Chatworthy Magazine Summer 2025 Issue Ft. Cover Star Autumn Paige
A list of micro mini bags so you can be apart of the trend. Fuck You Bags
Your backstage pass to the hottest brands turning up on your fave influencers and creators.
21 The lippies to help protect your pout from the hard summer UV rays. SPF Lips 36
16 We caught up with the effortlessly iconic founder of TracksuitBae, Greta Matusaite. TrackSuitBae
Jewelry: Cross earrings
22
summer fragrances tend to play it safe. But sometimes you want something a little deeper. Autumn Fragrance In Summer
24
Sizzling & Serving: Trending Summer Beauty Hits-Products Influencers Swear By Trend Test
26
Chatworthy hairstylist Jay Hendo shares his top styling tips. In The Chair With Jay Hendo
28
We caught up with LunaZora founder and self-care sage behind-the-brand, Elizabeth Mburugu . Lunazora
Cover Wardrobe
Brianna Yanga Contact Us hello@chatworthymag.com
32
Her go-to beauty products, new obsessions, and those absolute must-haves Cori Gant
36 Autumn Paige Cover IInterview
42
Here’s what brands look for when choosing influencers. Pretty Content Doesn’t Pay the Bills
WHAT SHE SAID
“ A hot girl summer starts with confidence and a good bronzer”
This Summer Be Cringe
Let’s be real, summer is the one time of year when it’s socially acceptable (and highly encouraged) to show up in nothing but a bikini top, lip gloss, and a delusional amount of confidence. The sun is out, our shoulders are glistening, and the group chat is not ready for the looks we’re about to serve. And this issue? Oh, it’s giving everything you need to achieve that peak summer glow—from the influencers who’ve already perfected it.
At Chatworthy, we don’t just talk trends, we live them. Whether it’s shimmering SPF, airbrushed body oil, or that one dress you
saw on TikTok that makes you feel like a walking filter, our summer issue is your vibe guide. Through the lens of creators who turn poolside content into art and mirror selfies into movements, you’ll find inspo, products, and maybe even a new alter ego. (We’re rooting for Hot Girl Delusion 2.0.)
But here’s the thing I always want you to remember: every issue of Chatworthy is about more than just the glow on the outside. It’s about growth. It’s about learning how to show up as your loudest, proudest self, whether that’s through a bold lip or a business launch. I started this magazine as a badass entrepreneur with nothing but a dream, a Canva account, and a lot of nerve. If I can do it? You can too.
So be cringe. Be bold. Wear the shimmer. Launch the thing. Dance on your Stories. Whatever you do, don’t give up and don’t give in to the lies. Your glow is your power.
Now go out there and be the main character, because this summer? You are.
Xoxo, Nahdya Hodge Editor in Chief, Chatworthy Magazine
STYLE
MIU MIU
Solene Mini Flower Metallic Top-Handle Bag $598; neimanmarcus.com
CULT GAIA
GLAM GIRL
Fashion
Your backstage pass to the hottest brands turning up on your fave influencers and creators. From luxe designer staples to viral must-haves, we’re breaking down the labels that are serving looks and setting trends. Consider this your cheat sheet to dressing like the it-girls of the internet-because fashion inspo is just a scroll away.
Seen on icons like A$AP Rocky, Kylie Jenner, and Ruby Rose, Ksubi has evolved from rebel brand to global fashion powerhouse. Known for its signature distressed denim, raw finishes, and unapologetic style, Ksubi sets the trends instead of following them.
From jeans and cut-off shorts to standout dresses and premium tees, prices range from $90 to $400+. If effortless edge is your vibe, Ksubi’s got your look on lock.
In a sea of overpriced “meh,” BEERSISTER is serving high-quality, high-function fashion without the luxury markup. With bags that range from around $60 to $150, this brand is all about premium design meets everyday practicality-because your bag should look good and carry your life.
More than a fashion brand, BEERSISTER is empowering women to live freely, dress boldly, and support each other along the way.
Founded by BFFs Lucy and Alex over a caffeine-fueled convo, Salty Crush Swim is where fashion, friendship, and female empowerment collide. With prices ranging from $60 to $120, these swimsuits aren’t just made to fit, they’re made to fuel your confidence.
Whether you’re poolside, wave-hopping, or turning heads on the beach, each piece is designed to make you feel powerful, sexy, and so you.
@noordinarynoire
@camilacoelho
@donyetaylor
Fashion Guide
Founded by Valentina Rios in 2022, Mulata Garments is the Colombian brand every fashion girl should have on her radar. Known for its bold silhouettes, innovative construction, and traditional Colombian weaving, each piece is handmade by local women artisans, fusing ancestral technique with runway-worthy design.
Prices range from $100 to $300, reflecting the artistry and sustainable craftsmanship behind every stitch.
Welcome to the world of Likeadrugg, where Hello Kitty collabs meet vintage Sanrio fabrics air-freighted from Japan, then handcrafted into limited-edition bikinis in Seoul. These one-of-a-kind sets mix quirky charm with streetwear energy, and prices run from roughly $130 to $360 depending on the design. Each design is a collectible, limited drops with “once-sold-out, never-restocked” status, making these bikini sets the kind of swimwear collectors dream about.
Melira is a Nigerian fashion label that crafts dresses and sets designed to flatter and empower every body. Founded in Lagos by creative visionary Opemipo, the brand lives and breathes wearable art, cut from intention and confidence. These aren’t just clothes, they’re statements.
Most pieces retail between 70,000 and 85,000 (NGN), roughly $150$180 USD, depending on fabric and detailing.
@sincerelyoghosa
@lucindastrafford
@the.princess.mini
BEHIND THE BRAND
TracksuitBae
We caught up with the effortlessly iconic founder of TracksuitBae, Greta Matusaite. The go-to brand for hot girls who do not have time to overthink an outfit. Known for redefining sporty, sexy, and smart-girl casuals, she’s designing pieces that scream main character energy with minimal effort. From cinched tees that secretly snatch to hooded mini dresses that say “don’t try me,” she’s building a brand for cool girls who care about more than the ‘fit-though let’s be honest, the fits are everything. Welcome to the TracksuitBae era.
What does the “cool girl aesthetic” mean to you-and how does TracksuitBae embody that energy?
To me, the cool girl aesthetic is about looking like you tried... when you actually didn’t. It’s that effortless energy - throwing something on in two minutes and still looking put together, stylish, and intentional. Obviously, nothing is ever truly “effortless” for women, but I do design with that goal in mind.
TracksuitBae pieces are meant to do the heavy lifting for you: the fits, the silhouettes, the small smart details, they’re all designed to give maximum impact with minimal effort. That’s real cool girl energy.
Do you think being “effortlessly stylish” is a myth, or is there a formula to it? Give us the cheat code.
It’s not a myth, but it is a strategy. The girls who nail it are usually just smart. They choose well-made, flattering pieces that work for their actual lifestyle - not just what looks good on Instagram.
The formula is: dress for real life, not the algorithm. Prioritise comfort, quality, and silhouettes that make you feel confident. Then everything else falls into place.
Bike shorts or mini skirt szn? What’s the vibe this summer?
I’m leaning mini skirt szn right now. But really, I see it like a holy trinity: bike shorts, mini skirts, and oversized shorts. As long as you’ve got cute tshirts to go with any of the thre - you’re covered for every summer mood. Quality, and silhouettes that make you feel confident.
Then everything else falls into place.
What’s one TracksuitBae piece every cool girl needs in her summer rotation right now?
If we’re talking just about summer, it’s the Oasis mini knit dress. My personal fave is the blue one, but Matcha Green is a close second. It’s super light, and breathable and perfect for city days or beach nights and the colours are absolutely stunning. But looking beyond summer - the Ultimate Bae Tee is the true essential—it’s the kind of elevated basic that works 365 days a year. It’s not just a basic white T-shirt— it’s literally the TracksuitBae mindset in one piece. It’s oversized but secretly has ties at the back so you can cinch the waist and give it a corset shape. So it works for lounging, for going out, for dressing up or down. It’s sporty, sexy, and comfortable at the same time. It’s what I wear when I want to feel hot with zero energy. (you can probably tell I am super proud of that one haha)
Forecasting. People think designing is just sketching cute ideas, but most of the job is trying to predict what people will want a year from now, while juggling production delays, budget stress, and existential dread. The entire industry is built for brands that can predict and place orders 6–9 months ahead. But small designers don’t have that luxury. Most of us don’t even know if we’ll still exist next year.
We’re constantly trying to guess what people will want, place small orders, and hope for the best. Also, being a brand owner turned out to be like 10% designing and 90%?
“Creativity needs time to breathe and time to develop.”
How do you balance keeping your collections fresh while staying true to your brand identity?
I start with problems, not trends. I listen to what girls are saying online, in real life, in the DMs. Most TracksuitBae pieces come from actual issues I’ve heard or experienced. Why doesn’t this skirt have an adjustable fit? Why does every oversized tee look like a men’s shirt? Why are streetwear brands still ignoring women’s bodies? That’s how each piece starts. I do check trend reports for colours or mood, but the core of the brand has been the same since day one: sporty, feminine, sexy, with low-effort. I’d rather build consistency than chase aesthetics that are gonna die in three months.
Let’s be honest-what’s the most underrated part of being a fashion designer that no one talks about?
Logistics, spreadsheets, filming TikToks, answering emails, packing orders... I would love it for it to be the other way around tho.
TracksuitBae is giving “that girl” energy, but what’s your personal style off-duty? Are you still in a set, or in full goblin mode?
Off-duty? I don’t know her. I would love to dress up, don’t get me wrong. But in real life, I’m too busy (and too tired) to pull a full look every day. Elaborate styling doesn’t come naturally to me, and most days I just want to feel good without putting in the work.
90% of the time I want to be that designer who steps out at the end of a runway in a black hoodie, nods once, and disappears. That’s the dream. And 10% of the time I want to dress up all hot and get all the attention and compliments.
That’s also why I design the pieces I do. I need things that make you feel hot, comfy, and powerful, without needing to think too hard. Most days you’ll find me in a tee and shorts (summer uniform), or one of my BAEsics tracksuits when it’s colder.
So yeah I guess... goblin - but make it cute.
SEASONAL BEAUTY WE LOVE
SPF Lips
Protect Your Pout From Hard UV Rays
Summer’s shouting SPF from every corner - and yes, you better be slathering that face and body with the good stuff. But what about your lips? Don’t forget those thirsty little things! With the lip combo trend skyrocketing thanks to the launch of Love Island Season 7, it’s time to give your lips the attention they deserve. We’re talking about products that not only protect your pout from harsh UV rays but also deliver that irresistible
VACATION
Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30 Deluxe lip oil packed with Chardonnay Grape Seed, and caramel-vanilla vibes to nourish, plump, and shine. $16; vacation.inc
RODAN & FIELDS
gloss glow and vibrant color you need to stand out. Because sunburned, flaky lips?
HARD PASS.
Whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or just living your best summer life, these lip saviors have you covered.
Shine bright, stay protected, and let your lips do the talking all season long.
BRUSH ON BLOCK
SPF 30, moisturizing oil, and tint all in one. Four gorgeous shades to keep your pout protected and poppin’.
$26; brushonblock.com
Not just a gloss-this lip musthave hydrates, protects with SPF, and plumps over time. Available in 4 stunning shades, it’s tint + treat in one swipe. Winning. $36; rodanandfields.com
SUN BUM
SPF 30 lip love with all the coconut vibes. Smooth, rich, buttery-ent that screams summer beach day.; $9.99 sunbum.com
Autumn In Summer
Fragrance
Warm notes, hot days, and a cover star named Autumn Paige. Yes, this is a vibe shift.
When we found out our cover star was none other than musical muse Autumn Paige, we knew we had to play into it— because, let’s be honest, autumn isn’t just a season, it’s a mood. It’s golden hour, it’s soft knit sweaters draped over sundresses, it’s moody playlists and spicy lattes and feeling just a little more you. And while the calendar says “peak summer,” we’re here to make a case for bringing that rich, cozy energy into your warm-weather beauty routine. Specifically? Through scent.
Smells like: citrus spice, clean leather, and grounding woods
Vervazi is the Black woman–founded fragrance brand turning scent into self-care. This genderless blend opens with bold bergamot and cardamom, softens with lavender and leather, then settles into a warm base of cedarwood, patchouli, and sandalwood. It’s confident, clean, and effortlessly grounded.
Paired with a daily affirmation inspired by founder Timi Adeogun’s own journey, this luxury fragrance is more than perfume—it’s a ritual. A scent for anyone who deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and strong.
Here’s the thing: summer fragrances tend to play it safe-fruity, floral, citrusy. Cute. But sometimes you want something a little deeper. Something that lingers. Something that doesn’t just say “I smell good,” but “I am the moment.” That’s where fall-leaning fragrances come in. Our beauty team
went on a sniff spree—yes, it got chaotic—and came back with three perfumes that carry all the comforting richness of autumn but are light enough to wear under the July sun. They’re smoky without being heavy, spicy without being overbearing,
warm without melting you into a puddle. Basically? They’re Autumn Paige in fragrance form: unexpected, effortless, and just a little intoxicating.
So if you’re not quite ready to smell like a watermelon margarita, consider this your invi-
Smells like: chai in linen, butterflies in heat
Leave it to master perfumer Dominique Ropion to bottle the vibe of seasonal confusion—in the best way possible. This one opens with a flirt of orange blossom and Indian jasmine (hello, summer girl softness) before melting into creamy coconut and vanilla that feels like fall snuck into your sunscreen. It’s warm, but never heavy. Sweet, but never basic. Think: sipping an iced chai latte in 90° weather while pretending you’re in a Nancy Meyers movie.
The butterfly bottle isn’t just cute-cute-it’s giving transformation energy, and yes, it’s refillable (eco beauty baddies, rise). The scent itself? It’s the plot twist. Youthful and grown. Whimsical and bold. The kind of fragrance that makes people stop midhug and say, “Wait, what is that?
VERVAZI 1
This scent combines bergamot’s zest and cardamom’s spice for boldness, with lavender and leather at its heart for purity and strength. Cedarwood, patchouli, and sandalwood ground it, symbolizing conviction’s resilience; $120 vervazi.com
Smells like: green apple, vanilla orchid, and a picnic in a wildflower field She’s soft. She’s fresh. She’s giving main character in a sundress. This scent is basically a Corsican daydream-opening with crisp green apple and pink tulips before floating into a heart of vanilla orchid, li- lac, and lily of the valley. The dry down? A cozy swirl of cedarwood, amber, and sandalwood that lingers like a love note.
Clean girl coded and ingredient-conscious, it’s free from phthalates, parabens, and all the usual red flags. Cruelty-free, EU certified, and made in the USA— because smelling pretty shouldn’t come with fine print.
3
Giulietta Eau de Parfum. Pink Tulips. Green Apple. Vanilla Orchid. A youthful muse of endless inspiration; $142 tocca.com TOCCA
CACHAREL ELLA ELLA
Trend Test
Sizzling & Serving: Trending Summer Beauty Hits-Products Influencers Swear By
BY NAHDYA HODGE
Summer’s heating up-and so are the beauty trends that influencers can’t shut up about.
From SPF-packed glow boosters to juicy lip oils and products that practically scream “hot girl summer,” this season’s lineup is all about staying cute and sweat-proof.
We’re diving into the TikTok baddies’ holy grails, influencer staples, and brand-new drops that are shaking up your routine like a poolside margarita.
Consider this your ultimate guide to what’s actually worth the hype.
Blush. A cushiony creamto-powder blush that gives the dreamiest flush of color with a lasting, blurred matte finish; $27 rarebeauty.com
ONE SIZE
Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray.A skin care-infused, hydrating setting spray that seamlessly melts powder layers for a radiant, glass-like finish that lasts all day.;
HUDA BEAUTY
Faux Filler Jelly Oil. Juicy, shiny, and never sticky. This tinted lip oil packs peptides, shea butter, and fruity flavor into one glide-on moment. The oversized doe foot? Iconic. The shine? Unreal; $21 hudabeauty.com
HUDA BEAUTY
Lip Contour Lip Stain For 12Hour Wear. This no-bleed lip stain is highly pigmented and ultra-comfortable for all day wear, revealing a natural matte finish that won’t budge. Their innovative dual-sided felt tip lip liner allows for effortless application to line & define with precision & glides on easily; $25 hudabeauty.com
PATRICK TA BEAUTY
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA
Gloss Bomb Stackz. One swipe. Three layers. Unlimited serve. This limited-edition gloss stacks iridescent periwinkle shimmer for a lip that hits different from every angle. Basically, it’s the main character of your makeup bag; $24
Majoy Glow all-over glow balm. Packed with jojoba oil, shea butter, and micro-fine pearls, Major Glow Balm melts in like butter and leaves you looking like you just stepped out of a golden hour filter. Face, body, collarbones-nothing’s safe from the glow; $50 patrickta.com
IN THE CHAIR
with jay hendo
It’s that time again, when we lean back in the chair and let the Jay Hendo work his magic! As the hairstylist who never gatekeeps, Jay’s got the secrets to hair that has you breaking necks everywhere you go. Whether you’re attempting a new DIY hairstyle or after that It Girl glow-up, he’s got you covered. So, take notes (or just screenshot), because Jay is about to drop the gospel of show-stopping hair!
Chatworthy: As a hairstylist, what’s your advice for getting that just out of the salon sleekness?
Jay Hendo: I always love to tell my clients to keep a hairbrush in your purse, in your glove compartment, keep a brush and spray hand sanitizer! it’s always important to keep the oils away from fresh, clean hair, so we sanitize our hands first then brush! brush! brush! With extensions especially! Stop an extension of your real hair, we should always treat it the same!
Soft rollers, a round brush and a blow dryer on cool will always help keep that fresh look at all times! We shouldn’t be afraid of routines as well when we get extensions or a fresh salon style. you’re working on yourself!
Chatworthy: What are the must haves I should keep in my purse to maintain my hairstyle all day?
Jay Hendo: This also goes hand-in-hand with how to maintain your style! If you have your hair slicked back or your hair is in a ponytail or anything pulled back, keeping an extra hair tie and hairspray is always the best preparation!
I always love to tell my clients to shop in the travel care section for stocking up your purse and car. Always keeping a brush, a comb, and travel size hairspray are the essentials!
“My biggest advice is always
“do it your way” when it comes to trying to achieve a style”
BEHIND THE BRAND
LUNAZORA
We caught up with LunaZora founder and self-care sage behind-the-brand, Elizabeth Mburugu, a wellness line born from burnout and built with intention. What started as a personal pause became a full-on movement and now, she’s helping women trade hustle culture for healing, one joy-sparking ritual at a time.
You built Lunazora out of a need to feel like you again. What was your “this can’t be my life” moment that pushed you to start?
“It was not just one moment, it was a quiet buildup of many. On the outside, I looked successful. On paper, it was the ambition story I had chased. But inside? I was exhausted and unhappy. I was missing my kids’ livestheir school events, their stories, the tiny, everyday moments that matter most. And still, I kept going. I was driven by ambition, by achievement, believing that if I just pushed a little harder, it would all be worth it.
But I didn’t listen to the early signs. So eventually, my body made the decision for me. I got sick. And in that moment, everything slowed down. I had to choose: keep following a well-worn path that no longer felt like mine, or take the scarier route and build something that gave me back my life.
That’s where LunaZora began. It started with the choice to step off the endless treadmill of ambition, the constant push with no finish line, and instead, to live more intentionally, creating moments of real joy for myself and for other women who’ve been carrying far too much for far too long.”
Let’s talk collabs what’s your dream creator or influencer to partner with, and what would you create together?
“Elisha Beach is my dream collabora-
tor. She’s real, hilarious, and deeply rooted in honest self-care, which I absolutely love. Together, we’d create the coziest, most joy-filled spa and home fragrance kit for women juggling all the things. It would be calming, uplifting, and-of coursehave just the right amount of unexpected fun and goofiness to make you laugh at how ridiculous life can be sometimes.
It would be the kind of box that makes you exhale, smile, and feel totally seen.”
What makes a creator LunaZora-coded?
“Being LunaZora-coded means showing up as your real, imperfect self, holding space for the messy parts and the beautiful ones. It’s about caring deeply, slowing down, and creating moments that bring a little calm and joy. If you believe in keeping it real and spreading kindness, you’re LunaZora-coded.”
What’s your take on creators turning their routines into rituals on camera, does it help shift how people see self-care?
“I think it can be really powerful, especially when it is honest. When creators show self-care as something messy, real, and doable, it gives other women permission to show up for themselves, too. So many are comparing their chaotic, beautiful lives to perfectly curated moments online
and it leaves them feeling like they are falling short.
But when someone shares a ritual that feels relatable-something that looks like real life, not a photoshoot-it creates connection. It reminds women they’re not alone in the mess, and that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to look a certain way to matter.”
From corporate meetings to calming rituals-what was the most unexpected culture shock when you became your own boss?
“When I worked in the corporate world, I led a large team as an executive. If we had a goal, there were systems, departments, and people to help bring it to life. There was structure—and support. But when you start your own business, especially when you’re bootstrapping it, you quickly realize “you are the structure”. Every task has your name on it. From strategy to shipping labels, it’s all you.
The biggest culture shock wasn’t just the overwhelming workload-it was the solitude. You go from the humdrum chaos of corporate life-endless meetings, constant decision-making, managing crises to lying in bed at night, mentally running through tomorrow’s to-do list, wondering if you remembered to reorder packing tape. It’s humbling. Over time, I learned to distinguish between what
truly needed “me” and what I could let go of. I built systems. I asked for help. And I created small rituals to ground myself in the chaos, because when you’re your own boss, no one gives you a break unless you decide you’re worth one.”
Creating a product-based brand is not for the faint of heart. What part of the process had you questioning your sanity?
“Becoming an entrepreneur is stressful by nature, but yes, a product-based business adds a whole other layer. Product development, especially under tight deadlines, can be downright brutal.
For example, I once ordered molds that had to fit perfectly with my packaging. They arrived just before launch and the sizing was completely off, the quality was poor, the tape didn’t stick, and the packaging was misaligned. The fixes didn’t take a day, they took weeks to resolve. And when you factor in tight deadlines, it becomes a true test of personal perseverance. So many challenges happening all at once, within such a short time, felt like the universe was personally testing me. Those moments pushed me dangerously close to a mental breakdown.
Looking back, I actually laugh now, because my perfectionism back then was both my biggest challenge and my toughest teacher. These days, I know things will go wrong. The
trick is to step back, breathe, and flow with the chaos instead of fighting it. It’s not about perfection anymore; it’s about finding solutions and sometimes, letting go is the smartest move of all.”
You’ve said LunaZora is personal. How much of you is infused in every balm, oil, and ritual guide?
“Every single detail is personal. From the bright colors I chose to spark joy, or even just bring a smile, to the scents, which took time and patience to get just right. Each element is a love letter to everyone who experiences LunaZora.
My inspiration came from the Sunday rituals I created for myself when I was climbing out of the stressful chapter in my life. Those moments of slowing down, of caring for myself, became the heart of everything I make. So yes, LunaZora isn’t just a brand; it is a piece of me, crafted with intention and care for every woman who needs a little pause and a little joy in her day.”
You’ve said LunaZora is personal. How much of you is infused in every balm, oil, and ritual guide?
“Truly, If there’s one feeling I hope LunaZora brings to every person who uses it, it is JOY the kind of joy that comforts, uplifts, and reminds you that you are deeply seen and loved.”
Cori Gant’s
OG Faves, New Obsessions, AND Cart-Worthy Picks
Her go-to beauty products, new obsessions, and those absolute must-haves that everyone should add to their cart this summer
DANESSA MYRICKS
Danessa Myricks
A summer beauty mistake I’ll never make again is: skipping sunscreen
This summer, I’m reaching for:
“Continue to Be You and Don’t Let ANY Outside Voices Change Who You Are”
- AUTUMN PAIGE
Down the Rabbit Hole, feels like a journey, sonically and emotionally. What was the first lyric or sound that pulled you into this world you created?
“That would be Baggage. That’s the first song that I actually ever did with my producer, Emile, and it just kind of came up in the studio, just talking and talking about life and what we had going on. We both had baggage that we kind of needed to get rid of, and yeah, that’s kind of where it all started. I love that. What is a lyric from the EP that came from a real-life moment?
All of them. Um, I guess... I got trust issues that I can’t explain. I’m assuming that was a relationship? Yeah, you know, sometimes, like, especially with dating in LA, you just kind of have this guard up from just experiences that you go through, you know? And not everybody’s like that, so sometimes you go into things and it’s like, you kind of don’t have a reason to have trust issues with this person, but because of past experiences, you know, they kind of seep in there.”
What was something you experimented with musically or creatively on this project that scared you in a good way?”
What was something you ex-
perimented with musically or creatively on this project that scared you in a good way?
My last song, Within Me, is a little country. Just a little, little country, and I was, you know, a little scared to do it because I’m not a country artist, but it was really fun and we had such a good time. I love playing with different genres”
Your summer looks are always on point, so what’s your go-to main character energy outfit for summer?
“Being half-naked.”
Are we talking, like, bikini top?
“Anything from bikini top to literally, like, short, tiny shorts that barely cover my booty. Mini skirt, pump, you know, with a little pointy toe. Can never go wrong.”
Yes. What is in your on-stage survival beauty bag right now?
“I use the one-size setting spray. That one right there, it stays on all day.”
If you could design your dream stage as a Wonderland inspired set for the EP, what would it look like?
I would love for the floor to be, like, that swirly, like, black and white pattern that’s kind of, like, mesmerizing. I would love, to have screens surrounding me, just, like, flashing my name. And, a bunch of rabbits. Just random places.”
Love it. Very whimsical.
Finish this sentence. This summer, I’m saying yes to and no to.
“Yes to more performances and no to fast food.”
No to what?
“Fast food. Fast food. I got a problem. I’m trying to cut it out. Trying to cook at home more.”
What do you hope someone going through their own rabbit hole moment takes away from your music?
“That they’re not alone. That they’re not alone.”
What’s something about your creative process that would surprise people?
“I’ve never been asked this before. I don’t listen to any outside music when I’m creating like any radio, or anything like that. I don’t look for like inspiration.
I try to go in with an open mind to my sound because a lot of times when you have other songs that you’re listening to on the radio it can kind of cloud like ideas so I try not to listen to other people’s music.”
What’s a message to your younger self who maybe didn’t know she’d end up where you are now and how far you’ve come with your music?
“I would say continue to be you and don’t let any outside voices change who you are.”
Let’s talk about what you have coming up,
what types of projects that you want to do or what you have coming up with your current EP? Do you plan on like doing any music videos, any features?
Yes, I am actually doing acoustic versions of some of the songs on the EP. So those will be coming out soon. And I’m doing some content videos for that and stuff as well.
And then I’m also working on a single that will be coming out in a few months as well. I can’t say too much about it, but there will be a feature on it soon.”
Can you tell us a little tea? Is it the genre? The genre of the artist?
“It’s definitely like R&B pop for sure. But yeah, it’s going to be really fun. It’s going to be really good for the summer. And I’m really excited about it. I’m excited to work with this new content person.
They’re very, very good, very, very known. I’ve been working with a lot of people, so I’m just really, really excited for it. And yeah, it’s been working a lot.
And there’s an EP coming too that I’ve been working on as well. So lots more music and lots more fun visuals. And yeah.”
If you could choose one song on the EP “Down The Rabbit Hole” that’s meant for summer vibes, which song would it be?
“It would be probably ‘Room In Vegas’ because who doesn’t want to go to vegas in the summer and have a good time and you know i’ll be with their boo?”
Influencer Zone is your VIP pass to thriving in the creator economy. Whether you’re finessing your content strategy, securing the bag, or hunting down the latest must-have gadgets, we’ve got you covered. Think of this as your go-to resource hub packed with insider tips, trend forecasts, and game-changing advice to help you turn clicks into cash. From viral-worthy content hacks to money moves that actually pay off, welcome to the space where influencers level up.
Pretty Content Doesn’t Pay the Bills Strategy Does
Here’s How Brands Actually Choose Influencers
BY NAHDYA HODGE
It starts the same way every time. You see a creator post about their “dream brand collab,” and suddenly they’re tagging #ad, unboxing PR, and linking discount codes like it’s their 9-to-5. Meanwhile, you’re sitting there wondering why your pitch emails are going unanswered—and why you, with your consistent content and loyal followers, are getting zero bites.
We’ve all been there. But the truth is, landing a brand deal isn’t just about being cute on camera or getting likes on your GRWMs. It’s about aligning with what brands actually want—and knowing how to show them you’re worth the investment.
To figure out what really goes on
behind those brand decks and campaign briefs, we turned to Noelle Mancivalano, founder of The Giddy Group, a social agency that works with sustainability-driven businesses and outdoor lifestyle brands.
She’s one of the people making the calls on who gets the deal and she had thoughts.
So... how do brands even find
you?
If you think they’re just scrolling TikTok at random, you’re not entirely wrong—but there’s a little more strategy involved. According to Mancivalano, most influencer marketing managers discover talent in one of two ways: through platforms or by old-fashioned social media sleuthing.
On the tech side, tools like Aspire and GRIN help brands filter for creators by category,
performance metrics, and location. But just being on those platforms isn’t enough.
“If your profile’s not updated with keywords, a working link-in-bio, and your location, we might not even find you,” she says.
For brands not using tech, they’re scrolling like the rest of us. “Manual sourcing” means marketers are diving into TikTok, Instagram, and even Lemon8, using hashtags and keyword searches to discover creators who match a campaign’s aesthetic or message.
Which means: your profile needs to do the talking. If your bio doesn’t say who you are, what you do, and where you’re located, you might be invisible to someone who’s actively looking for you.
Okay, so how do you stand out?
Spoiler: It’s not about being perfect it’s about being professional. Mancivalano says the biggest green flag is a creator who’s organized and intentional about their brand.
That starts with a portfolio. “We recommend even brand-new influencers make a free portfolio site using Canva,” she says. “Show us the kind of content you’d make for a dream brand, how you think creatively, and what your audience cares about.”
You also need a clear personal brand. If you’re switching niches every week or posting inconsis-
tently, it’s hard for a brand to see how you’d fit into their marketing goals. The most in-demand creators have a clear tone, aesthetic, and community vibe, plus they engage back.
And yes, they check your comment section. “Are your followers asking questions? Are you replying in a way that feels human? We’re looking for creators who build community, not just broadcast content.”
The “are you a fit” checklist Before a brand reaches out to anyone, they ask: What’s the goal here? According to Mancivalano, that determines everything.
If it’s awareness, they’re looking at reach, views, and vibe. If it’s consideration or conversion, they’re looking for people who can drive clicks, downloads, or sales.
This is where things like your bio keywords, content categories, and audience analytics can seriously boost your chances. If you’re not tracking your performance, start now. “Creators who bring receipts are the ones we trust,” Mancivalano adds.
Creators who get it vs. creators who don’t. Let’s make one thing clear: brands are not looking for chaos. If
you’re disorganized, don’t follow a brief, or ghost on deadlines, you’re probably not getting a callback. The creators who stand out long-term are the ones who treat this like the job it is.
“You can tell immediately when a creator takes this seriously,” Mancivalano says. “They ask questions, they storyboard, they deliver content that follows the brief and brings their own voice. That’s gold.”
They’re also data-aware. These creators know what boosting is. They know their engagement rate. They can talk usage rights and licensing without flinching. They understand that one viral video is great but a long-term partnership is better.
Oh, and one last thing: put your location in your bio. We know we keep saying it, but yes, it really matters.
Bottom line: Influence is a skill. And you can learn it. If you’re out here posting consistently, building a community, and trying to turn your content into a career—you’re already doing the hard part. But if you want to land more collabs (and cash those partnership checks), you need to package your platform like a business.
Create a portfolio. Clarify your niche. Track your performance. Make yourself findable.
Because the next time a brand is scrolling through potential creators, they should find you and know exactly why you’re worth it.
