We had the good fortune of connecting with Sommer Leigh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sommer, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
This is an interesting question, and a bit tricky to answer. Originally, I thought I wanted to be a nurse, so I went to school for nursing with a minor in marketing, Two very unrelated topics. I had started doing marketing with Hollister in a model position, and then move into being a Student Lifestyle Consultant that would provide them with fresh ideas for new clothing that’s trending. I realized very early on my freshman year of college that I had more of a passion for social media and marketing than I did for learning about cells and the human body. From there, I fully switched my focus to growing companies social media, when many companies lacked the attention to it and didn’t value it as much as they do now. Now, I create content for myself, am a social media manager for a great company, and freelance my expertise and experience for those who need a bit of guidance. I have a passion for social media and all the creative freedom that comes with it because I have an interest in psychology, and to me, marketing yourself or a business, means you need to understand your audience and why you market a certain way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to think that my marketing experience really started when I began competing in beauty pageants. While you have to market yourself as the perfect person to achieve the crown, you’re also promoting a platform of your choice. Moving into my professional career of marketing while I was still in college, navigating the tough schedules and late nights, there’s a lot that can be said about the information taught in school versus what you’ll use in the real world within marketing and social media. A lot of my experience was learn as you go or doing hours of research to fully understand a topic to implement. Nothing worth having is ever easy, so I don’t want to say that my path has been easy by any means. While in college, I wanted to progress within my career but was consistently hitting a block due to companies requiring a bachelors degree that I was, at the time, in progress of obtaining. So, between job opportunities, I bartended and provided my services freelance to build up a portfolio and gain experience. As a young, female, social media marketer, sometimes we aren’t taken seriously and many times companies doubt our skill level because of our age. I’ve had to prove myself and my skillset time and time again to prove that I am the right candidate for the position. From the whole journey so far, I have learned to not doubt my self worth, whether it be salary or position. Some companies don’t know the true value of social media presence, but you’ll find the right opportunity for you, keep searching.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a huge foodie, so I’d have to hop around and get some great food and drinks! Maple and Ash are a staple for their prickly pear martini, seafood tower and pillows of love. But of course if you’re in Scottsdale, we’d have to stop by Toca Madera for a Ghostwriter margarita that has a fire presentation. (for story purposes) Activity wise, I’m a retail therapy girl, so we have to go shopping! Norde, Jaunty and Alexandra Blue are some of my favorite shops outside of the mall and they’re local brands with great staff. And for the fun memories, let’s stop at Truly Blessed Jewel and get permanent jewelry!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
While my family might not understand anything about social media or marketing as a whole, they have been incredibly supportive of everything I’ve put my mind to. My mother, Tess, is my rock and has encouraged me through the rough patches in life and has always been and will be my number one supporter. She has carved out opportunities for me that I never dreamed possible and taught me to shoot for the stars, because anything is possible. All of the companies that took a chance me when I knew I had what it took to get them to reach their goals, with no experience, thank you for giving me those opportunities and opening your mind to my sometimes sane, sometimes crazy ideas.

Instagram: instagram.com/sommerxleigh

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sommerleigh

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