Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Rodriguez.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started with passion – I literally still remember being in high school almost eight years ago, posting my first video on YouTube. Looking back, I was always so passionate about social media and content creation. I loved being able to be creative and using social media from an early age as my outlet. I looked forward to getting home from school and coming up with ideas to post on YouTube. While other people my age were getting ready for the homecoming dance or playing sports, I was planning videos to film in my house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Alongside creating videos on YouTube, I started taking my Instagram seriously, planning outfits and picking out places I wanted to take my pictures out, and taking so much time into editing my photos and posting (only to get 50 likes), but that didn’t matter to me. All I focused on was my craft, and the passion I always had was indeed the drive of it all. I knew that my creativity came from God and wasn’t going to be phased regardless of how my content performed. It pushed me to keep creating even when I didn’t feel like I was good enough or my content was not going “viral”.
I started to get brands and companies to start noticing me on social media slowly; I got a lot of gifted opportunities, up to the moment that I started to see I could really turn my passion into a place I also could receive an income from! I’m so thankful I always had the support from my mom; she was the first person that told me “if you like watching Youtubers posting videos… why don’t you do it?” at that moment, it clicked, and I realized that she was right. My mom has always helped me take my photos and is a consistent hype woman that everyone needs!
As I discovered my likes and talent in regards to social media and creativity, that’s where I found myself doing my church as well! From taking photos, scheduling posts, creating content and working alongside some amazing individuals, and growing my craft and knowledge like never before.
When I was starting my education at the University of Central Florida, I slid into their DM’s, saying I wanted to work with them. And little did I know that stepping out in faith and boldness would be the connecting piece that placed me as their social media intern and social media ambassador. That was really the stepping stone that helped connect my hobby and passion to a future career that I’m in now.
Everything shifted when we got into 2020, and we were all home for months – which as a creative person And extravert it was So hard, so I started to find ways I could continue to be creative with the space I had at home. That re-sparked my passion and creativity like never before. It’s like I wanted to go full force, but this time on TikTok. I started posting and growing a small community on there that’s full of positivity, and I get to authentically be myself and continue to grow as both an individual and a creative on social media.
I know that I’m still in the beginning phases of what’s to come, but I fully trust that the best is still yet to come. God has truly helped open doors I didn’t even know could ever in my wildest dreams be a possibility, which truly makes me even more excited to know that the future is brighter than in my dreams.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never been a straight road, I feel like with everything you do that you’re called to do and have a true passion for – it’ll always come with challenges. For me personally, one thing I always battled was my self-doubt; I always had the doubt that I wasn’t doing a good enough job or that there was another person being more creative than me, growing more, etc. I won’t say it’s easy to snap yourself out of it but at that moment is when I have to remind myself of that girl in high school that dreamed of being on social media and remind myself of Christ. Like Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work in the social media field professionally, but also work on my own social media platforms! I’m truly known for carrying positive videos/content, which truly helps me know that it sets me apart from others. There are so many creative projects I’ve been a part of from my church, New Birth Church in Kissimmee, Florida with the Young Adults Ministry!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
People can work with me/ collaborate with me in different ways! Besides my social media platforms, I also work on freelance photography and videography, social media management, and graphic design! A ~creative of all trades of you will~ If you need any of those services and you’re in Central Florida, I’d love to work with you!
If you’re a creative or social media content creator/influencer, I’d love to support Each other! In a space where it can easily turn dark, I always want to stay on the positive side. If you aspire to be a social media influencer and content creator I’m here to help too! My email or DM’s are always open.
My social links are:
instagram.com/stephanieyamilett
YouTube.com/c/stephanieyamilett
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/stephanieyamilett
- Youtube: YouTube.com/c/stephanieyamilett
- Other: TikTok.com/@stephanieyamilett
