Team Sociable Sessions: A New Spotlight Series From The Sociable Society
Introducing Team Sociable Sessions, our newest spotlight interview series that celebrates the exceptional team behind The Sociable Society’s success. While our Creator Spotlights and Talks With TSS series highlight the talent and stories of creators, this series turns the lens on the industry experts who empower those creators to thrive.
Through these interviews, we’ll uncover the passion, expertise, and dedication of the professionals shaping TSS’s “creator-first” ethos. From building connections to driving innovation, these stories reveal what it truly takes to excel in the dynamic world of influencer marketing.
Empathy, Strategy, & Passion: Meet Dayna Ashame, Sr. Influencer Manager at TSS
This week, Team Sociable Session spotlights Dayna Ashame, one of TSS’s talented Influencer Managers. With a background of nearly eight years in digital marketing, Dayna brought her love for strategic problem-solving and people-first mindset to the creator economy just over a year ago.
Known for her empathetic approach and knack for using data to fuel creativity, Dayna supports her creators in achieving their goals, whether it’s expanding their reach or breaking new ground in their content. Her journey into influencer management reflects her belief in the beauty of collaboration and the power of combining passion with discipline.
Read on to learn how Dayna’s unique perspective, productivity tips, and unwavering positivity make her an integral part of the TSS team.
Get to Know Dayna Ashame: Insights, Advice, and Her Journey in the Creator Economy
What skills are essential for thriving in the creator economy today?
Empathy and understanding are essential skills in the creator economy.
We work in a people-focused industry, where managers, talent, and clients all face unique challenges and priorities — by hearing each other out and supporting each other, we can really align our efforts and work collaboratively to achieve goals.
What made you join the creator industry? Did you always know you wanted to be in it?
After nearly eight years in digital marketing, I was ready for a change while still staying within the realm of marketing.
I’m a people person and love building connections so influencer management gave me the chance to combine that with the strategic side of my work that I loved — it felt like the perfect shift, and I haven’t looked back since.
What key lessons have you learned from creators you work with?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with incredibly creative individuals, and one of the biggest lessons they’ve taught me is that there is always beauty to be found in the mundane.
Approaching work with love and imagination not only shifts your mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this”, but also fuels creativity in beautiful and unexpected ways.
What is one piece of advice for someone entering the creator economy?
The creator economy is full of passionate people and exciting opportunities — but it’s not for the faint of heart.
My advice is to bring discipline, patience, and resilience. If you’re willing to put in the work, the opportunities are endless!
What made you choose to work at TSS, and what is your favorite part of your job?
I joined TSS because of the transparency and genuine care that Jay and Emily bring to what can be sometimes a very competitive and cutthroat industry.
They put people first — not just creators, but managers too, and that mentality trickles down to everyone here.
My favorite part of the job is definitely the people. Everyone is supportive, uplifting, and always willing to lend a hand.
What is a unique skill you bring to your role?
My strategic mindset — from my experience on the digital marketing side, I gained a love for using data and insight to drive creativity.
It’s like putting together a puzzle — finding the right pieces to create something beautiful.
Helping my creators in this way, whether it’s to grow their channels, expand their content or reach a new audience, is incredibly rewarding — especially when we come up with new ideas together!
What productivity hack do you rely on during busy campaigns?
Starting each day with a to-do list. I prioritize top-line tasks and begin with the easier ones to build momentum.
I find once I’ve checked a few things off, it helps motivate me to tackle more complex or challenging tasks with more focus and energy — almost like a warm up before a race.
What is the biggest misconception about influencer marketing?
One of the biggest misconceptions about influencer marketing is that it’s easy and all glitz and glam.
In reality, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes, strategy, planning, collaboration, and execution, that the average consumer doesn’t see.
Not to mention there are always a ton of projects on the go at once, and staying on top of everything while doing it well is a huge challenge in itself.
What advice would you give brands entering creator partnerships?
My advice to brands entering creator partnerships is to remember why they chose the creators they’re working with and lean into their unique ideas and approaches.
Creators have built their platforms and audiences themselves, and the trust and authenticity they bring are key to a campaign’s success. No one knows their community better than they do, so it’s important to collaborate and listen to their insights.
I think it’s also important for brands to remember that creators are doing the work of an entire production team, oftentimes without any assistance. Brands should acknowledge and respect the time and effort that goes into this as it’s a major cost-saving advantage for their marketing and creative teams.
What do you prioritize when picking creators for your roster?
When picking creators for my roster, I prioritize three key things:
First, I look for people with a unique perspective — someone who is truly ‘one of one’ in a saturated landscape.
Second, consistency is important. I want creators who post regularly and show they have discipline, dedication, and take their work seriously.
Lastly, I value creators who have a strong ‘why’ or purpose behind what they do. When a creator’s purpose is clear, changes to platforms, algorithms, and content formats become easier to navigate. These shifts are much less disruptive when they’re just the tools for communication, not the foundation of the creator’s brand.
Describe the TSS team in three words!
Caring, Honest & Hard-Working.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping people achieve their dreams! There’s no better feeling than when a creator shares a goal with you, and you work together to make it happen. Landing a deal or executing something that’s truly life-changing for someone is incredibly fulfilling.
Where is your preferred place to work? Desk, Couch, Bed, Coffee Shop?
Most of the time I prefer to work at my desk, but if ever I need some motivation, I love to work in a coffee shop or library. The buzz and being around other people working hard always puts a battery in my back.
What is your fav mid-day bev to get you through a long work day?
A strawberry matcha latte.
Dayna Ashame’s story is a testament to the impact of empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking in the ever-evolving creator economy. Her passion for uplifting creators and driving innovation shines through in every aspect of her work at TSS.
Stay tuned for the next installment of Team Sociable Sessions as we continue to spotlight the incredible talent behind The Sociable Society.
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