Today we’d like to introduce you to Genevieve Lee.
Hi Genevieve, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got my start as a content creator and social media manager for @lilkiwipie when I adopted my first dog, Kiwi. My camera roll was quickly filling with pictures of her, and photo sharing was a thing, so I created an Instagram account for her, and it kind of snowballed from there. I soon met other pet influencers and became part of this community of other dog lovers. I went through a bit of a branding process with @lilkiwipie and created a voice that was authentic to Kiwi’s real personality and gave it a low-key quirky humor so that @lilkiwipie could be a place you could go to for good vibes and smiles.
In retrospect, I can see how it had been simmering for some time – I’ve always loved animals and have a background as an actor. I also studied comedy and wrote a web series, not to mention sketch videos that were featured by Huffpost and Funnyordie. Storytelling has always played a role in what I do. So, when video sharing on TikTok and Instagram became popular, it was a natural transition for me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a very winding and hilly road, shall I say. I think one thing I struggle with is time and manpower (or, should I say, person-power). My ideas can often be larger than only one person can accomplish. That’s kind of the thing with being a creator sometimes – you’re often the director, writer, editor, talent, art director, props, costumer, social media manager…you get the picture. Fortunately, I have a wonderful support system in my husband, who is an amazing sounding board, as well as a camera operator, animal wrangler, grip, and, well, everything else I can’t be/do. Also, because of the nature of social media, burnout is real, and I really have to force myself to separate my online hours from my rest hours.
Being a pet creator also makes it so you can’t be as efficient in your process. You have to understand that you’re working with an animal who has a shorter attention span, and there are circumstances that just aren’t within your control, so you have to be flexible and able to pivot. Sometimes, I joke that I’m like a wildlife photographer!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a content creator, which means that I create content (videos, photos, and graphics) primarily for social media, as well as a social media manager. I’m mostly known for being a pet influencer (aka @lilkiwipie’s momager). And while I’m usually behind the scenes, lately, I’ve been playing with giving myself more of a voice in the content I create.
One of the things I’m most proud of is a social media campaign that I created for a non-profit that is near and dear to me – the Best Friends Animal Society. It was the first time that I was able to develop an idea of mine into a fully realized project, where I could get a taste of directing actors, leading a crew, and realizing my vision. It’s something I never imagined I would do, and I was surprised to discover how much I loved it!!! (And yes, I want to do more.)
I think what sets me apart is my quirky sense of humor and my heart. I love to bring joy to others.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Apple has made everything so easy to do with your iPhone, so I’ve stopped carrying around my camera and just shoot with my iPhone. I mostly edit on Adobe Premiere Pro but will use CapCut on the go. In fact, for most simple retouching, which is what I usually have to do, Snapseed and Retouch get the job done. If not, then I’ll use Photoshop.
I use Asana to stay organized and later to schedule.
There are so many blogs and podcasts…some I look at are the Later blog, ICYMI by Lia Haberman, Katie Steckly, and Neil Patel, and honestly, right now, I’m really enjoying @derrickdowneyjr and his squirrels. Did I ever mention I had befriended a squirrel when I was little? That’s probably not a surprise lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lilkiwipie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-lee
- Other: TikTok @lilkiwipie
