The anticipation was electric in the air as the red carpet lay unfurled. Paparazzi jostled for prime positions. Interviewers worked diligently, firing off questions like rapid fire: "Who are you wearing?" and "What was it like working with…" The celebrities responded with practiced charm, their answers as finely crafted as the designer gowns and suits they adorned. The air buzzed with excitement, as though each question and answer held the weight of the world. But, lost among the glamor, my hands offered reassurance, my voice whispered encouragement. Though not in the spotlight, I played a vital role, guiding the stars through the whirlwind that enveloped us.

On the red carpet you have to put in enormous effort to guarantee effortless-looking beauty. I learned this faster than anyone when the red carpet rolled right up to my front door in the spring of 2020. While many people were going on family walks, learning how to use zoom, or binging Netflix, I devoted my abundant free time to studying the TikTok algorithm. I was intrigued by its rapid traction, easy creator-audience connections, and surging user base. But rather than putting myself into this mobile spotlight, I was behind the camera, prepping my neighbor on how to represent some of the biggest names in beauty. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this would be my very first experience in marketing.

Dazzled by the lights, when I returned to college in the fall I had my sights set on Hollywood. I spent several internships reading scripts to identify problems and invent solutions. While actors and directors may take the final bow, unseen people like me are the ones who pitch ideas to studios and help them decide what movies should be made next! Once again, these roles were marketing in disguise. Throughout the process I was asking myself “Who is the audience for this movie?” and “What do they crave?”

Now, equipped with an array of storytelling experiences, on both the big and mobile screen, I’ve begun work in the dynamic path of Brand Specialization. Whether you aspire to Hollywood greatness or community connection, I eagerly await the opportunity to convey your narrative in its finest form!