How it Started... Alyssa Aquino's Influencer Story

I grew up in the 2000s and 2010s in my hometown, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Social Media was just starting off and at that time the only real social media I had was my Mom's Facebook (that she would occasionally let me play games on) and Youtube. Youtube is where I discovered the world of LaurDIY, Adelaine Morin, Tana Mongeau, Niki and Gabi, and for my Asian Community, going back to Wong Fu Productions. At that time, they are what I had for people to look up too.

I always knew there was a part of me that wanted to be an influencer. Going back all the way to when I was 13 filming the Bean Boozled Challenge or even the random vlogs I would make during lunch time with my friends. At that time though, yeah we had the IG baddies and Influencers but it wasn't as normalized as it is in today's world so I had no idea that one day, I could actually be one of those Girls I saw post online.

It all started Summer 2020, yeah it was during the Covid-19 era. It was a sucky time for everyone but also a gift in disguise. The gift of time. Things were still fresh, the rise of Tiktok trends were starting and honestly, it began with having the time to post those cheesy relationship trends with my boyfriend and lip syncing to popular songs at the time. I never knew that just a few months from then my first viral video would pop off.

I started posting all kinds of different content and people loved it! From teaching people about new age spirituality, zodiac signs, to sharing how I dress, do my makeup and so much more! I made the decision to put my all into it, put my all into being the influencer I always wanted to be. I put myself out there and didn't care what everyone else said about it

"Influencing isn't a real job Alyssa." All the different lines you can think of I've heard it. From my own family members to some of the people I called friends at the time. It wasn't easy but I didn't care. I wasn't doing it for them. I was doing it for me.

I've been posting for over 5 years as an influencer, now sharing what I love (fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle content) It has given me the opportunity to travel for Fashion Week in Toronto and work with so many different brands like LUSH, The Hilton, OGX Beauty, Caudalie, The Inkey List, Casetify and so much more! I am so grateful for what my life is right now and what the future of influencing for me has to come!

The Journey isn't over yet! We are still growing! Other than my love for posting on Tiktok, I've been growing my community on other platforms like Youtube and Instagram too! The journey is the best part and this is just the beginning of the Storyline. Who knows where I'll be in the next 5 years from now!

But this is your sign. To just do it. Whether it's posting online, studying for that degree, that Masters, signing up for a yoga class for the first time, applying to your dream job, whatever it is, it is you sign to go all in!

-Alyssa Aquino