We recently connected with Brenda Cortes and have shared our conversation below.
Brenda , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Navigating spaces where you’re the only person who looks like you can be challenging, but I’ve learned to turn it into a strength. Being a minority Mexican American woman and a first-generation college student, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I take great pride in my cultural roots and use them to connect with others through my content. This has helped me focus on building confidence in my abilities, staying true to my values, and seeing my background as an asset in many of these spaces.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Content creation is a full-time job in itself. I never imagined being in this space, but I have always been creative, and I’m always checking out new places, so it just kind of naturally happened. I posted my first video on Tik Tok back in summer of 2022 before I got discouraged and didn’t start posting again until the end of 2022 once one of my videos went semi viral in Kansas City. It’s been really exciting because I’ve met lots of business owners and other creatives in the city. But the best part is trying out delicious food and discovering new spots.
This year, I plan to launch content on Lemon8, which is a new social media platform that combines Instagram and Pinterest. I want to share more of my photos and lists of fun things to do in Kansas City. I also plan to launch more travel-related content and create a page where people can subscribe to get itineraries and tips from places I’ve visited. Eventually, I hope to work with hotels and restaurants all over the country and even internationally!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say three important things you need to start are patience, consistency, and knowing how to use social media well. You don’t need to know everything about social media, but you should do some research and look at your page’s analytics to find out when to post, which hashtags to use, and what kinds of posts get the most attention. For those just starting out, my advice is to keep going, even if it feels tough at first. Being consistent is really important because it helps people find your page. A good way to stay consistent is to make a calendar with ideas for what you want to post, when you’ll make it, and when it will go live. The most posts, the better chances to get your content out there.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m constantly seeking partnerships with various businesses, including restaurants, entertainment venues, health and wellness studios, beauty salons, hotels, and boutiques both in and outside of Kansas City. When considering collaborations, I prioritize working with establishments that have a solid reputation and excel in customer service. If you’re interested in connecting, feel free to reach out to me via email or direct message on any of my social media platforms.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcortess/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbcortess https://linktr.ee/bbcortess
