VizSense - Blog - VizSense Vizionary: Uly & Ernesto

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

It really started from the thought of “We should do that!” after watching other gay couples show their relationship online. We knew we had a point-of-view!

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

We are inspired by so many out there that live authentically and by individuals we’ve met who aren’t able or don’t feel empowered to live authentically. Once we realized that our stories helped others feel comfortable in their skin – that’s a lens we knew we had to live by.

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

Our very first sponsorship was with Equality Vodka and we got it by reaching out with a proposal! We were so shocked when they agreed!

Why is inclusivity so important in the influencer industry, and how do you think brands can help spread awareness during Pride Month?

There are so many reasons! It gives the viewers someone to identify with and a feeling of belongingness (from a brand perspective it raises affinity between them and the individual), for the influencer is gives them opportunities that they might not have had in the past, and lastly it allows for more creativity and more diverse content (new ideas!).

We think the narrative is changing from Pride Month to what the brand is doing for the LGBTQ+ community around the year. Is the brand continuously inclusive with partnerships? On their feed? With their product mix, website, commercials, etc. For us – it is MUCH more important and we feel MUCH more comfortable working with a brand during pride – that we have worked with outside of pride month. It’s not longer okay to raise visibility and awareness is only June. Advocacy is important during pride month – but we think year-round inclusion is much more important. Outside of that – there is a push for transparency around Pride campaigns. Who is the director of a photoshoot, are they LGBTQ+? Did the ideas stem from LGBTQ+ individuals? Etc…

Have you seen a shift in how brands approach LGBTQ and marketing in the past few years?

Last year especially – we saw a shift in supporting a cause and not just showcasing LGBT+ individuals or products.

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

You are not for everyone. It is much more important to stay true to yourself than to try to lean into the likes. There is a happy medium between engagement and creativity. Ideally you find something that resonates with you and your audience, but that’s not always going to happen. Creativity comes from the soul, not the algorithm.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry and why?

We really look up to anyone who is doing it full time! @probablythis, @mrbenfield. It is hard work and creatively exhausting!

What do you wish people knew about influencers?

We put our soul into our content! We are creative individuals who are truly passionate about connections. The micro-influencer community – especially – is trying to find a balance between this passion project and their full time job and it’s not easy!

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

For ourselves we hope that as our lives change (marriage, home ownership, children (maybe)) the people we have connected with will continue to grow with us! For the industry – we hope the push for diversity and inclusion continues year round.

What changes do you want to see this year in the industry to become more inclusive?

We hope trans individuals get more visibility. We want to see black-trans-women at the center of every campaign!

What is the best piece of advice for anyone in the LGBTQ community who wants to build their own brand and get started in the industry?

Find like-minded people! Talk to them about their wins, their struggles, and share yours! The biggest learnings we have had is through the incredible individuals we have met who have shared similar journeys.