Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Marie
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Joanna, a content creator, a publisher and a mom of two. I’m an ambivert—naturally shy but with a love for exploring and sharing my experiences. My ultimate childhood dream was to have a career in media- to be an actress, commercial model or a news anchor. My journey didn’t start in the digital world. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the Philippines, but when I moved to the U.S., I struggled to find opportunities in that field. I ended up in various roles—office admin, accountant, and junior production assistant for a manufacturing company—but none of them felt like the right fit. Then, I had kids and settled down, I thought my career opportunities had come to an end.
In 2020, during the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. Out of boredom and a need to generate extra income, I started fashion blogging on Instagram—posting OOTDs and getting affiliated with the LTK influencer platform (Like to Know It). I earned commissions through affiliate links. As I saw potential for growth, I applied to affiliate programs for Macy’s, Express, Amazon, and a few others, which allowed me to earn small commissions when people made purchases through my links. It wasn’t easy; I had to keep posting regularly to boost visibility and increase my earnings. I also applied at Shein and got denied at first and later on they reached out to me for a collaboration. What pushed me to dive into this side hustle was my life partner’s situation—he’s a leukemia survivor, and during the pandemic, he had to stop working for safety reasons. This made me the sole provider for our family while juggling my full-time job, content creation, and motherhood. My partner supported me by taking great photos and videos, which really helped a lot.
I kept pushing, I post content regularly, grew my following, I joined a community of creators. Gradually, I began receiving invitations to exclusive influencer events and modeled in numerous fashion shows for local businesses. And slowly turned small commissions into paid partnerships.
Soon after, as businesses began to reopen and there were more opportunities for me, I shifted from fashion to lifestyle content. This transition felt more fulfilling and opened doors to new opportunities—and, honestly, better pay! By 2022, my partner earned his RN license and returned to work, we decided one of us needed to step back for our kids. I began to work part time at my regular job and later on I decided to quit and fully commit to content creation.
While I’m a mom, I’ve made the decision not to focus on family-centered content or show my children’s faces on social media. I like to keep some things private and protect their privacy. Occasionally, I’ll share them in my stories or post their backs just to let people know I’m a mom—but my content stays primarily focused on lifestyle and other passions.
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?
Nothing about this journey has been easy or an overnight success. Balancing motherhood, content creation, and time for myself has been one of the greatest challenges. Family is always my priority, and no matter how hectic things get, I ensure they come first.
Another challenge is constantly needing to adapt and stay relevant. I’m always researching new trends, finding unique places, and thinking about what will keep my followers engaged and interested. It’s essential to stay ahead and evolve with the ever-changing landscape of social media. I’ve continuously pushed myself to grow.
When my partner wasn’t available to help with photos and videos, I had to learn to use a tripod, something that once made me self-conscious in public. Over time, I gained confidence in doing things on my own.
Another obstacle has been the lack of support from some people in my inner circle. Some laughed at me, didn’t follow my journey, and even unfollowed me. It hurt, but I stayed focused on the few who believed in me from the start. The support I didn’t get from some close to me, I found elsewhere – in creator communities with the same interest and empowering each other to grow.
Despite the challenges, what kept me going was my passion and determination. I kept learning, networking, and stepping outside my comfort zone.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work on my own terms and have a lot of ventures that allow me to express my creativity in different ways. As a lifestyle content creator, my work is about more than pretty videos or pictures —it’s about sharing stories that resonate. I love showcasing everyday moments, from a unique restaurant to a new outfit or a beautiful destination or staycation. It’s about creating something meaningful that connects with others, not just being in front of the camera and taking selfies. I put passion in what I do.
In addition to lifestyle content, I’ve also branched out into UGC (user-generated content). This means I create product videos for brands that they use in their own advertising, which allows me to focus on the craft of storytelling without always needing to post everything on my own channels. It’s a different way of creating that I enjoy, and it’s rewarding to be paid for my time, creativity, and ideas. I recently created a video ad for a food subscription service and had so much fun doing it. They provided a free service, and I got paid for the videos I made for them!
I also recently became a publisher for Macaroni Kid, where I provide curated, family-friendly event guides for parents in my community. It’s a separate platform that allows me to support families in finding fun, local activities, without it taking the spotlight in my own content. For parents looking for family events, subscribing to Macaroni Kid will keep you up-to-date on my latest recommendations!
Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new challenges, including creating content for events like weddings, birthdays, or anything creative that comes my way.
How do you think about luck?
Many people assume content creation is all about luck, but I believe it’s a combination of hard work, persistence, and timing. Yes, there were moments where opportunities seemed to appear at just the right time, but I had to be ready to seize them. Without the hours of researching, networking, and putting myself out there, those moments wouldn’t have mattered.
Luck may open the door, but it’s your passion, determination, and resilience that keep you moving forward. Despite the doubts from others, I stayed true to my goals. I’ve grown as a creator, found a supportive community, and now I’m doing what I love every day.
To anyone reading this: it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether it’s creating content, modeling, or starting something entirely new, if you go after it with passion and authenticity, you’ll find your way. Keep pushing forward, and the right opportunities will come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/joannamarieblog
- Facebook: facebook.com/jojojoxo
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@joannamarieblog
