Today we’d like to introduce you to Stranje Gonzalez
Hi Stranje, 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 backstory with our readers?
After working for Osceola County School district for 6 years as an ESE paraprofessional. I knew I wanted something more. My dream was to always simply stand out. Since I was young my parents preached to me that I could do whatever my heart desired. I knew I wasn’t following my heart. I felt very depressed and anxious. While also becoming a mother and wife. I knew I wanted something more. During the pandemic I was furloughed from my position. Finding myself bored and uninspired. My daughter started sending me funny TikTok videos to cheer me up. I decided to download the app. My obsession of Theme parks and fandom have always been present. So naturally this is the content I gravitated too. Which brought me to “Disney Content”. As a Florida native that was already regularly in the parks. It never occurred to me I could build a platform and community based off my passions. Once I was introduced to Black Disney content creators and how there was still a huge gap in representation. Not only for black creators within the space. But, also Plus size black creators. I watched and studied their content. Learned filming and photo editing skills from TikTok. November 2022 this fueled me to create “Magically Adulting”. Where I could share my love for Disney, Universal, Plus size fashion, Travel and Reviews. Networking with hundreds of amazing creators who helped share and support my content and page. Learning to enhance my content quality. While building a safe and open space for all my “Elites”. I never would’ve expected to have over 30k followers across all platforms. Where I can share my open opinions on Diversity and Inclusion and Body positivity and any conversation I believe to speak on. I’ve worked hard to build a fun yet informative space. Where my elites can laugh and feel a sense of escape. While also advocating for marginalized groups. Who don’t have the platform to speak. There are so many creators that have paved the way for me to build the platform I am blessed to have today. To be able to now work with so many amazing companies that respect my beliefs and values.
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?
There’s no playbook for content creating. You have to truly dedicate yourself to creating. From spending hundreds of dollars on costumes, makeup and wigs. Hundreds of dollars on annual passes to all the Central Florida Theme Parks. Dining out and book trips and hotels to have content. Finding creators and businesses that were interested in partnering. This can cause a lot of financial strain. Not to mention internet trolls, anxiety of your post not performing well. Also, seeing your peers receive opportunities and deals and praying and hoping your day is going to come. I had to remind myself constantly. “What God has for me. Will be for me!” Watching family members and friends support celebrities and not take you seriously. I would post my content on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and receive the most support from complete strangers. The negative comments would get to me at first. Complete strangers and sometimes people you know. Making comments about 31-year-old women playing dress up on the internet. People making comments like “Get a real job”, But I had to learn to ignore the hate. I truly have an amazing support system. I stopped focusing on those who didn’t support me and loving on those who do! The hate comments BLOCK THEM! I don’t let them disrupt my peace. I try to overly extend my gratitude to my “Elites” (Supporters). Without them there would be no “Magically Adulting”. I see how much love and support I receive every day and that’s what I choose to focus on. It’s not easy but you get a little stronger and better every day!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I share my experiences and opinions. I love sharing my character bounds. Character bounding is a way to dress in everyday clothing to resemble a character. I love traveling and sharing tips and tricks and fun activates. I love to make people laugh through my stories. Being my wild and chaotic self. Whether that’s laying in my bed hair sticking straight up, no makeup on raw and unfiltered. Or fully dressed still showing even at “my best” I am a hot mess. I feel this is what sets me apart from the others. I don’t care to be anyone but myself Magically Adulting is not an online persona. Magically Adulting is Stranje Gonzalez. I am my brand! My elites love when I am venting about the prices of things or being honest when something doesn’t taste right. I intend to stay this way as long as this platform allows me. I am most proud of proving to myself that I was capable of truly doing whatever I put my mind too. I am most proud of showing my daughter and my husband that I am dedicated and determined. I am so proud of my family and friends for supporting and uplifting me. I am so proud of my community and “Elites” for allowing me to be completely unhinged and still loving me through it all. I am proud of myself of pushing through my Lupus and Fibromyalgia fighting my way out of bed. I am most proud of the opportunities that have been offered to me and those that have yet to come. But I am most proud of my faith! Trust and believing that all things would fall in line.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for those who are just starting out. Believe in yourself and post it! It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. It doesn’t matter how anyone feels. Theres so many businesses and brands and ideas! There’s room for everyone! Stay consistent and educate yourself in everything you do! Believe that you’re the best and carry yourself like you’re best! Don’t go into content creating wanting every post to take off and for you to have thousands of followers overnight. Greatness takes time! You want to grow authentically and organically! Put out the energy you want to receive! You don’t need a fancy camera and a ring light! Grab your phone! Put on whatever you want. Find some lighting and create with a purpose! Your community will find you! Your community will uplift you!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicallyadulting_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MagicallyAdulting_
- Other: https://linktr.ee/magicallyadulting_
Image Credits
Photo Credit: @Marvelousab_
