Vanessa Acosta
Q What do you do?
“I strategize and develop video Tik Tok/Reels concepts for companies.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started with my own small business, WASI Clothing and garnered attention on how I made my brand go viral on Tik Tok. After hitting virality in 2020 I've worked with Tik Tok, even spoke on the Girlboss podcast with Puno talking about how I utilize Tik Tok and marketing with my business and quickly got reached out to by other small businesses and companies to create content for them. The past 2 years I have connected, shot, edited and strategized social media video content for companies like B.Yellowtail, Free People, Square, Polygon, El Cholo's kid and more.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a 33 year old creative that has been managing her own brand and understanding what works and what doesn't. I have the unique perspective of understanding how businesses work, while quickly getting on board and understanding an app that has a mostly gen Z audience. I can understand what a brand needs, keeping the brand mission, aesthetic etc and molding that to work on an app like Tik Tok and converting views into engagement, followers and purchase orders.
Q What are you working on right now?
I have been currently traveling with one of the top Web3 companies in the world, Polygon and strategizing and creating all of their social media video content, from IG stories, Reels, Tik Toks and still image posts as well. I concept, shoot, edit and deliver all the assets.
Q What’s your style?
I can easily adapt because internet social media trends are so fast. What I think represents me that works the best is story telling. I can inspire the viewer with a vibe and a story by showing eye-catching images while doing a voice over. All my best performing content is me telling a story in a unique new way.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Oof, I am such a multi creative. I like to know how to do a little bit of everything. It's because I have my own brand so I have to know how to do everything that involves running a business. But when it comes to creating art, that's where I am at my happiest and that's something I wish I had time to just sit and get inspired and just create art for me.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I have been hunting for a Tik Tok strategist position for months. Because the idea of having consistent income coming in just seems less stressful and also to just be able to work under one company. But the part that frustrates me is not being able to find one that fits with me and my lifestyle. So I have been putting off doing just this! Really going in on this and creating a side business that offers Tik Tok strategies that aligns with me. I've already been working with clients who have reached out to me but I want to build something from this and actually help more small businesses cause I know it's a lot of work to do this(I've spoken to a lot of small businesses) and I know this is missing in a lot of their to do lists. So I am now taking charge and building something for me and other businesses that I believe in & have fun creating unique and successful content.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Manage emails, schedule and sourcing.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
When I moved to LA 15 years ago, I would have told myself to network more. I came to this city not knowing anyone, not coming from money, not coming with connections. And I now know how important it is to network in all these creative industries in the city.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would probably ask about time management and organization! I'm good at it but I just love to see what skills and methods the best of the best in the industry do. Always room for improvement and insight.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
To work with brands/companies I love. To provide quality content for them that converts into great numbers/views/analytics. I just love creating content, so I just want to find brands I align with.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
All of the clients I have worked with are a balanced creative relationship. An app like tik tok is still very new, so companies right now are super flexible and open to trying new things and I love that. It's all about experimenting, being creative and finding out what works for the client/brand.
Q What is your rate?
Pricing varies, please contact Vanessa for rates.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
email: fromabolivian@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I am always trying to be creative in my daily life routine. My businesses keep me creative but I also love to decorate my home, get creative with my cooking. it's what makes me happy.
This member profile was originally published in December 2022.