Becoming a content creator and partnering with over 500 brands before turning 25 wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was a journey of persistence, rejection, and learning how to turn my passion into a career. From getting my first-ever gifted collaboration to working with government-backed projects, my influencer journey has been about more than just numbers—it’s about impact.
If you’re dreaming of working with brands but don’t know where to start, here’s my story and what I learned along the way.
1. My First Brand Deal & The Feeling of “Making It”
I still remember my first collaboration—it was with a skincare brand that sent me three items for review. It wasn’t paid, but it didn’t matter. After pitching brands for so long and creating content without expecting anything in return, seeing that email made me want to cry. It was the validation I needed that my efforts were finally being recognized.
Lesson: You don’t need a massive following to start. You just need consistency, passion, and the courage to put yourself out there.
2. From Cold Pitches to Big Opportunities
When I was starting out, I sent over 50 pitches and got just one response. Rejection was normal, and honestly, it was discouraging. But I didn’t stop. I kept refining my pitch, improving my content, and showing up every day.
Fast forward a few years, one of my most unforgettable collaborations was with Cavite State University and DOST PCAARRD for Kwentong TechTrans. As an ambassador, I got to travel across Luzon, covering stories from different communities. That moment made me realize that being an influencer is more than just promoting brands—it’s about storytelling and creating meaningful content that goes beyond myself.
Lesson: Rejections are part of the process. Keep improving, keep showing up, and eventually, the right opportunities will come.
3. Building a Brand That Attracts Brands
One thing I’ve learned in the past few years? Set yourself as the standard.
Instead of chasing trends, I built my personal brand around who I truly am. I showed up as myself, whether in coffee content, lifestyle posts, or brand collaborations. That authenticity made brands trust me because they saw me as more than just an influencer—I was a storyteller, a community builder, and someone who genuinely loved what I shared.
Lesson: You don’t have to fit into an industry mold. Being you is your biggest selling point.
4. The Secret to Landing More Brand Deals
So how did I go from one brand deal to 500+?
- Pitching myself. I didn’t wait for brands to come to me—I reached out first. A professional, well-crafted pitch can go a long way.
- Optimizing my content. I created high-quality visuals, engaging captions, and posts that naturally fit into a brand’s aesthetic.
- Overdelivering. I didn’t just meet brand expectations—I exceeded them. This led to repeat collaborations and long-term partnerships.
Lesson: Treat every brand deal like an opportunity to prove yourself. The better your work, the more brands will want to work with you.
5. If You Want to Be an Influencer, Start Today
If I could give one piece of advice to new creators, it’s this: Start today.
You don’t need fancy equipment, a huge following, or a perfect feed. You just need to start. The best influencers aren’t the ones who waited until they were “ready”—they’re the ones who took action despite the uncertainty.
Lesson: Stop overthinking and start creating. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important.
Final Thoughts
My journey to 500+ brand collaborations wasn’t just about free products or paid deals—it was about learning, growing, and proving to myself that I could do this. SO PLS PLS PLS REMEMBER THAT whether you’re just starting or already creating content, remember: opportunities come to those who show up consistently.
Your dream brand collaboration? It’s waiting for you. But first, you have to take that leap. 🚀