, I received an email from the company’s Marketing Director, who politely declined my offer for a “lack of experience in brand marketing.” Disappointed while reading this email, I understood she was correct. I did not have the marketing experience to run a brand Instagram page. However, what I did have was an understanding Social Media would take us the father and the drive to prove her wrong. So I did just that. I rebranded my very own Instagram presence and said to myself, “If I cant brand a company, then I’ll brand myself.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road at all, but it has gotten better! I generally work alone in capturing all my photos. I started with shooting pictures on my iPhone 6 and a little shutter release remote. I had to creatively come up with ways on where to prop up the phone and how hid the camera remotely. From placing the remote on the floor and using my big toe to click the button to even placing the remote in my mouth. I had to learn if I wanted bad enough; I would have to figure out a way to do it.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Literally, Just Joel is a blog all about well me, Joel. Followers will get to come along for this crazy journey of mine and realize that even “influencers” have bad days. I wanted to set myself apart from the everyday influencers who smile in every photo and who create this false world we live in. And brands are starting to take notice. I have received feedback from brands I have worked with that enjoy the authenticity of my page. I represent everyday life and also throw a few of my favorite things. 🙂
What were you like growing up?
As the middle child, growing up was a little bit of a challenge for me. I was the awkward, chubby, outspoken middle child stuck between two siblings who were more popular, talented, and better looking. My childhood felt like I could never quite “get it right,”; as if I was always trying to find my place and my purpose. Truthfully, I was never able to express myself until I discovered Instagram. The platform helped me express – and accept – my true self: an awkward, slightly chubby, and a little outspoken.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/literallyjustjoel/
- Email: literallyjustjoel@gmail.com
- Instagram: literallyjustjoel
Image Credit:
All photos have been taken by myself.
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
