Meet Jia Russo | Social Media Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jia Russo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jia, why did you pursue a creative career?
A long time ago, I had a quick conversation with my father about what I possibly wanted to be when I grew up. I said maybe a pharmacist because at the time I was taking a chemistry class in high school. I enjoyed the class, I was good at doing the work, and it could turn into a stable career. It ended up stumbling into a reality a bit faster than I expected and wasn’t really sure. I went to UF going to pre-pharmacy. I was very depressed and down my first few months freshman year. I wasn’t doing well in my classes, and I got a C for the first time. I found myself struggling and wasn’t as passionate about it as I thought. The idea of doing this for many years seemed so daunting. One day I wanted to drive and see my mom. I was going to tell her I wanted to drop out of college. Instead, I ended up getting into a car crash. I was not in the mindset to drive. Luckily no one got hurt. The day I got back on campus, I did a lot of soul searching and had to truly discover what I wanted to do. I loved being creative and also business, so I switched majors to advertising. It started out becoming an influencer, to working for a YouTuber all while in college. Today I now have my dream job of traveling the US making social media content for a company called, Collective Influence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It all started with a Tinder date. If there’s anything that I have learned, don’t be afraid to meet people, especially ones outside of your usual circle. I went on one Tinder date and I ended up landing my first salary job while in college and my future roommate. A long time ago, my first Tinder date ended up just being friends. I stayed in contact just DM’ing for an entire year. One day, I met one of his friends who was a YouTube and wanted to start a company. I ended up doing a personal pitch about myself without even knowing and landed a job as his marketer with almost no experience. After graduating college, I ended up moving in with that Tinder date’s ex. We are still friends today but if it wasn’t for her suggesting we move in, I wouldn’t be in Jacksonville doing my dream job today.

I’ve learned life is a wild ride. It’s about staying true to your morals and convictions. In your career, it is all about putting yourself out there by pushing yourself and who you surround yourself with. Lastly, life does require a bit of luck. I remember reading the Old Man and the Sea and learning, even though you can be the best at something, sometimes you just need a little bit of luck to succeed. It can be who you know or being at the right place at the right time. Whatever it may be, it will happen if you continue to put yourself out there otherwise it will never happen. When it does, just make sure to be prepared for it. That’s where the hard work comes in and shines.

To be honest, I don’t know what I want people to know about me. I guess I’ll let the people decide that. I’m determined, honest, and strong-minded. Nothing special but I hope people recognize that. Even though I got lucky with getting my first job, I worked both a full time college workload and worked 40 hours a week. When I needed a job moving to Jacksonville with a move-in deadline, I applied non-stop everyday. Unemployed again for 4 months, did not stop the grind either and I ended up doing deliveries to help pay the bills. Even when I wasn’t working, I was working. I have pushed and pushed and that’s how I have been able to get to where I am today because I never stopped giving up. I went from having no job to having two paid positions and still maintain my personal brand partnerships.

Right now I work as a social media manager for a company called, Collective Influence. I get to travel and manage their accounts by creating content. The main account of focus is called, Aspire Tour where entrepreneurial experts will speak at a conference. People like Magic Johnson, Barabara Corcoran, and Alex Rodriguez. Personally, I am a nano-influencer as an ambassador for ThredUp and work part-time for the University of Florida in their Mobile Outreach program.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Eco Relic. It is the huge warehouse of amazing antique items from furniture to decor, and weird gizmos. I would eat at my favorite place in Atlantic Beach, the Juicy Crab. They have great combo meals at great prices. Jacksonville beach is fun to walk and hang out. They also have stage events on certain weekends. At night, it’s a bit far but there is an arcade bar with video game themed drinks, called, Leaderboard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout my parents. I’m adopted from China and was brought to the US when I was 9 months old. Learning that even though my parents weren’t biologically my family, they took me in and loved me anyways. I have strived to always be grateful and give back. Every journey throughout my life and decisions I’ve made, they have supported with advice and positive affirmations. I know from meeting other people, having a strong support system with your friends and family can make all the difference.

I would also like to shout-out Jebb McAfee. We met under odd circumstances but when we met, I explained my story of attempting to be an up-and-coming influencer and how I landed my first brand deal. He saw potential in me and the passion through my eyes. Even though I had little to no experience, he decided to help me grow and jumpstart my career. Because of him, I had my very first salaried job while being in college at such a young age.

Website: jweidesigns.weebly.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovemynerdiness

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jia-russo