Milena Toro
Creator / Copywriter / Strategist
New York, NY
www.milenatoro.com
instagram @getupnglowofficial
instagram @millietoro
instagram @milliemakes
twitter
youtube
pinterest
Q What do you do?
In 2014, Milena graduated from Syracuse University: S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a Bachelor's Degree specializing in TV + Film and began working on set of TV shows such as 'Project Runway', music videos, and commercials.
As her interest began to shift towards the digital realm, Milena became one of three Creative Fellows at BuzzFeed, Inc. Working her way up the ladder, she has built a resume with everything from start-ups and Happy Madison Productions to Calvin Klein, Inc., and BET Digital. With a passion for user experience, Milena worked as an Interactive Digital Producer for two years at BET.com. Her love for digital was born.
Via agency experience, Milena has written copy and managed social accounts for major fortune 500 clients like Speedo, Olay, Diageo, Pepsi Global, and more. Now at IBM, she’s a Creative Social Media Strategist, creating digestible social media content to explain technology that makes the world go ‘round.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Throughout my career I've always been told that I needed to pick a lane. I'm a rebel in that sense. I chose not to, because creative lanes aren't for me. I have an eye for design, I went to school for TV + Film (so naturally I love producing), I'm a great writer (SEO, Social Copy, Editorial), and because of all of these reasons - I'm a great strategist.
I like to think about how people explore the internet and why. How do people take in information? This in turn, helps me create content that makes sense and flows. And so, throughout my career I've explored all of these lanes. But ultimately, I became a strategist and writer because it encompassed what I like to do naturally. Figure out how people like to think, and put it into action.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out in my field because I have an eye for what's trending on the internet. And I don't just mean having a basic understanding of how it works. I mean, you can ask me for examples of work, and I will 9.5 times out of 10 have a website or page to go to. I have a great deep understanding of trends and cultural moments. Not to mention, I'm a woman of color - so automatically that keeps me in the know. Because, let's be honest, we are the culture. And we're at the forefront of where it starts.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now I'm working on a few different projects. Everything from websites, to script writing, conceptual work for brands, etc. I also do resumes! I love connecting people, and being a wordsmith and career advancement. That's all stuff I do for my side hustle, on www.milliemakes.co
BUT my 9-5 is a Creative Strategist at IBM's Innovation Lab. I break down all types of technology (quantum computing, cyber security, block chain, and AI to name a few) and turn it into fun and/or simply insightful content that's easy to digest for social or blogs. A lot of times people don't know what IBM does, because IBM doesn't make tangible tech like let's say Google or Microsoft. Instead, IBM makes the tech you don't really see but always use. Like, let's say; mainframes = the tech that charges your card when you run your card through at American Eaglel.
Q What’s your style?
My style is fun, informative, and sorta minimalist. My blog on Instagram is a great example of my design, copy, and conceptual style. On my blog I cover lifestyle and fun places to visit!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Strategy / Consulting / Branding
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Hmm good question. Probably a process for how to make more income on programs. Kind of like ilovecreatives/Puno does. I'm really good at things like teaching copywriting, strategy, or career development. But instead of doing sessions or training packages, I usually do 1:1 and I know I can probably make a lot more passive income if I figured out a way to package it all into sessions/classes/packages. I just haven't quite gotten around to it yet.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
With work - All logistical work. Admin kinda stuff. Scheduling, back and forth, getting answers from clients for me, etc. I do that to some extent with forms, but could be a lot smoother.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I would've told myself to look into how to create a brief and RFP for clients. I didn't even know what that was early on in my career, and it makes delivering work to clients a million times easier! Agency experience has skyrocketed my knowledge for sure. So glad I have that now.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'm really well connected. I find that people are ALWAYS asking me for creative referrals. And I always know someone to refer to. I want to turn that into a business. But I want to do that with people of color, because we tend to be underrepresented in many industries - and there's talent out there!! But sometimes some hiring managers sometimes make excuses for why they can't find them. If I could hire out teams for projects, and creatively direct them, that's something I'd really like to set myself up for in the future. TLDR; start my own mini agency that's made up of majority POC creative teams.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love jobs that allow creative freedom. I really like working on projects, where I can push back on clients' visions, and help them to expand their thinking into what can make projects even better. I'd like to explore Squarespace website design, strategy, creative consulting, and copywriting.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
See answer 11 :)
Q: What is your rate?
Rates differ from project to project. Please schedule some time with me via my website so that we can chat about your wants & needs. Once I get a better understanding of details & the scope of work, I can price accordingly.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Please schedule some time with me via my website so that we can chat about your wants & needs. If there's not an option to book for
your needs, please shoot me an email.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
DKIRK - Art Director / Artist
He's extremely talented, and used to be my art director partner when I was a copywriter with him at VaynerMedia. He used to be on Team Gary and did designs for him, then moved to my team at Gary's agency when we worked there together.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
IG Reels!
This member profile was originally published in November 2021.