Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sears.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Well,hey y’all! I’m Ashley Shannet, Shannet is actually my middle name. I am from Dallas Texas . I entered the content creator and influencer world organically with my passion for fashion and make up. After continuously receiving compliments on my makeup, hair and style from others in public, a friend suggested I share details on the things people complimented me on You Tube. She was watching what we now call beauty gurus and said she knew I could be one as well. Sometimes all it takes is for one person to compliment and encourage you on a natural talent that you don’t even realize you have ,and that can energize you to chase after what you thought could only be a dream .
Embracing the idea, I started creating content, like style lookbooks, makeup tutorials, beauty favorites and even travel vlogs from my then current role as an international flight attendant. I didn’t even know being an influencer was a thing at that time, it didn’t exist as a real career back then. I did not make money at first , it truly was me just creating content about something I truly enjoyed and became passionate about. I found out quickly that there were other women out there who not only enjoyed my content but also related to my life and personality . I slowly built a community from YouTube that followed me over to my next platform which was Instagram, I just started posting pictures of my makeup looks and traveling the world and my audience grew even more from there. A huge brand reached out to me on IG and it was there I received my biggest paid campaign and that’s when I began to take influencing seriously. I was shocked that I could truly make a great living off of just sharing passion . Influencing became a career for me. Currently, I’m still on this journey as a growing creator, I find so much joy in sharing not only my beauty & style but also my real life experiences on social media, to help inspire and encourage women . Life is ever changing and there’s always something to share to inspire others . I love thinking of creative ways to express myself on social media, it truly is an art. It is so amazing to be able to connect with so many women all around the world and know they not only relate but understand you . My following has truly transformed into a close-knit community that feels like a family to me. It’s truly the greatest feeling.
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?
This journey has certainly had its ups and downs. Putting yourself on a public platform can put you in the forefront to be judged . People can sometimes have too many critiques or opinions on people they have never actually experienced in real life before.Im truly thankful because my following has been truly nice and supportive of me. I think currently a lot of creators are struggling with navigating the ever changing algorithm of social media platforms. It can be a bit to juggle to be current and active on all platforms . One of the things I had to over come was burn out. When you basically become an entrepreneur it’s hard to know when exactly work ends or begins. It was tough figuring out a work life balance. I found myself sometimes not going to bed until 3 am, just working on editing or filming . My advice to anyone that wants to be a content creator is to take time for yourself, it’s ok to have a down moment and give yourself rest. Find a schedule that works for you. Balancing the demands of a daily social media presence with real-life can have difficulties, but I overcome them by staying true to posting content I genuinely enjoy creating and that benefits my audience, plus taking time off when needed . I had to learn to work smarter not harder and to accept help from others when needed . Rather than fixating on numbers or algorithm challenges, my focus now remains on creating meaningful content and also doing it in a way that protects my mental and physical health.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being a content creator allows me to express my creativity and share my passions authentically with my audience. Behind the scenes, the hard work involved in content creation often goes unnoticed. I operate as a one-woman show, taking on roles such as videographer, manager, editor, stylist, glam team, and sound engineer. Despite the challenges, my husband assists with brand shoots. I feel very lucky to have found a partner who gets “it”; he’s not ashamed to shoot content in public, and he’s always there cheering me on. It makes this lifestyle so much easier when you surround yourself with people who understand your passion and truly support you. I take pride in creating content and advertisements for brands that align with my values, essentially marketing myself as my brand. Collaborating with significant brands in crafting video and image content is a fulfilling aspect of my work that I never take for granted. I can’t imagine doing anything else. What sets me apart is my unique approach – there’s no one quite like me. Despite this individuality, I’ve found that many women relate to my journey. I take great joy in providing advice, sharing tips, and opening up my life to other young women. Being a social media best friend to my audience is incredibly fulfilling, offering a relatable presence they can see themselves in. As a girl who always aspired for more and discovered how to showcase that on a limited budget, I aim to inspire others to recognize that they too are role models, and their journey is both unique and special.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Covid marked a peculiar yet special time for me. In 2020, amidst the challenges, I got married in a small, intimate, and beautiful ceremony. That year also prompted a significant decision – I bid farewell to my role as a flight attendant and embraced becoming a full-time influencer. It was a scary leap, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. The pandemic revealed that I could thrive as an entrepreneur, with people’s continued love for social media showing its enduring importance. It forced me to slow down, reflect, and crystallize what I truly wanted in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/ashleyshannet/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AshleyShannet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashleyshannet
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@AshleyShannet
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@ashleyshannet
