Meet Katherine Vlamis: Content Creator & Social Media Marketer

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

Hi Katherine, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since a young age, I’ve always had the passion to create and share with the world. At first, I believe my proudest creations were finger-painted butterflies. Not long after, I started writing music at the age of five and putting on living room concerts for my very patient family members. Since then, I’ve tried expressing my creativity through blogging, photography, fashion, and of course, social media content creation. I think the latter has stuck with me the most because it made me realize why I enjoy my artistic and creative pursuits so much: they help me entertain, inspire, and engage in authentic conversations with an audience I may have never reached otherwise. I enjoy all my creative endeavors because of the positive impact they can have on others and the connections they can foster. Sure, I may not be writing the next government policy that will help people save millions of dollars, but as long as I’m touching lives and making a difference through something I’ve created, it’s all the same to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Aside from my own content creation, I’ve also managed the social media accounts and marketing plans for everything ranging from a children’s literacy company to a baroque ensemble to a data journalism news organization. Working in these different industries has taught me how to create a certain image, social media campaign, and media that is specifically tailored to a brand’s identity. My passion for everything social media, both the creative and analytical side, has allowed me to try out a lot of different roles in the broader social media and content creation industry, something I’m extremely thankful for at such a young age. Now, I’m extremely excited to take what I’ve learned and focus it on building my own brand or targeting the elusive Gen-Z audience that I identify with most. For the most part, I’ve landed all my jobs through mutual connections and networking, which believe me, wasn’t easy. It’s hard enough selling yourself as a job candidate, but selling yourself as a brand to people that are basically your peers? Not the easiest thing to do either. Aside from minor technical difficulties or frustrations here and there, the hardest challenge I’ve had to overcome is self-doubt and a bit of imposter syndrome. I was never formally trained on social media marketing and I’ve never had a true mentor to help me; I’ve picked up everything I know through trial and error and a lot of learning the hard way. However, I’m starting to realize that maybe that in of itself is something I can bring to the table. Believe me, I still struggle with this everyday, but truthfully, I would be worried if I didn’t have a little bit of imposter syndrome; I should be in an environment where I don’t totally feel like I belong, one that pushes me to be better and try harder. Now despite my introspective side (or rather, in addition to), I want the world to know that I’m a bubbly, fun-loving, thrill-seeking individual that wants to uplift through creativity. Whether that’s through my food blog, creative content for brand deals, or assets developed for another company, I’m going to turn my experiences into something that can teach, inspire, and entertain to touch as many lives possible in a positive way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Missouri native, I feel like I should be the friend going on the tour!! I’ve only lived in LA for seven months pre-covid, but in my quarantined time here, I’ve discovered a few places to share. In the beginning of the week, I’d likely hit all the major spots that define my life here, including the USC village, Santa Monica Pier and the beach, Melrose Trading Post, and probably a boba place like Pot of Cha or Factory Tea Bar. I’d definitely take them on a hike of the Hollywood sign as well, although I’d have to check the weather first before deciding what day we’d do that on. I’m also a huge foodie, so I’d love to take them to a few of my favorite restaurants like Tu Madre, Bird’s Nest Cafe, and Crispy Pork Gang– I’ve only Postmated from that last one, but for whatever reason, I stand by the fact that this is the best Asian cuisine for a 1 am meal. Additionally, whenever someone visits, I like to experience something new together, so I’d love to see the streetlights at the LACMA, go to a drive-in, or visit Universal Studios. I know, I know, there’s a lot I haven’t seen in LA yet, I’m working on it. Naturally, I wouldn’t want to decide the entire itinerary for my friend, so I’d also love their input on what they want to see as well! (: Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family… well, both of them. My blood-related family has always been so supportive of my passion for all things creative. It may not be the most reliable career path, but they’ve always encouraged me to follow my dreams, whatever they may be at the time. I know that they’re my biggest fans, which is something that means the world to me because I know not every creator has a family that feels that way. I also want to shoutout my social media family, particularly those in USC’s only social media organization, Reach. I’ve met so many great mentors through this club, and I would not have the knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments I have now if it weren’t for them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakkimusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-vlamis-75765419b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.vlamis/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeEhCV7rtacSzFtpg7nylTw

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathh__?fromUrl=%2Fkathh__&lang=en