Creator Spotlight Series Introduction
Welcome back to Creator Spotlight, where we celebrate the journeys of inspiring creators who are shaping the digital and social media landscapes. Each week, we bring you exclusive insights from some of the most innovative and authentic voices in the content creation space. Whether you’re a seasoned influencer or just starting out, these interviews provide valuable lessons on authenticity, growth, and the realities of the creator economy.
Introducing Taylor Donoghue: From College Advice to Full-Time Content Creator
This week, we’re excited to feature Taylor Donoghue (@taylordonoghuee on both Instagram and TikTok), a dynamic content creator whose journey began with offering college advice to fellow students. As a college senior at James Madison University, Taylor used TikTok to share lifestyle tips, beauty routines, and advice for navigating the college experience. Her goal was simple yet impactful: to be an older sister figure for others feeling overwhelmed by the transition to college life.
Since graduating, Taylor has taken the leap to full-time content creation, leaving a PR job behind to focus on her passions. In just over a year, she’s made a name for herself, collaborating with top brands like Amazon Beauty and Clarins and enjoying a dream brand trip with Sephora. Taylor’s dedication to authenticity and her commitment to creating content that helps and resonates with her audience have been key to her success.
Join us as we dive into Taylor’s journey, her content creation process, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Discover Taylor Donoghue’s Journey, Content Creation Process, and Insights as a Full-Time Creator
How did you get started with social media? Was it a goal of yours or on a whim, and which platform?
I started posting on social media, specifically TikTok back when I was in college at James Madison University.
I gave college advice content along with other lifestyle, beauty, vlogs, and fashion also sprinkled in. I wanted to be an older sister figure for girls who were also overwhelmed and nervous about going away for college.
What were you doing (or where were you in life) before you started on social media?
I was a full-time college student in Virginia pursuing a Health Sciences degree!
Who were some of the creators or influencers you looked up to when you first started posting on social media?
One creator that stands out to me is Bethany Mota.
She was the first ever influencer I watched on YouTube yearsss ago and I just loved how genuine she is while also giving really great beauty and fashion tips.
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 was most definitely a slower build over time.
It was cool getting to start to gain a following and build a community. It’s nice having people that relate to you and I have been able to make so many great friends since starting social media.
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?
I decided to go all in 3 months after graduating college.
I was working at a PR firm and hated the job, and also felt like it took a lot of my time and energy away from filming and focusing on my real passions — so August of 2023, I decided to not accept my full time job offer and go into full time as a creator instead.
Been over a year now and easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
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?
I find that I’m often a very on the fly type of creator because ideas naturally come to me as I go throughout my day.
I do also have a notes app on my phone for video ideas so that I never forget because a lot of them come to me at the most random times. I also have “staple” videos that I know I will film every week such as VLOGS, WIEIAD, workout routines, etc.
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?
1) Be CONSISTENT and don’t overthink iot (easier said than done)
2) Tune out the haters or anyone that has anything bad to say about you pursuing content!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten for being a creator?
The best piece of advice I ever got was to be true to yourself and film content in the “how can you help others or what can they gain from this content” type of mindset.
Whether it’s relatability, wellness tips, storytelling , humor, etc I have found that my videos that have had the most success benefit the viewers in some capacity and also makes me feel more fulfilled as a creator myself.
Is there a piece of content or story you’ve shared that is most memorable to you? Why is it meaningful?
One that stands out to me is going viral for telling a story about how people on the internet thought I was in my early 30’s when in reality I was only 23.
It stood out to me because it was such a random story I did not expect to take off, but it was picked up by The New York Times and the Tamron Hall Show, starting the trend, “Is Gen Z aging like milk”?
It was very cool getting to appear on the Tamron Hall Show and is a memory that is funny and will always stay with me.
How did you hear about or get connected with The Sociable Society? In what ways have TSS helped you pursue your goals and aspirations?
My friend, Cora Shircel, recommended me to TSS and it has been the best decision of my life!
TSS truly goes above and beyond like no agency I’ve ever seen.
What’s been your biggest “win” with The Sociable Society?
My biggest win has been getting to go on a brand trip with Sephora, which has always been a huge dream of mine.
What do you value most in a Creator Manager?
One that pays attention to details and really stays on top of it to help you succeed!
I also value a Creator Manager I genuinely feel I have a good connection and bond with that understands me!
To date, what has been your favorite or most memorable brand partnership? Tell us why?
I recently did a brand deal with Amazon Beauty and Clarins (both of which I use) and buy products all the time so it was a big full circle moment!
What’s one thing in 2024 that brands should know about working with creators, but don’t?
The more creative freedom and direction the creator has, the better.
Authenticity is huge and now more than ever people are not as easily “influenced” and want a genuine review of a product that doesn’t feel like an ad.’
Since you started, how has the social media and/or creator space changed?
I think it has changed in a lot of ways.
The first thing that comes to mind is short form content really taking off. I used to only post on TikTok and now Instagram Reels and YouTube shorts are big, so I have definitely started to actively post short form content on various platforms now.
Another thing I think has shifted is the type of content. People are no longer gravitating towards this “perfect” life and super aesthetic type of content but more real and authentic and less curated.
What are some of the biggest changes that have affected you personally?
Posting consistently!!
What’s one prediction you have for social media and being a creator in 2025?
One prediction is that social media will continue to lean into the authentic and real role. I think people are really over super curated content so I believe being more real and open will be huge in 2025.
Any special shoutouts, mentions, thank you’s or anything else you’d want to share?
I’d like to shout out my friend Cora for referring me to TSS along with my amazing Creator Manager, Miranda!
They are the absolute best and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them!
Creator Spotlight Series Conclusion
As we wrap up this week’s Creator Spotlight, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights from Taylor Donoghue’s inspiring journey. From her humble beginnings sharing college advice to transitioning into full-time content creation, Taylor’s story exemplifies the power of authenticity, creativity, and following your passion. Her growth as a creator and the success she’s achieved with brands like Amazon Beauty and Sephora demonstrate the incredible opportunities that come with being true to yourself and your audience.
We look forward to seeing where Taylor’s journey takes her next and are excited to continue bringing you the stories of creators making an impact in the digital space.
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