We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Cagatay. Check out our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to create from a place that actually feels like me, not just what’s trending. For so long I thought I had to keep up with every sound, every viral format, every trend cycle just to stay relevant. That made me play smaller than I wanted to. Now I feel pulled toward making content that reflects my voice, my humor, my style. Things people can connect with beyond the algorithm. It’s scarier, because it means I can’t hide behind what’s working for everyone else. But it also feels way more freeing. I’d rather grow a community that resonates with me being myself than chase numbers by being a watered down version of someone else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jess. I started my career in the corporate world leading social media strategy for global beauty brands, which gave me a strong foundation in storytelling and understanding what makes content resonate. After years of helping brands grow online, I decided to take the leap and apply that same expertise to building my own. Now I’m a full-time content creator sharing lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel. What makes my brand unique is the perspective I bring from both sides—I know how to create content that connects emotionally while also delivering value, and I love translating that into something authentic for my own community.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that always felt like I had to prove myself by overworking and saying yes to everything. That hustle served me in the corporate world and even in the early stages of content creation, but it’s not who I want to be anymore. I’m learning to let go of that pressure and trust that what I’m building doesn’t require me to burn out or constantly seek validation. Releasing that part of me makes more space for creativity, alignment, and actually enjoying the life I’ve worked so hard to create.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are definitely moments where I still feel like giving up. Content creation isn’t a straight path. It comes with self doubt, slow seasons, and times where it feels like nothing is landing. I still have days where I question if I should just go back to something more stable. But every time I get close to that feeling I remind myself why I started and how far I’ve come. That reminder keeps me moving forward even when it’s hard.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in this industry is that you have to fit into a perfect box to succeed. That you need to post every trend, be constantly “on,” and present yourself as flawless to be taken seriously. The truth is audiences crave connection and realness more than perfection. Another lie is that success happens overnight. What people don’t see is the years of consistency, trial and error, and persistence it actually takes
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I know I would regret not giving my full energy to building the life and career I really want. It would be easy to play it safe, go back to something more traditional, and always wonder “what if.” I don’t want to look back and realize I let fear or self doubt keep me from fully stepping into this path. Even when it feels uncertain, I’d rather take the risk than regret never trying.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jessiekayy
