Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Morgan.
Hi Jess, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started doing content creation as a way to keep myself busy during the Covid-19 lockdown. I had just graduated college and lost my full-time job offer. I felt defeated because I had worked hard to secure a job but it was out of my control. I found a creative outlet that utilized my marketing degree and it was something to do while I was sitting at home. I thought I have nothing to lose by starting to post more on my social media and earned my first partnership with Maybelline.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think imposter syndrome was and still is my biggest struggle. I used to think I needed a huge number of followers to earn brand deals or have people take me seriously. But I learned brands would rather work with someone with authentic engagement who has a relationship and trust built among their followers. In the beginning, I worried that people would judge me for trying something that wasn’t the norm, but now I don’t care because I enjoy doing it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The one thing that sets me apart from other creatives is my emphasis on sustainable fashion. I noticed a lot of my comments were girls asking me where I got my clothes, and most of mine are thrifted. There aren’t a lot of influencers in the fashion space talking about sustainability. So I decided to use my platforms to educate others and provide outfit inspiration from the clothes I thrifted. I made a series on my tik tok about how I cultivated my style and develop a capsule wardrobe and it BLEW UP.
I think that was what I became known for. I don’t want to encourage people to buy clothes that everyone else is wearing but find their style. I’m very proud to say I’m not one of those people who accept every brand deal for the money. I had a paid opportunity to work with Amazon and I turned it down because they exploit their warehouse employees. Plus, they are one of the biggest fast fashion retailers which goes against what I stand for.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
If you get into this just know a lot of companies will try to take advantage of you. It’s become normalized to accept free products in exchange for a post/video. They will then use those as their own. I’ve seen my photos used on websites and ads without my permission.
So you get tricked to work for free. If they say they don’t have a budget to pay you what you are worth, they are most likely lying. Companies will pay for a photographer, model, makeup artist, hair stylist, creative director, etc. but won’t pay you to do all of that work? Know your worth!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessmorgnn
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@jessmorgnn
