Today we’d like to introduce you to Aly Brands
Hi Aly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a CPA and senior manager at HM&M, a regional accounting and consulting firm, with both a master’s in accounting and an MBA. I’m deeply passionate about my career in accounting, which involves exploring diverse industries, their financial operations, and business strategies. As a Gemini, I embrace the dual aspects of my personality. I’ve always been drawn to theatre and speech, and becoming a content creator has given me the opportunity to explore and rejuvenate this creative side.
My story starts like many good stories do… I was having drinks with some friends at a bar! We were discussing social media, influencers that we have gone to school with, and I brought up the suggestion of what would happen if we replaced “doom scrolling” each day with content creating? That’s exactly what I decided to do. I stopped mindlessly scrolling and started filming.
Creating content turned out to be more time-consuming than the 15 minutes I used to spend on my phone before bed, but the effort has been worth it. I’ve always been driven to learn and grow, and I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge in a short time—about photography, editing, the fashion industry, and social media. My enthusiasm for learning keeps me motivated. Thanks to Gen Z for teaching me how to use the back camera and film during daylight facing a window!
Though it’s still a hobby for me, I’ve made significant progress since the start of the year. Alongside my TikTok (@alysonbrands) and Instagram (@brands_aly_wears) accounts, I now have an Amazon storefront and a Like to Know it (LTK) page where I share my favorite fashion finds with my followers. It’s incredible to receive numerous offers a day from sellers wanting to collaborate on photos and videos of their clothes and accessories. Social media has evolved beyond just follower counts, with brands now valuing “user-generated content” from smaller creators. I’m having a blast exploring this exciting new facet of social media marketing.
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?
They say nothing good ever comes easy, and that’s certainly true in many ways. My accounting career and clients always come first. As a senior manager at HM&M, I lead a team of auditors, ensuring the accuracy of financial statements for private companies and 401(k) plans. I thoroughly enjoy building client relationships, learning about diverse industries—from auto dealerships to family offices to healthcare to oil and gas—and understanding how companies generate and manage their revenue, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the industry’s reputation for long hours and a stereotypical image of “geeks with pocket protectors” is becoming more pronounced, and staffing shortages are affecting us, just as they are many of our peers. Despite these challenges, my firm prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service and responsiveness.
Balancing real-world business issues with my social media efforts often means filming in the middle of the night. Yet, every day I see so much potential in my social media hobby, which motivates me through tougher times. I believe my business mindset has accelerated my progress on TikTok, allowing me to offer innovative marketing ideas and strategies for my clothing collaborations. Sometimes, a seller might have a specific concept for a video, but I can often persuade them that a creative approach—like dancing to music with a playful caption—will drive more sales than a straightforward product talk. And more often than not, it works!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d like to shed some light on my social media business, as I often notice people are surprised when they come across a video of me twirling in pretty dresses. This surprise can stem from my quiet nature and the fact that I have a successful career as a CPA on the path to partnership.
Let me give you a brief overview of the evolving landscape of social media marketing. While follower count was once a key metric for success, it’s no longer the sole determinant of a successful campaign. In the early days of Instagram, from 2015 to 2019, follower count was crucial. However, TikTok has shifted the game.
I’m part of a new wave of content creators who focus on “User Generated Content” (UGC). UGC includes media like text, images, reviews, and social media posts created by individuals rather than brands or influencers. This type of content is seen as more trustworthy and authentic because it comes from real users sharing their genuine opinions and experiences. It helps build credibility and trust with other consumers.
I’ve gained traction with my photos and video reviews, which sellers use instead of stock photos on their websites or Amazon storefronts. Additionally, my video reviews showcase the clothing on a real person—me! TikTok Shop is now competing with Amazon and has opened up numerous opportunities for content creators. Sellers can “spark” my videos, meaning they can invest in targeted ads to reach their ideal customers. These ads are highly specific, targeting geographical areas, age ranges, and search topics. So, if you’re a woman aged 21-39 shopping for dresses in the southern United States, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of my videos without realizing it was an ad!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
COVID-19 was undeniably a pivotal moment in everyone’s life. Although I only began content creation this year, the pandemic accelerated the rise of TikTok in the United States, which has greatly contributed to my success as a content creator. For that, I am thankful.
In times of crisis, personal growth and lessons abound. As a CPA, I’ve gained insight into various industries and observed their diverse impacts. Some industries have been hit harder than others, and I’ve seen which companies and sectors benefited from federal funding and payroll credits, such as “employee retention credits.” From overworked healthcare professionals to automotive dealerships facing inventory shortages, I’ve witnessed a wide range of challenges. Many businesses in the Dallas metroplex have emerged stronger than before, and Dallas is truly thriving.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of kindness. Life is challenging, work is demanding, and the world is constantly changing. We all could use a bit of understanding and compassion.
Before COVID, I visited different client offices each week to understand their businesses and conduct their financial statement audits. Now, post-COVID, I connect with clients via video calls. This shift has allowed my firm to expand our services nationwide, rather than being limited to a regional scope. What sets us apart is our commitment to maintaining strong relationships with our clients, even if we don’t see them in person regularly. Our clients know they can rely on us for support and guidance. This relationship-based approach is increasingly rare in today’s digital world.
Pricing:
- Share my email:
- brandsalywears@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/shop/whatalywears
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brands_aly_wears/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alysonbrands
Image Credits
Alyson Brands
TikTok: @alysonbrands
Instagram: @brands_aly_wears
