VizSense - Blog - VizSense Vizionary: Camly Nguyen

How did you find the inspiration to start your page and take the leap as a content creator?

Early on when social media was growing I saw the potential for it to be a vehicle for so much more. During college, I pitched myself to multiple companies looking for interns on how I could be a part of transforming their marketing. I believe social media was going to change the way people advertised and how people connected. I had worked with 6 different companies and start-ups by the time I was 22 creating content for people, brands, and their social media as well. I always had a passion for social media, but after years of creating content for others, I was just burnt out. I often wore many hats, from graphic designer, copywriter, to social media manager and I just needed a break from it all. Eventually, I took a step back and worked a regular 9 to 5 in finance. After some time away from social media I started to miss creating content so just started to do photography again for fun - posting my favorite meals and experiences, and just living life. Oddly enough I had been doing photography since I was 12, and my page just became a place to express myself. An outlet to share my favorite moments and things. Eventually, it caught the attention of a few local food bloggers, and the rest is history. I started to collaborate with other creators, had brands reaching out to me, and found my passion for creating content again.

What is your overall inspiration for your posts and Instagram feed?

People have described by page as exploratory, and I often get DMs for requests for things to feature. Hidden gems and exploring my city has always been a big part of who I am. My father owned a small business and raised us on it so I particularly hope to champion small businesses. In addition, I use the term adventure loosely because every day is an adventure, everything from walking down the street to hiking sand caves. I believe that living life and bringing people along is one of the most intimate things you can do. Growing up I didn’t see anyone who looked like me anywhere in media. Representation is still an issue, and I work every day to be authentically myself. Like everyone I have my moments, and even I feel like a “sell-out” at times when I land brand deals. But, then what draws me back is the ability to use my voice for change. I work full-time at a nonprofit on top of creating content, and the intersectionality of being an activist is something I want to run through every part of my life. Being honest and sharing brands that are aligned with my values is also important. My inspiration is ever-changing, but one common thread is creating change, doing good, and being honest. For example with this pandemic being able to use my voice for the “WashTheHate” campaign as well as to raise awareness with “Black Lives Matter” has been some of the most inspiring work I’ve done in years.

How did you get your first brand sponsorship, and who was it with?

My first brand partnership, now that I had to dig up because honestly I couldn’t remember, but it was with Burst Oral Care, in 2017! Isn’t that crazy I was sharing about tooth brushing routine.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned working for yourself and creating your own personal brand?

It’s important to hustle and take risk! You have to be your own agent, manager, photographer, director, and producer on a regular basis. I shoot almost all my photos solo with my tripod, and all the hours of work don’t always add up to the amount I earn. But, I love to create content, and I like the hustle of it all. Negotiating, creating, and experiencing all that comes with it gives me so much satisfaction. To get there you have to take the risk and be willing to hustle and work even if you don’t get compensated. It’s a hard balance to find, but when you love it, it’s totally worth it.

What is your favorite part of being a content creator?

Connecting with so many people and building a community that is so much larger than anything I could have imagined. I’ve met some of my closest friends by creating content; simply by being open to the possibilities, it has opened a lot of doors. People who I wouldn’t have met otherwise have now become people I invite to dinner parties in my home, call when hard things happen, or are simply people I know who will always have my back. Even when connecting with brands, I’ve made friends building those relationships as well. The experiences and creativity is great, but it is only enjoyed because of the communities we’ve built.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry and why?

This is such a tough one to answer; there are so many inspirational people in the space! But, my dear friend Kinya Clairborne is a constant inspiration. As women of color many spaces still lack representation, so to see a WOC kick ass like she does is a constant inspiration. She has her own online magazine, creates amazing content, as well as standing up for what she believes in. I’ve been fortunate enough to have women like her in my life as I continue to grow and figure out where I want to be in this industry.

What do you wish people knew about influencers?

We are human too. Sometimes I feel like there’s this false idea of what our lives are. I try to share honestly and openly, but I also very much so have a private life. Even when I’ve dated people for extended periods of time I don’t post any of that on my social media. There’s so much work that goes behind creating content and art that often we as content creators get summed up as one word. “Camly is a foodie”, which though true is only a small part of me just like every person. There’s so much more behind the person than what is on the feed, and I hope people remember that as they engage and see that person’s content.

Where do you see yourself, as well as the industry, within the next few years?

You know I haven’t thought too much about this because honestly, I’ve been trying to live more in the moment and less for the unknown future. I do know I will still be creating content, but I would love to pivot towards more video. I see the industry focusing on video in the next few years and that becoming the main type of content. Platforms like TikTok will definitely continue to grow, and I see myself growing with those platforms as well. Possibly, I would like to start my own agency, I’ve done quite a bit of social media, marketing, and branding consulting in my lifetime. But it would be amazing to spread the knowledge as well as lead a team in that. Particularly would love to create a focus on activism, but honestly, I’m not sure if that’s where I end up so will keep you all updated on the ride that is my life.

What is the best piece of advice you have for people who want to build their own social media brand and get started in the industry?

Just do it! There will never be a perfect time or perfect moment for you to take the dive. The risk is well worth the rewards if you just go for it. Start creating and sharing, and it’s okay if it’s not exactly how you envisioned. We all had to start somewhere and need to have grace on ourselves. Sometimes you will hate the content you create, but until you try you won’t even know. So reach out to brands, content creators you respect, and just get creative. If you have a crazy idea don’t shy away because it seems to far fetch. Instead dig deeper; it’s in those crazy moments that you will be most inspired. Be yourself, and it’s okay to be afraid just don’t let that stop you.