TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — If you told me three years ago that I’d be traveling on behalf of a brand trip—for any company—I probably would’ve laughed. Especially for a well-known brand like SHEIN, a brand I actually shop with.

I came to FAMU as an ambitious freshman, eager to put myself on the front-line of every opportunity. But as I grew, I noticed a shift. I started working more behind-the-scenes, helping other students step into leadership and build platforms of their own.

For a while, I thought that meant I was outgrowing the spotlight. I went from focusing on myself, to helping my peers and other HBCU students build a network and platform on and off social media to support their goals.

But this year, things were different. I wanted to give myself that opportunity to be on the front-line again. I realized the shift behind-the-scenes was not because I was incapable of withstanding the spotlight—rather I was too afraid to be in it.

So, I stopped waiting to be ready. I started posting the content I loved, sharing my work, and letting it speak for itself. And that’s how brands began to notice—not because I chased them, but because I simply showed up. That’s when I decided to say yes to myself again—and that decision led me to a lot of different partnerships.

POV: Your Brand Trip Included a Private Yacht Party

From just a few posts over the summer, the opportunities began rolling in. From some brands reaching out on their own, to me submitting my content for other ambassador positions, I truly stepped into a field I enjoyed. I was able to work with Procter & Gamble (P&G), Cascade, Gillette, Bounty, Rockstar Energy and more!

These opportunities were not just fun, but they also shifted my overall career goals. Not to become a content creator just for myself, but to work with companies big and small and develop unique marketing strategies, content, and become that bridge between influencers and brands. In order to accomplish such a task, I knew I would have to start with myself.

I had been a SHEIN Campus Ambassador for about two years, making money here and there, but I didn’t think they were paying attention. That changed when I received an unexpected email inviting me to their Campus Ambassador Retreat, honoring the top student ambassadors in the program.

The three-day retreat included a VIP welcome party at their pop-up store in Miami, a day party on a $40 million megayacht, a black-tie gala and award ceremony, and even an alligator airboat tour. A month and a half later, I was boarding a free flight to Miami for an all-expenses-paid experience.

But make no mistake—this was a working trip.

Each ambassador was given a posting guide with specific content requirements, formatting instructions, and tight deadlines. We were responsible for both creating our own posts and helping the brand gather content during each event.

As someone fairly new to content creation, those guidelines challenged me to take my craft seriously. I found myself recording everything, editing in the hotel between events, and leaning into the kind of consistency I used to shy away from.

More than anything, the trip inspired me. I was surrounded by creators who had turned their affiliate links into income—enough to buy cars, pay tuition, and support their families. It reminded me that the triple-digit payouts I’d been earning were just the beginning.

For students looking to pursue similar partnerships, here’s my advice:

1. Post that content. It’s the first step. A funny tip someone gave me on the trip is “20 likes doesn’t seem like a lot, until you think about 20 people jumping you.” You never know who is watching, keep going!
2. Stay consistent. Repetition matters. It’s okay to have posting anxiety, but keep posting! You may even lose followers as you establish your niche, but don’t let that stop you! You may not be for everyone, but you will surely find that someone.
3. Re-evaluate your circle. Surround yourself with people you want to be like, and people in positions you want to be in. Take note of how they got where they are, how they carry themselves, and the things that they do. When your circle is filled with inspiration, it only pushes you to do better.

Ultimately, this opportunity taught me that the biggest obstacle is yourself. With faith, the right circle, and your ability to push out those negative thoughts, anything is possible!

Whether it’s content, a book you’re writing, a career goal or even a job opportunity—don’t give up! Someone is always watching.   

Media Contact:

Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu 

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