Meet Orsela Hakoupian of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orsela Hakoupian.

Hi Orsela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
About ten years ago, I opened an Instagram account simply because I loved fashion and getting dressed up. Like many girls, I enjoyed putting outfits together, going out, and capturing those moments. Back then, social media looked nothing like it does today. It wasn’t a business strategy or a career path. It was just something fun that brought me joy.

At the time, my husband and I had only been married for about a year. I remember asking him what he thought about me starting an Instagram page, and without hesitation, he supported me. He became my biggest supporter from day one. He took countless photos for me, and before long, we invested in a good camera and started creating more content together. I opened an LTK account and casually shared products I loved, but if I am being honest, I wasn’t fully invested. I had a demanding nine to five career and social media was simply a creative outlet on the side.

Professionally, I worked in the aerospace industry after starting as an intern and eventually becoming a full time employee in supply chain and procurement. My role involved negotiating contracts, pricing, terms and conditions, and managing supplier relationships. Although aerospace was never a field I was particularly passionate about, it taught me skills that I still carry with me today. It gave me insight into business operations, communication, negotiation, and the behind the scenes work that helps companies grow and succeed.

Everything shifted when I became pregnant with my first son during the pandemic. I naturally started sharing more products and essentials that I was purchasing as a first time mom. Since many of my followers were also moms or entering that season of life, they became genuinely interested in what I was using and recommending. My LTK community grew, I began earning a small side income, and for the first time, I started seeing the potential of turning creativity into something more.

After leaving my nine to five job following the birth of my son, I finally had more time to invest in building something for myself. I expanded my content, opened an Amazon storefront, and continued sharing products and everyday life in a more intentional way.

Around four years ago, I also launched a picnic styling business during the pandemic, when luxury picnic experiences became incredibly popular. I loved creating beautiful setups and memorable experiences for people. While I eventually had to close the business due to the financial realities of maintaining inventory, I do not regret it for a second. That experience taught me so much about entrepreneurship, pricing, business strategy, and taking risks.

Another passion that found its way into my journey has always been Christmas decorating. Ever since I was little, Christmas felt magical in our home because of my mom. Even when she did not have much, she created the most beautiful and memorable holiday experiences. I truly believe I inherited that love from her. Over the last few years, I started decorating Christmas trees for family and friends, and recently I have had the opportunity to expand to more clients. I also began creating and selling oversized bows as tree toppers, combining creativity with another passion of mine.

If there is one thing I know about myself, it is that I am a creator at heart. Creativity has always been part of who I am. Looking back, what started as casually posting outfit photos evolved into something much bigger. Today, I continue building a community centered around motherhood, lifestyle, creativity, and the things I genuinely love. Every stage of this journey, from corporate life to content creation and entrepreneurship, has shaped where I am today and continues to inspire what I create.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was having to learn almost everything on my own. I did not have friends or family members in the creator space, so there was no roadmap or someone close to guide me through the process. A lot of this journey has been trial and error, late nights researching, and teaching myself as I went.

I have watched countless YouTube videos, tutorials, and reels just trying to understand every aspect of content creation and the business side behind it. From learning how platforms work to figuring out LTK, affiliate marketing, and brand collaborations, I had to seek out resources and educate myself. I also attended many online LTK workshops, which ended up being incredibly helpful not only for learning but also for building community.

One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of this journey has been finding genuine connections online. I have built friendships with creators I have never even met in person, yet we have become a support system for one another. We encourage each other, celebrate wins together, and support one another through likes, comments, shares, and engagement during brand campaigns. It is amazing how social media, which can sometimes feel isolating, has actually introduced me to people who truly understand this journey.

Owning a business during the pandemic also came with its own learning curve. I had to teach myself things I had never done before, from designing a logo and creating marketing materials to learning customer service, promoting a business, negotiating with clients, and finding ways to exceed expectations. Looking back, every challenge pushed me to grow and taught me lessons I still use today.

While it definitely has not been easy, I would not change the journey. I truly believe I am a creator at heart, and social media has given me a creative outlet that has allowed me to express myself, grow, and continue evolving along the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a lifestyle and motherhood content creator, and I specialize in sharing everyday life through a practical and creative lens. My content focuses on motherhood, affordable fashion, home finds, baby essentials, and holiday decor, especially Christmas. I love sharing pieces of my life that feel relatable and attainable because I want people to feel inspired without feeling like they need a huge budget.

I would say one thing that sets me apart is that I genuinely enjoy finding ways to create a beautiful lifestyle while staying budget conscious. Whether it is fashion, home decor, or holiday styling, I love proving that you do not need to spend a fortune to make things feel elevated. I am always looking for affordable alternatives, hidden gems, and simple tips that help people create a luxurious look without the luxury price tag. I think my audience connects with that because it feels real and achievable.

Over the years, I have become especially known for my Christmas decorating content and the decorating tips and tricks I share. Christmas has always been something I deeply love, and I enjoy helping people create magical spaces in their homes while making decorating feel approachable rather than overwhelming.

Ironically, one of my most viral and unexpected moments had nothing to do with decor at all. It was actually a pickle recipe, specifically my aunt’s famous pickle recipe that I grew up making. Every time I made it for friends or family, people would ask me for the recipe. One day I thought, “Why not film it?” I posted it without thinking much of it and to my surprise, it took off. Today the video has reached over 1.8 million views. It reminded me that sometimes the content you least expect ends up resonating with people the most.

What I am most proud of is creating a community that connects with authenticity. I have never tried to portray a perfect lifestyle. I simply share what I genuinely love and what works for my family. Whether it is motherhood, decorating, fashion finds, or even pickle recipes, I love creating content that feels helpful, personal, and inspiring.

And while people may know me today for a variety of things, if you ask me what I would love to become known for one day, I would say Christmas decorating. I want people to think of creativity, warmth, and holiday magic the same way people hear Mariah Carey and immediately think Christmas. That is the kind of feeling I hope my work creates.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice would be: do not be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Sometimes we assume people will not respond or will not want to help, but I have learned that many people genuinely want to support others and share what they know. If there is someone whose work you admire or if you are stuck on something, send the message. The worst that can happen is you do not get a response, but you might also gain valuable advice, support, or even a meaningful connection.

Personally, because I did not have creators in my immediate circle, I had to actively seek out learning opportunities and build community on my own. LTK webinars and workshops were incredibly helpful for me. They provide a lot of free resources, tutorials, and support for creators, and I found those spaces to be valuable not just for learning but also for networking and connecting with others in the industry.

I also think investing in education can be helpful. There are many creator and UGC courses available that people find valuable. I actually purchased one myself and have not had the chance to fully complete it yet, but I have heard positive feedback from others who have taken similar courses. Everyone learns differently, but I think staying curious and being open to learning is one of the most important things you can do.

More than anything, I would say community matters. Some of the strongest creator relationships I have built started with a simple message or conversation online. You never know where one connection can lead.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/style_by_orsela?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@style_by_orsela?_r=1&_t=ZP-96XP7xW0zU7