Corey Staley
Social Media Content Creator / Social Media Manager
Los Angeles, CA
coreystaley.com
instagram @coreystaley_
Q What do you do?
“Social media video content creation (Reels/Tik Toks) and social media strategy and management.”
I help brands develop and maintain an authentic personality and social presence through the magic of content, and a human-first strategy.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
You know the whole “follow the yellow brick road” line? I didn’t do that. I studied pr in school and after graduating worked for the Army for 4 years as a civilian. But on the side, I fell into the world of social media and eventually started working as a director of communications for a nonprofit, where I played part copywriter / art director / content strategist / pr person. Since then, I’ve worked in agencies, in-house, and freelance — creating, networking, learning, and taking risks, which landed me here today.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’m a one-woman show and extremely adaptable. Because I’ve done almost every role in the book when it comes to social - copywriting, concept development, strategy, art direction, and content creation - I can easily wear those different hats to create content that actually resonates with audiences and comes from a strategic POV to meet brands’ goals. And I do it all with a sense of humor, because hello, there’s no way you can do all that without laughing.
Q What are you working on right now?
Expanding. I’m in a mode of expanding — whether that’s into content creation for my personal brand, my client list, or my mindset on things. I’m working to take up space in different areas, bit by bit.
Q What’s your style?
Winning people over by humanizing brands and people. There is a way to create social content that’s authentic, interesting, and relatable (no matter what the brand!) and lets people see themselves in that content. It’s just a matter of getting curious and putting yourself in the shoes of the audience.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
There’s never a time when I’m happier than when shooting and creating content. It satisfies the part of my creative brain that likes to work hands-on — and I can see the fruits of my labor right then and there.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Not being where I want to be, but knowing I could be. I need to find new avenues for marketing my work and myself. Which brings me here!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Taking care of the little tasks that I just don’t have patience or time for - like calling the airlines to change a flight or updating influencer lists. Why do those things seem to take YEARS to get done?
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I mean, how much time do you have? For one, I wish I could have told myself circa 1997 that cutting my bangs was going to result in wearing a headband like the Karate Kid for 4 months. But I’d also say that when things don't work out, even if you really want them to, it's usually for the best. As John Steinbeck said, "Nothing good gets away."
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Definitely productivity. We're told we all have the same 24 hours - but how is it that some seem to be able to maximize it so well? Do they have a body double? So I’d love to know what is the absolute BEST way to maximize time and how do the "greats" do it? Even Hermione Granger needed magic for this, so I can't be alone. How do I live a healthy work-life balance? Do I just need to become European in order to be productive AND maximize time?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Cool ones. Interesting ones. Ones that answer the question “what if we?” and bring stories to life through social content - especially if there’s a travel/ lifestyle/wellness/beauty component.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client would collaborate but also trust my creative aesthetics, instincts, and knowledge. They’d also expose me to new industries, people, and ideas. That aside, I’d love to work with a client that is looking to create content around people, unique views, travel, and story. It’s incredibly inspiring to me — and allows me to inspire through that type of content.
Q What is your rate?
I tailor my services to each individual client, so pricing varies based on the project. Most of my clients are on a monthly retainer, but I’m open to smaller projects at an hourly rate of $75 per hour. My services include social media video content creation (Reels/Tik Toks), social media strategy, and management.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Just drop me an email at corey@jiminysocial.com or find me on instagram @coreystaley_. Please include a rough idea of what you’re looking for want plus any budget limitations, and then let’s chat!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
This is easy - Corbin Cox, a director and cinematographer (and my partner). He’s helped me view my work in different perspectives, often providing insightful pointers - especially when it comes to shooting - and has helped me learn to shoot in a way that feels more beautiful and unexpected. Plus, we work creatively on projects together, often bouncing our creative energy and ideas off one another and it’s really fun and inspiring. You can find him here on ilovecreatives and also at @corbinccox on IG.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Consume and read and watch and listen to everything. I also love to sift through other creative's work - it's so inspiring! Beyond that, I'm always watching Gilmore Girls (best show ever) - every time I watch I have to look up a new pop culture reference.
This member profile was originally published in July 2016, Updated December 2020, September 2022