Conversations with Sydney Stoutsenberger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Stoutsenberger.

Hi Sydney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I always loved taking pictures. They captured a moment, frozen in time, that I could look back on in the future. Although the subject varied from food, my room decor, my pets, or my accessories, my favorite subject to photograph was and will always be myself. That may sound narcissistic, but I mean this in a way of progress evaluation. To me, these pictures of myself are equivalent to the artwork of an artist. It sounds a little crazy to say, but in every picture, I am always able to remember the headspace I was in and the influences that led me to create it. Within these self-reflections, I am able to think “Wow! This look really works with my features and displays my character effectively” or “Ehhh… This doesn’t really reflect myself in a way that I’d like to repeat again”.

My passion is to constantly better myself internally and externally through self-expression and experimentation. Creating different makeup looks and outfits gives me a sense of freedom! I like to think that my Instagram reflects my experience with makeup and style experimentation. With every post since day one, I’ve hoped to give inspiration to those seeking it on this app.

Aside from my pictures, I also like to focus on makeup content in my reels! Sometimes, I show the behind the scenes of some of the looks in my posts, which my friends on there tend to enjoy. Because of my serious attention to my content for the past year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to also work with all kinds of brands from contact lenses, to makeup, to skincare, to temporary tattoos, to jewelry!

It’s truly been a privilege to work with so many brands but also meet so many sweet creators who post just as frequently as I do. I like to spend a lot of time scrolling and commenting on my friends’ posts, hyping them up and staying in the loop with their creative processes. It helps me feel a sense of community! I always love to give back the love, especially to those who are frequently in my own comment section!!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being on social media was tough for me for a while, since I am a progress-focused individual. I would use other creators as a benchmark for my success and focused too much on my reach. Now that I have grown up more and have a much better headspace, I tend to completely disregard the progress of others from a comparative standpoint. Everyone grows at their own pace and I’d much rather reach a smaller amount of people with similar interests than reach a huge amount of people who don’t care about the things I so passionately post about.

To me, it’ll never be about the number of likes, comments, or saves (although they are a useful tool to use when analyzing what “look” my followers enjoyed). Now, I just post what I love, and what could be better than that?

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently I am a student so, that in itself brings forth a few obstacles that conflict with my posting. I’ve learned to balance the two, which has helped me develop time management skills as well! I’m studying accountancy, which is probably a little shocking to hear since I’m more on the creative side. I love working with numbers and formulas, though. So far, my favorite thing has been learning Excel! It’s such a powerful tool and calculates huge pieces of data in seconds. It isn’t an easy major, but I know that good things must always take time. I’m so excited to progress towards my degree, no matter how long it may take me!

At uni, I’m known to wear a pretty good outfit everyday (at least I’d hope I’m known for that). I try to look my best so I can feel a little boost of energy on the more difficult days. In the business school at my university, I’ve been able to meet a super cool friend who also loves fashion and is an accounting major! She definitely has made my experience so much more exciting, since we always have so much to chat about. Seeing her in class always lifts my spirits. I’m proud of myself for talking to her on the first day of school last semester. I don’t think I’ll ever meet someone who gets me like she does!

Something that sets me apart from others is my passion. I genuinely cannot leave anything alone until it is fully up to my standards. I often find myself working on papers, assignments, and social media projects in one sitting until they are done! Although this is problematic in some ways, I’ve been slowly trying to learn how to take breaks so that I don’t burn out as hard as I do. I certainly am a perfectionist, but I’ve been developing forgiveness in the tough critic within myself. Again, everything takes time!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Honestly, I’m not the person to work a whole lot with others (I’m stubborn and like to struggle alone). That being said, it is SO freeing to meet someone who just gets you! My best advice for connecting with others in any space you may be in, is to be friendly and confident. Most of the time, the people you are networking with are in the same boat as you or are rooting for you (in need of an intern, employee, mutual, etc.). I’ve been able to meet some great people by just being reliable and demonstrating what I bring to the table in a humble yet impactful way!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneystoutsenberger?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-stoutsenberger-b7b969347?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app