Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan-Risa Santos.
Hi Jordan-Risa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began working in social media in 2013 when influencer marketing really took off. My first job out of college was working for an influencer marketing agency and from there, I began working with brands to help them with their social media presence – from content to strategy to influencer gifting. It was really exciting at that time to be thrust into such a new industry, and I really enjoyed the access social media gave so many of us to meet new people and connect with others who we may not have known if it weren’t for social media. Over the past ten years in the industry, I really felt that shift from social media being a tool for connection to becoming a tool for self-promotion, whether it’s for a brand or an individual. At the end of 2021, I decided to really cut back on work – I decided to make less money and take on less projects and clients – so that I could figure out what I really wanted to do. I realized that I wasn’t necessarily sick of social media but that I really missed that feeling of connectivity I enjoyed so much in the early days of social media and wanted to find a way to get that back, which is why I created Seen Library.
Since 2015, I was doing in-person book exchanges with friends, but it wasn’t until 2021 that I decided to do them for frequently as a way to not only get existing friends together but also like-minded people who I may not know as well so that I and those joining in could make new friends. I was just so sick of being on my phone all the time, working in social media, and I really wanted a way to connect with people in person again, especially after finding ourselves so isolated during the lockdowns in 2020.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Because it’s been a passion project that’s bloomed into a larger thing rather than a business with monetary goals I need to hit, I would say for the most part, it’s been smooth. Every project or event I’ve put on has only highlighted the incredible people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and the beautiful conversations had. The overwhelmingly positive response from each always comes as a pleasant surprise.
Just with anything – a project of passion or work – there does come learning lessons. I’ve learned that as much as I’d love to put on as many events as I want, that it’s sometimes better to focus on quantity, not quality so that I can really pour my time and love into fewer activations rather than spreading myself thin with too many. It’s about being more intentional as I continue working on Seen Library.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a social media strategist that has been working in social media for the past ten years – specializing mostly in beauty and fashion, although I’ve also done social media for food and hospitality, celebrity personalities, and more.
I am most known for my social media and creative work with Rose Inc. (before it became a brand), Emi Jay, and other beauty and fashion brands.
Now moreso, and what I am most proud of, is Seen Library. It’s been incredible building something I love out of pure joy and passion, and I see now how my experience in social media, content creation, and community building has helped me create it and share it with others.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Intuition. I think most in my position who work in social media tend to focus on numbers or tangible metrics, which I completely understand. For me, I really believe that leaning into my unique point of view, and that of my clients or Seen Library, is what sets me apart – storytelling in a unique way that is really focused on the brand story, its specific visuals, and personality.
When the focus is on something external like numbers, it is easy to conform to what everyone else is doing, ultimately making what was once unique and special feel more commonplace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seenlibrary.com/
- Instagram: seenlibrary
