Pursuing passions on social media
By Ivy Ho
Influencers often get their start on social media platforms, such as Instagram and go on to launch their own companies. They earn their wages by creating original content and endorsing products in posts. Brands will reach out to them in order to promote their products to a specific audience although they have the option to reach out themselves as well.
For Brittany Lawrence, a beauty and makeup enthusiast, her start was when she quit her job to become a social media influencer and a makeup artist after becoming a mother of two.
“I worked 60–70 hours per week and hated feeling like I was only living for the weekend. I was a slave to my job and had little time off,” said Lawrence. “I wanted more time freedom desperately, even though I enjoyed what I did for a living.”
Ever since she made the switch, not only has she gained much more time freedom because of her flexible schedule, but she has been able to focus on herself and her own passions.
“I work with brands while growing my own brand and influence, to share about things I’m passionate about and believe in. I never take on partnerships unless I feel it’s a genuine fit,” said Lawrence. “It’s nice having the power over my own schedule. I love working with an audience that values and trusts my input and knowledge.”
Eventually, she started her own community called The Contoured Life. In her Facebook group, she tries makeup products, hosts giveaways, and interacts with thousands of members.
“The Contoured Life was born out of my desire to reach women. Beauty, Makeup, Lifestyle, Fashion are all a fun part of what makes up The Contoured Life, but it goes beyond that too,” Lawrence said. “True friendships and connections have come from this online community and I am so thankful for my TCL tribe! If you aren’t already, join us in our Facebook community, and be sure you’re following @thecontouredlife on Instagram!”
Besides the community she has built on Facebook, she has organically built a following on Instagram with her own original content and the use of Instagram Stories, which has become one of her favorite ways to connect with her audience and online community.
“Social media has been the catalyst for my growth and success. With my role as a busy mama, travel lover and entrepreneur, I am grateful for the power of working from my phone,” said Lawrence. “Knowing I can show up for the people who choose to ‘follow’ me and connect with them from anywhere I am has been amazing!”
Despite having the ability to adjust her schedule whenever she wants, Lawrence has a strong work ethic which has contributed to much of her success.
“I personally thrive on routine, so while I have the power to choose my schedule and work whenever I want, I set specific goals and work time for myself,” Lawrence said. “I operate at a higher capacity when I have a schedule for myself. It’s definitely flexible because I’m a mama after all. I schedule my clients, events and family time as best I can, and so far it’s worked out really well.”
She has been able to bring women together and empower others just with the use of social media and accomplished more than she expected to in the beginning.
“I have grown a following of like-minded women who I genuinely enjoy engaging with,” Lawrence said. “Perhaps my most meaningful success story has been the ability to retire my husband from his law enforcement career, and give him the time and space to find his next passionate pursuit.”
Lawrence has been able to succeed in her career because she was confident that she could turn her passions into her livelihood.
“There are always some doubts you’ll make the income you did with your “9–5,” but my belief in myself has always been strong, and my desire for more freedom outweighed my fears,” said Lawrence. “I knew with enough grit I would be successful.”
