Today we’d like to introduce you to Markela Tarrance.
Hi Markela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Riverdale, Georgia, shortly after being conceived my mother and I relocated to Detroit, Michigan. I have always been optimistic and positive despite the environment I grew up in. My mother was a single mom and she did the best she could with what she had for my brother and I. I was very active in high school! I guess you could say I was a social butterfly. I attended Voyageur College Preparatory High School in downtown Detroit. I graduated in 2012 super eager to go to college and relocate. I attended Benedict College in South Carolina. The “HBCU” that puts the “BC” in “HBCU” (Historical Black College/ University). I learned so much about myself when I went to college. I highly recommend anyone who wants to attend College to go out of state. It was the best decision I ever made! I was very active and involved in college as well. I became a member and served in serval organizations. Such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, National Honor Society of Leadership & Success, and served in Student Government Association as Miss. Benedict College 2015 -2016 all while seeking my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance where I later graduated in 2016.
After graduating I went to work in Corporate America which lead me to relocate to Charlotte, NC. I graduated with my Master’s of Business Administration in 2018. I enjoyed working in Corporate America but I knew there was more in store for me. I really enjoyed seeing high-quality tutorials and videos on social media. It always caught my attention and it sparked an interest. Not to mention I thoroughly enjoyed fashion and most of all hair. I began to change my social media presence and started creating content around hair and fashion. When the Pandemic came, I was laid off, which led to me having more time to create content and begin pitching companies. Let me tell you, I had no idea what I was doing. I did a lot of research and had a lot of confidence. I taught myself just about everything, well at least the internet did. In March 2020 I landed my first big brand deal with Ouidad Curly Hair Company! I made a little over $1,500 just by creating a small video. I was blown away. Later that year I landed my first Partnership deal with Mielle Organics Natural Hair Care Company. I was offered my previous position back, but I realized I was no longer passionate. On February 2, 2022, I quit my job as an Accountant and became a full time Content Creator. That small bit of courage and a drop of optimism brought me here. I knew I had it in me but if it wasn’t for God, I have no idea how I would have gotten here. But most of all I am just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has for sure been an interesting journey. I believe anytime you try something new it is going to be difficult because it is unfamiliar. I have faced several challenges personally as a full-time Content Creator. For example, managing money, maximizing/ leveraging my business, and overcoming mental blocks. I know I was an Accountant and all but I was not a tax accountant! There is a huge difference. But I am learning you know? There are some companies that have monthly campaigns which means you would essentially get paid on monthly bases. Then you have one-time or one-off campaigns that means you would get paid one time, or until they ask to work with you again. It was hard for me to adjust in the beginning, being that I was use to receiving a check and knew when I was receiving it. So, in return, I had to adjust my finances and activities accordingly.
When I originally wanted to be a Content Creator, I did not realize the work, time, and effort it really took. This leads me to my next point with leveraging my business. Realistically, I cannot do everything by myself and I honestly do not want to. I want to grow my brand by helping other Creators start their brand, increase partnerships (content creation) and create a space for people to do what they love in the digital field. Outsourcing is my next goal. It will help with maximizing time, resources, and overall growth. It will also relieve me mentally. It can be a lot when you do everything alone. Do not get me wrong, I love it a lot. But I have my days when I am overwhelmed, anxious, or just tired. But I know it will all pay off and everything I am going through is making me stronger, sharper, and preparing me for what is in store next.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time Content Creator. I create digital content such as videos, photos, voiceovers and etc. for small companies and big brands to increase social media engagement, brand awareness, and digital campaign marketing. I specialize in hair, beauty, decor, and lifestyle content. I am most known for my hair tutorials and fashion try-on hauls. I am most proud of my partnership with Mielle Organics. I have always wanted to work with them! I started in 2020 and I have been working with them ever since! What sets me apart from others is my quality and social presence. When people come to my social platforms, they feel invited through my content or inspired to start their journey.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living out my life’s purpose and to inspire those around me. I want to inspire every person that I come in contact with rather that is someone in the store or someone all the way across world through the internet. I always tell people that we are here for others and not ourselves. So, I try to do my best by giving my best. I could change someone’s life or perspective about who they are and who they could become. It is important to me to be what I always needed to someone else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkelatarrance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkelaTarrance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgGk9U0qhOkm5UWuBKyWaw
Image Credits
Darnell Mccoy
