Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Ontjes.
Hi Emma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from the University of Kansas School of Business in 2024, and I’ve always been a self-starter and initiator. I started creating content and working in social media in early high school, and over the past seven years, that passion has continued to grow into both a personal brand and a career.
Over time, I built a following on my main platforms and had the opportunity to work with a variety of incredible brands and partnerships, which opened the door to even more creative opportunities as I continued putting myself out there. Alongside growing my own content platforms, I also began freelancing in content creation for weddings, vendors, events, and brands, helping businesses create elevated, engaging visual storytelling for their audiences.
Today, I also work full-time at a social media marketing agency where I focus primarily on luxury hospitality marketing around Dallas. Being able to combine creativity, branding, and strategy in both my freelance work and full-time role has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue growing in the industry.
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?
I think there will always be bumps along the way in any creative career, but a lot of it comes down to perspective and how you choose to grow from those moments. There have definitely been seasons of rejection, confusion, comparison, and self-doubt, especially in such a fast-moving and competitive industry. But I’ve always tried to remind myself that every challenge teaches you something valuable if you’re willing to learn from it.
I’ve learned that growth often comes from the uncomfortable moments — the projects that didn’t work out, the opportunities I didn’t get, or the times I questioned myself creatively. Instead of letting those experiences discourage me, I’ve tried to use them as motivation to improve, evolve, and keep putting myself out there. Looking back, I think enduring those struggles was worthwhile because they shaped both my creativity and my confidence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create content and social media campaigns centered around hospitality, events, and lifestyle branding, with a strong focus on making brands feel visually elevated and intentional online. A lot of my work involves capturing experiences in a way that feels authentic while still polished and engaging, whether that’s through freelance projects, partnerships, or the work I do professionally in luxury hospitality marketing.
What I’m most proud of is building something organically over time through consistency, relationships, and creativity. So many of the opportunities I’ve received have come from simply continuing to show up, staying passionate about what I do, and being open to growth and collaboration.
I think what sets me apart most is my mindset. I try to approach both my work and life with a positive perspective, curiosity, and gratitude. Creative industries can be very competitive, but I’ve always believed that supporting others, staying adaptable, and continuing to learn will take you further than comparison ever will. I think people connect not just with the content itself, but with the energy and perspective behind it.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing that might surprise people is that one of the most impactful experiences of my life was studying abroad through Semester at Sea in Fall 2022. Over the course of 112 days, I traveled to 13 countries across three continents while taking classes and living at sea with students from around the world.
That experience pushed me far outside of my comfort zone and taught me so much beyond academics. I learned how to adapt to unfamiliar environments, navigate culture shock and language barriers, and become more open-minded and independent. Being immersed in so many different cultures, histories, and perspectives completely changed the way I view the world and the way I connect with people.
I truly believe that experience shaped who I am today, both personally and creatively. It taught me resilience, curiosity, and how important it is to stay open to new experiences and perspectives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: emmaontjes
- LinkedIn: emmaontjes
