We were lucky to catch up with Kelsey Aquino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up with a good family in a small northeast town and visiting New York City often, I used to notice the very obvious system of social class and have since gathered my purpose as serving those in need. I’ve always been a bit sensitive to seeing injustice, and having selfless parents as role models who would help the less fortunate – it increased my empathy. Combine that, with being gen z and growing up with the boom of social media – I realized what a tool this can be to widen the gate of those I can help.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Since graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology where I studied Marketing, Film, and Sociology. I worked with nonprofit companies and small start-ups before deciding to boldly leave the 9-5 world all together. I loved my jobs, but I was hungry for a different kind of challenge – one that inspired me to work more creatively. While waiting for a new opportunity – I met my boyfriend in NYC while he was vlogging (how we met is actually caught on film and it’s super cheesy – we were roller skating at the Rockyfeller Center and he “saved” me from falling while skating) and he encouraged me to start my own YouTube channel. Now I work as a micro-influencer making content on what I care about which is helping others and having an adventure. I also still work on projects with companies from time to time because I love interacting with people! I also side hustle as a nanny in both NYC and in my suburban town where I grew up when visiting family – which is perfect because I love children so it’s definitely ideal.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being in my twenties now, I’m glad I’m working on my dreams and didn’t wait around for years. I want to encourage someone who has a clear passion in mind to not wait and start working on it now! Also, our society tends to encourage independent work (which is great and all), but building a team of people around you who are doing something similar to your passions or who are ready to support you (and you support them) is so important! Teamwork can get you farther so I encourage everyone to always collaborate and reach out! Also, finding mentors in the field has helped a lot of my friends go so far in their careers and dreams. You can do anything you put your mind to, but you tend to go the furthest (and improve faster) with good people by your side. To do this and everything requires consistency of course!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate with others! Especially anyone who loves reading and talking about mental health! In general, I love to collaborate with people who have a heart to help others anywhere in the world! Whether we do this through creative projects like making films or shows, or directly serving a certain group while traveling. Anything from helping build homes for homeless and teaching about sustainable homestead to just facing the challenges of life together, you can always message me through Instagram or we can connect through YouTube somehow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kels_aquino_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@just_kels?si=p2x4iCcbbefknmgR
Image Credits
Efrem Lamesta
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
