Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Thompson
Hi Alexis , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in a small, midwest town where neighbor helped neighbor and friends never bought the dress unless another friend recommended it. From a young age I learned how important community and connection can be and a passion for connective storytelling ensued. A desire grew, encouraging me to recommend or suggest places to eat, cities to explore, outfits to try based on personal experience and the ability to paint the perfect picture.
After graduating with a degree in journalism, I was torn between a corporate world and a world where I had my own freedom. Choosing freedom, I spent the last fourteen years building a business in a completely different field. It taught me diligence, work ethic, marketing, sales, and the personal development has been invaluable. I’ve loved every second. However, that love of storytelling, the desire to be a resource for others, has consistently creeped to the surface in small ways, specifically on social media. For the past ten years I have documented everything, recommended everything that deserved recommendation. January of 2024, I decided it was time my passion for storytelling, desire to be a resource for others, and my background in journalism needed to combine.
Proud to say I have just wrapped up my first year as a professional social media influencer and content creator. The business that taught so much, that I ran for so long, is now secondary, and my desire to help small businesses be found, new products be discovered, and a personal desire to try “all the things” is alive and thriving. It has allowed me to be a student again, learning new skills like photography and videography work as well which now allows me to offer UGC work to clients and story tell without even showing my face. I strive to instill joy into every piece of content I create, provide positivity and ease to the businesses I work with, and be a trusted resource for the audience that deems me worthy to follow. My connection and appreciation for both parties is everything to me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would venture to guess not a single entrepreneur would claim a smooth road. We fail, figure it out, fail again, and keep trying until we land on the right idea. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to overcome as an influencer and content creator has been my own doubts and mindset. Imposter Syndrome is a strong force, whispering to us that we aren’t good enough. There is so much talent, so much noise, the biggest hurdle I have had to overcome has been myself. It is still a work in progress, though I am finding my voice, and my choice to place positivity in all I create has also set me apart.
At first, there were also road blocks on time management and valuing my efforts. In an ever-changing industry, there are no clear guidelines for either the business or the creator. It has been quite the journey settling into habits that show my genuine passion for helping businesses grow, while respecting my audience’s needs, balancing what aligns with them, and respecting my time and work. Sometimes that means turning down amazing opportunities, sometimes it means choosing to do things that have little-to-no monetary value.
The ups and downs, the hurdles, are all part of the fun. We cannot grow without resistance, and we cannot gain resilience and understanding without a few challenges. The excessive noise on social media has made me eager to develop deeper skills with my camera and hone the storytelling abilities I love so deeply. If anything, overcoming these obstacles has made me more passionate and dedicated to my career as an influencer and content creator.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a travel + lifestyle influencer, content creator, and UGC (user-generated content) specialist with a talent at finding the positive and beauty in all things. My background in journalism allows me to to paint clear pictures of what my audience should expect with each recommendation, and my background in business ownership proves each client can expect high-quality, authentic content created with a marketing mindset. More importantly, my passion for connection and honesty with my audience strategically helps brands tell their story in a meaningful way -to an audience that aligns with their goals.
On a personal level, I am known for my ability to connect with others, dedication to delivering content that feels both genuine and inspirational, and going above and beyond to meet my clients needs. Though I am most proud of the relationships I have built with my audience over the past ten years. Gaining their trust has been my greatest achievement, one that I will always honor and respect.
What truly sets me apart is my positivity and versatility. I am able to balance different roles with joy at the heart of each. As a UGC creator, I provide content for brands to use on their own platforms, bringing ease to their lives. And as an influencer, I am passionate about sharing each client in the best light and surrounding their brand with a happy disposition.
What’s next?
As for future plans, my life is my story, and my story is now my career. I do not take my role as an influencer lightly, I aim to protect the people that trust and take my advice, steering them in the right direction as best I can. Now, and in the future. Last year, my husband and I were married around the world, we took my followers along on the ride; traveling between countries, documenting and storytelling. Now, we are planning to start a family and my audience will be right alongside. The future of my career as an influencer aligns with the future of my life as a whole. Marriage, home, kids, family, and all the adventures that come with that. And yes, I plan on bringing my children on all our travels. We cover many couple retreats and solo stays around the South Carolina area now, but when kids arrive, it will simply shift into family travel.
As for the UGC portion of my career, that will also follow each step along life’s path. I will continue to work with brands that align with my constant search for peace and happiness. Making sure I capture each brand’s unique service or product in the best light with an atmosphere of joy. My face may not appear in my UGC content, but a photographer/videographers personality still does, and the future looks bright.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://classandsunshine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classandsunshine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexis.simmons.739/
