Creator Spotlight Series Introduction
Welcome to another edition of Creator Spotlight, where we dive deep into the journeys of creators who are making their mark in the digital world. Each week, we feature stories of passion, perseverance, and success, shedding light on the paths creators take to build their platforms, connect with their audiences, and create meaningful content.
Whether you’re just starting or already established, these interviews are packed with insights and inspiration for aspiring influencers and content creators.
Introducing Talia Stenson: A Decade of Growth and Authenticity in Content Creation
This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Talia Stenson (on Instagram), a creator whose journey began almost 10 years ago, right after the birth of her daughter. Talia started her YouTube channel with the intention of documenting her life as a new mom, and what began as a personal project quickly blossomed into a full-fledged career. Inspired by mommy vloggers like Judy from It’sJudysLife, Talia became a trusted voice in the parenting and lifestyle space.
Over the years, Talia’s growth has been steady, with viral moments like her son’s birth video gaining over 10 million views. Despite the challenges, including the saturation of the creator space, Talia has stayed committed to her authenticity and passion, building a loyal community of followers along the way.
Join us as we dive into Talia’s story, exploring how her journey has evolved, her creative process, and the key lessons she’s learned through a decade of content creation.
Explore Talia Stenson’s Authentic Journey: Creative Process, Growth, and Insights from a Seasoned Content Creator
How did you get started with social media? Was it a goal of yours or on a whim, and which platform?
I started almost 10 years ago, right after my daughter was born — she was exactly one month old.
I began on YouTube with the dream of documenting our life together and capturing every moment. Postpartum, I wanted to soak it all in.
I had been following other mommy vloggers during my pregnancy, and one random Tuesday, it just clicked for me that this is what I wanted to do.
What were you doing (or where were you in life) before you started on social media?
Before starting on social media, I was in my third year of college, feeling lost and unsure of my path.
I had changed my major a few times, but when I became pregnant at 20, I decided to switch to education with the goal of becoming a teacher.
At the time, I was living in Hawaii, where I’d been raised since the age of 4, and working at a dry cleaners.
Who were some of the creators or influencers you looked up to when you first started posting on social media?
I was really inspired to start my channel after watching Judy from It’sJudysLife, a fellow mama vlogger.
Jessica from Jesssfam also had a big influence on me, and now she’s one of my best friends.
Was there a specific piece of content or instance in which you went viral or was it a slower build up over time? How did you feel and what did you do afterwards?
For me, it’s been a steady, slow growth. I’ve had some viral moments, like my son’s birth video, which has over 10 million views.
There were times I felt defeated, especially seeing friends get their ‘big break’ from one video.
But I’ve always had a dream and a goal, and I knew I wouldn’t give up. Each day was a new opportunity to keep pushing forward.
At what point did you decide to go “all-in” on social media? What were the factors that made you decide to pursue content creation full-time? Did you have a back-up plan?
From the very beginning, I knew social media was for me, and there was no backup plan — I was determined to succeed, even if it meant dying trying.
As a kid, I dreamt of being a movie star, and in high school, I discovered my love for editing through media classes.
When I started my channel, I realized I had found the perfect balance: I could be the creative director, star in my own film, and handle the editing and production.
It was the best of both worlds, and I knew this was my path.
Every creator’s creation process is different. Take us through how you typically create content? Do you have a set process or how much of it is on the fly?
My passion for content creation, and the reason I believe I succeed in it, is that it’s always different.
One day, I might be filming a ‘clean with me,’ and the next, I’m capturing my kids’ first day of school.
@sunkissed.mama Pink Clean With Me Are My New Favorite! 💓🎀🌸🫧✨ #pink #clean #cleanwithme #momlife #housereset #deepclean #cleanwithmemotivation #cleaningtiktok #asmr #asmrcleaning #realisticmomlife #momifthree #pinkrestock #restock #houseresetwithme #pinkstuff #toiletcleaner
Now that I work with brands, I do have deadlines, so I plan and film those projects more intentionally. But most days, I’m filming my raw, real life — whether it’s taking my audience grocery shopping or deep cleaning my daughter’s room.
I also get inspired by videos I see, and I’ll put my own twist on them, often waking up the next day ready to film those ideas.
I think content creation succeeds when it’s authentic to you and feels natural to what you’re already doing or good at.
If you could go back to when you started your journey as a creator and give yourself two pieces of advice, things to keep in mind, or things you’ve learned — what would you say to yourself?
I would tell myself to trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay true to your passion and keep showing up, everything will fall into place.
The second thing is whatever your idea of success is today, if you keep going, you’ll find success in ways you never imagined it will be so much greater.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten for being a creator?
The best advice I’ve received is to always be yourself. Authenticity is what truly connects you with your audience. People can tell when you’re genuine, and that’s what keeps them coming back.
Stay true to your values and passions, because that’s where the most meaningful content comes from and the easiest to create consistently.
Is there a piece of content or story you’ve shared that is most memorable to you? Why is it meaningful?
I don’t have one specific story that stands out, but I believe my journey as a whole is the most meaningful. My audience has been with me as I’ve grown up, raised my three children, and evolved in my motherhood journey.
They’ve watched me accomplish big dreams, like moving across the country, buying a home, and becoming the person I always said I would be when I first started.
That continuous growth and shared experience with my followers is what makes my story so special.
How did you hear about or get connected with The Sociable Society? In what ways have TSS helped you pursue your goals and aspirations?
I first heard about The Sociable Society through fellow mama creators while working with a previous agency. That agency had a lot of issues and didn’t align with my values.
Some of my creator friends mentioned TSS, praising their transparency, honesty, and strong work ethic.
I was hesitant at first because working with brands is a huge part of my success, but after making the switch, TSS completely transformed my career.
That same year, I was able to achieve one of my biggest goals — buying a home as a mom of three, which was a huge milestone for me.
What’s been your biggest “win” with The Sociable Society?
My biggest ‘win’ with The Sociable Society has been having a consistent team that truly supports me.
I know I can trust my management and count on them, which has made all the difference in my growth and success.
What do you value most in a Creator Manager?
What I value most in a Creator Manager is the attention to detail they put in.
Working with brands and creating content involves so many moving parts, and missing even one detail can make a big difference.
My team is incredibly thorough, making sure nothing gets overlooked, and they really help me as the talent to achieve the vision and goals we set together.
To date, what has been your favorite or most memorable brand partnership? Tell us why?
I’m SO grateful for every partnership, as many of them truly align with my brand.
One of my favorites has been working with toy brands like Tamagotchi.
@sunkissed.mama Afternoons are full of fun and surprises with @Tamagotchi Uni! #Ad Exploring the Monster Carnival 🎪 & raise unique UniTamas in the Tamaverse! The perfect gift for endless adventures! ✨ #TamagotchiUni #afternoonroutine #afternooninmylife #realisticafternoon #momofthree #momlife #momtok #realmomlife #dayinthelife #afternoonbusy #dancemom
These are toys I grew up playing with, so having the opportunity to share new products with my kids has been a full-circle moment. Watching their excitement has made the experience incredibly special.
What’s one thing in 2024 that brands should know about working with creators, but don’t?
Is the value of allowing us to have the creative vision behind a video.
I appreciate the talking points, but some brands don’t fully understand what will perform well and often miss the mark.
Since content creation is our full-time job, we study analytics on our end, and every creator is different.
What works for one may not work for another, so giving us the freedom to create in our own style can lead to better results for everyone.
Since you started, how has the social media and/or creator space changed?
When I first began 10 years ago, it didn’t take much for content to perform well.
Now, the space is incredibly saturated, and you really have to stand out and work much harder. The quality of your content is more important than ever.
What are some of the biggest changes that have affected you personally?
One of the biggest changes that have affected me personally is the increased need to stand out and be unique, which requires a lot more creativity. While I genuinely enjoy creating high-quality work, the fact that everyone has access to similar resources makes it much more challenging to differentiate myself.
What are some trends of shifts you did not expect coming?
I didn’t expect the trend of vlogging styles to shift into short-form videos. I wish I had thought of it or jumped on it sooner, especially since I was already vlogging full-time.
It’s also surprising how everyone wants to be a content creator now, whereas when I started, we were considered the weird ones haha. It’s been fascinating to see how quickly this shift has happened.
What’s one prediction you have for social media and being a creator in 2025?
A prediction I have for social media and being a creator in 2025 is that the focus will shift even more toward authenticity and genuine connections.
As audiences grow weary of overly polished content, creators who embrace real-life moments and vulnerability will resonate more with their followers, fostering deeper engagement.
Any projects, news, or exciting details/sneak peaks you’d want to share?
I am currently in the process of transforming our house into our dream home, so you can expect a ton of exciting house projects in 2025.
I’ll be completely remodeling and bringing our vision to life, and I can’t wait to share the journey with everyone!
Any special shoutouts, mentions, thank you’s or anything else you’d want to share?
I would love to give a HUGE shoutout to my girls Aimee and Morgan!
I’ve worked with a ton of content managers over the years, and these two are truly the best of the best.
Their support and commitment to helping me thrive, even in the late hours of the night, have been invaluable.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without you two! 🫶🏽
Creator Spotlight Series Conclusion
As we wrap up this edition of Creator Spotlight, we hope you’ve found inspiration in Talia Stenson’s journey. From documenting her life as a new mom to becoming a trusted voice in the parenting and lifestyle space, Talia’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, persistence, and passion. Her decade-long journey has been filled with growth, creativity, and meaningful connections with her audience, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her.
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