Today we’d like to introduce you to Millie Adrian.
Millie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s pretty crazy actually, my journey began with me in the hospital and tears running down my face after my doctor told me I might not regain full mobility of my toes. This was crushing to hear as a full-time dance student on a dance scholarship in college. I taught eight dance classes a week while working part-time at a busy cakery – all requiring me to be on my feet basically 24-7. I had already been on crutches for over a month now STILL going to classes and working, but after receiving the results from the MRI everything changed.
I was told to drop out of all my dance classes which consequentially caused me to lose my dance scholarship since in order to keep it, I had to be enrolled in at least four dance classes. The option to pursue my dance career was gone and on top of that, the doctor said I would heal quicker finding a 9-5 “big girl” desk job since my road to recovery was looking at about a year.
During this pivotal season in my life, I found joy in multiple ways of expressing myself without dance; photography, making videos, modeling, writing, baking, any and every way I could be creative, I was doing it. I started an Instagram page @adventureswithbootgirl (which has evolved to @itsmodernmillie since) sharing all the places I’d visit in my temporary boot and crutches. Nothing would stop me!
As I started to grow and evolve on Instagram, I found myself truly loving connecting with other creatives and creating content for brands. The more I grew, the more I would get these questions:
“How are you growing on Instagram?”
“How are you landing brand collaborations?”
“How can I make money following my passion!?”
Teaching others what I’ve learned on my journey has become a true passion of mine. I share everything I know in every way, shape, or form, from Instagram, YouTube, to TikTok…I want others to have access to information I wish I had access to when I was beginning.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
That’s a great question, I feel like it’s never TRULY a smooth road. If it was easy, everyone would be doing this.
There are many internal battles Influencers on social media struggle with; lack of self-love, dealing with body shaming, comparison, battling with Imposter Syndrome, the list is endless. These struggles are not easy to go through. They take a toll on your emotional and mental well being. Without a healthy balance of work-life and self-care, those struggles can easily overcome you as they did me. I had to take a three-month mental health break to learn this the hard way.
In addition to the internal battles, there are external battles; Receiving hateful and just simply disgusting comments, losing friendships because others “don’t understand” your dreams or “don’t support” your future, working a 9-5 only to come home and work on my business till midnight and repeat. Again, the list is endless.
These things aren’t to say “oh, pity me” but to show how strong and powerful EVERY entrepreneur is. Each and every person in this industry goes through this. Entrepreneurs are the only people willing to work 80 hours a week so that they don’t have to work 40.
The one thing that keeps me going was a quote I heard from a mentor of mine, Christina Galbato: “You deserve to live the life of your dreams.”
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
It took me a long time to confidently say this: I am a Full-Time Online Educator and YouTuber.
I have found my passion in helping Influencers create stability, structure & strategy within their business. From brand collaborations to figuring out the ever-evolving Instagram algorithm, I share all the tips, tricks, and secrets to help increase efficiency, simplicity and stand out among the saturation.
My hybrid style of vibrant creativity, spirited storytelling, and organization methods have allowed me to work with brands like Forever21, Neutrogena, Target, Suja Juice, Courtyard Marriott, Diamond Nexus, Eva NYC, Lulus, and even a few local businesses in my area.
I’m beyond proud of my coaching students. It is so rewarding watching them grow and land paid brand collaborations with the methods I’ve taught.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure if I believe in “luck”. I believe if you work hard, you’ll get to where you want to be.
Pricing:
- I do offer coaching and social media management, pricing varies per client so feel free to email me at [email protected]
- FREE Pitch Templates to land your first collaboration: https://modernnmilliee.com/millie-freebies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://modernnmilliee.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmodernmillie/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS4VWcCVVI8Bcn8Dteylxzw
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