Kayla Smith
Kayla Smith
Social Media Manager / Content Creator
West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
www.glossedmedia.com
instagram @glossedangeles
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Social Media Marketing and Management. Content creation. Photography. Editing. Copywriting. Influencer Outreach. Influencing. Blogging. Creative Branding. Styling.”
I've learned that in the creative world, learning one skill makes it easy to quickly learn another one in the same realm (I call them “sister skills”). These skillsets are closely related and conveniently intertwined, with a healthy amount of overlap. This allows me to wear many hats, making me a viable option for individuals or brands who are seeking help with various different creative projects.
My creative management business, Glossed Media, specializes in building brand awareness and optimizing business opportunities through content creation, brand strategy, and social management. I tailor my services to each individual client’s needs and can assist with various creative initiatives.
Additionally, I am the creator of the blog, GlossedAngeles.com, which has afforded me the opportunity to be on the other side of social media as a style and beauty influencer. Through running my blog and Instagram page, I have a thorough understanding of the social media landscape, in addition to having first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of influencing.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
After graduating from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design and Journalism, I decided to pursue my dream of working within fashion, beauty, and entertainment by attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where I got my masters in Beauty Industry Marketing and Merchandising. I knew if I wanted to be successful in the field that I was interested in, I needed the educational component in order to have some leverage and to be taken seriously.
With the education under my belt, along with all the amazing opportunities and experiences FIDM helped launch me into (I got to intern for Tyra Banks, for example!), I slowly started to build a portfolio of work that morphed into a lifestyle that I had always envisioned myself having. I launched Glossed Angeles shortly after graduation and that experience alone has been invaluable in helping me build and expand on my skillset.
How do you stand out in your field?
To start, I am totally my authentic self when it comes to putting my personal content out there. I speak and write in my REAL voice and tone, and put my personalized touch on everything that I do. People don’t want to see a robot or a copycat of someone else. I firmly believe this approach helps attract the right people to see and engaged with your brand.
When it comes to the work I do for other clients through Glossed Media, my customizable approach is key. I help spread the client’s message their way (but with my expertise), and don’t just copy and paste the same approach from one brand to the next. Additionally, I build personal relationships with the contacts I work with and make myself available to them in any way I can (I welcome texts or calls at any time and try to respond immediately, always). I want to be a helpful resource who they feel comfortable to openly communicate with, and would like for my clients to consider me a friend (while of course remaining professionalism at all times!).
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently expanding my client list at Glossed Media while continuing to remain innovative and fresh over at Glossed Angeles. Every day is something new, whether it’s on set for a photo shoot for an upcoming campaign for one of my clients, or strategizing new ways to build brand awareness (I’m in the middle of planning a big event for one of my clients — yes, I even delve into the world of PR, if needed!). I’m usually switching between my personal brand and my client’s brands throughout the day, but it’s quite easy for me to prioritize and remain focused on deliverables, as I am constantly flexing my creative muscles, and one outlet of work influences and inspires my work for the others.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My personal aesthetic could be described as clean, stylized, and feminine. I have an affinity for bright, airy, and classically chic imagery. My Instagram feed showcases my style and I feel that you can get a sense of who I am and what I am drawn to through my page. I spent a lot of time mapping out how I wanted my feed to look as a whole, and I like when images flow together to create an entire snapshot of someone's style as a creative.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I have such a love for content creation; putting a photo together to highlight a product or idea in a creative, unique, and eye catching way is truly fun for me. There’s so much that goes into making a photo special, and I enjoy figuring it out. It’s a challenge to be able to create content and brand messaging for multiple different clients (including myself!), who each have their own vibe and style, but it's a challenge that that I revel in. The art of nailing everything you want the photo to say is such a rewarding feeling.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
A frustration of mine is how difficult it is to get my message and content out there and actually absorbed by my intended audience. It's such an oversaturated market and it's easy to feel like a small fish in a big pond. However, this forces me to always be thinking on my feet, researching, innovating, and trying new techniques.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would welcome someone who could take over the extremely necessary, but time consuming prep work that goes into managing projects. For example, if I could have someone organize photos, label them, and get them ready to post to social pages, that would free up so much of my time. Half the battle is keeping organized and getting everything set up.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
There is never going to be the perfect time. Through various projects I have worked on, I was constantly waiting for the perfect time to showcase my work. Whether it was hitting send on an email or posting a picture or blog post, I wanted it to be at the optimal time for the greatest results. Eventually, I realized the perfect time didn’t exist, and often, opportunities may have been missed, which is the exact opposite of what I wanted to happen.
I’ve learned to just do it. By all means, I still do my best work and strategize timelines of execution, but “get it done” is my motto.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to gain some more insight on time management and productivity tips, as I am someone who juggles a lot at one time. I admire the blogger and all-around girl boss, Lauryn Evarts Bosstick aka The Skinny Confidential, because she is extremely influential in the social media space when it comes to a balanced lifestyle, remaining productive, and getting the most out of the day. I think it’s vital to utilize time wisely when it comes to business, as it benefits everyone and makes the work flow so much more seamless when done with an organized and methodical approach.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m looking for clients who want to enhance (or even start) their social media presence, whether it be through day to day feed management, content creation, brand strategy, influencer outreach, etc.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I’m excited by opportunities presented by people who are enthusiastic about what they do, while staying open to new ideas. I love to dig in and find out exactly what it is someone is looking for and how I can make that happen for them. I work best with open communication and transparency. I embrace feedback and am constantly striving to be better...help me help you!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I tailor my services to each individual client, so pricing varies based on the project at hand. Most of my clients are on a monthly retainer, but I am open to discussing other payment structures.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Please send me an email to kayla@glossedmedia.com and briefly describe who you are and what you are looking for help with. No need to be super formal; keep it caus (that's short for casual -- how do you actual spell that?!).
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Never stop the wheels from spinning.
This member profile was originally published in November 2018, Updated October 2020.