Community Connections

For my community connection I decided to reach out to one of my cousins peers, Allee Williams. She is a social media influencer, agency owner and she even has her own podcast! I am super interested in anything related to social media and I think its amazing how she made such a successful job out of it. Before this interview I mostly just thought of social media like a hobby or something I just do for entertainment but after I talked to Allee I realized that with the world we live in now it can be a super beneficial and fun full-time job. I love photography, positivity and anything to do with working with people who are as interested in whatever we are doing as me. These three things play huge roles in Allee’s day to day life. Not to mention I am basically obsessed with social media.Something I find so interesting is that when she started almost everyone in her life was against her decision. She has completely proved them wrong. I listened to a few of her podcast episodes and they are so inspiring. It is just so cool to me that she started with no connections and no money and now she has her own company and podcast to help out people who are just starting off like she was. Here are Allee’s answers to my questions.

Why are you passionate about your job? –

It allows me to help others raise their voice, be seen, and connect with the best version of themselves through their work + personal lives. I love it because it is much, much bigger than me! Plus finding new trends + solutions is speaks to my nerdy side, while planning shoots + strategy let’s me be creative!!

What obstacles have you faced to get where you are today? –

MANY! Starting your own business is not always easy. My parents both disagreed with my decision and fought against me doing this. I had no money when I started, and lacked money management skills – which made for an issue when I was making money! Plus, I am from a small town, so I needed to move to a city where people wanted to invest in social media strategy because nobody understood my skills in my hometown. Most of all, I struggled to believe in myself a lot the first few years – some moments I still do! BUT it all has taught me so much. I’m grateful for every obstacle.

What advice would I pass on to someone? –

3 things!

1. Be courageous enough to believe in yourself – even when others doubt you. Believe in who you are + where you are – which is always enough. Create from there.

2. Start now. Working as an influencer, podcaster and agency owner, I always thought I would eventually know enough to feel “ready” and go for it. Eventually I realized that isn’t true. You have to learn on the way! Social media is still new. Go out there and learn how to use it. Find your voice while you’re talking. The rest will fall into place!

3. Commit to kindness. People will have opinions about what you are creating and how you are living your life – especially when you are broadcasting it to the world. If someone says something hurtful to you or about you (in real life or on the internet) please know it is not a reflection of you, it is a reflection of THEM. Their opinion has no power over your identity. So be kind.

4. One thing I would never change about my job? –

How I get to connect with others all over the world by simply showing up. It is incredible how much we all can learn from each other! Choosing connection and collaboration is something I want to do forever!

5. Why would I recommend someone going into what I do? –

You get to blaze a trail with/for others, connect with other incredible people, and create for a living – it is an absolute dream! Every single human has something beautiful buried within them that can bless others – working with social media allows for the treasure to be found and shared. It is the best job in the world to simply be yourself.

I learned so much about her job and she also gave a lot of great life advice. Allee said that she is super busy and would rather not have other kids contacting her. Anyways, I am so glad that I reached out to her and I will probably will again soon. Here are a few of the photos that Allee wanted me to show. Thank you so much for everything Allee. 🙂

here are some photos from Allee and I talking on Instagram: