Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Castillo.
Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2014, I quit my full-time job after over a decade with the same company. I suddenly developed a debilitating anxiety disorder and could not leave my house for months. Since I couldn’t go out to work, I decided to take a chance on myself and try self-employment. I started several small businesses before realizing how much I loved photography and social media.
In 2017, after a few years of building a following on Instagram, I launched TheSuperMomLife.com, a family blog where we share recipes, crafts, travel, and family-friendly products. When my husband unexpectantly lost his job in early 2018, The Super Mom Life became a family business, and this has been our full-time job ever since. We love working with brands, creating content, and getting to know our followers, many of which have become like family to us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy. The beginning of the road was stressful. I wasn’t sure we could support our family as content creators. Like many others, I went through many periods of feeling like I wasn’t good enough. I’m not who you would think of when you hear “influencer.” I don’t live in a mansion, and I don’t look like a super model. I’m just a regular Mom who overschedules herself and works too much to ensure her kids have the best life.
The influencer marketing industry has ups and downs. Social media algorithms are constantly changing. So, we always have to be willing to adapt. Even after over five years, we are still growing and learning. Our current struggle is trying to make more video content since that’s what social media companies prioritize.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Content Creator, I am hired by brands who want to bring more exposure to their product or service. Unlike marketing agencies, which have dozens of employees, I am one person doing it all. I start by brainstorming content concepts. Once the brand approves that, I plan for photoshoots/video shoots. I choose props, clothing, location, etc.
Then I shoot photos or video (whichever I am contracted for). That can take hours, especially if it’s a food campaign and I have to develop a recipe and shoot step by step while I cook. The next step is editing the photos or videos, which often require adding voiceover, music, text, etc. Once the photos and/or videos are finished, I start working on the caption. This is all sent as a draft to the brand, who reviews and approves or asks for edits.
When the content is ready to post, we go live on our blog or social media channels. It’s a process that I think most people don’t realize is so time intensive. When people hear the word “influencer,” they assume it’s young people who get free things and take selfies with their phones. Being a content creator is one of the most demanding jobs I’ve ever had, but also the best.
I am most proud of my family’s role in this business. They’ve always believed in me, encouraged me, and put up with me when I’m dealing with deadlines. They are always willing to help me to make the process easier. Because of them, we were finally able to buy our first family home last year.
What sets me apart is that I’m just an average Mom. I hear more and more from our readers and followers that they love our family because we are relatable and share things that make our lives easier (quick and easy recipes, free printables, discounts and reward programs, etc.)
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Honestly, I’m not sure luck comes into play in my life and business, though one day I hope to win the lottery or find a bag of money at my doorstep. Most of what we’ve built as a family has been built because we work really hard. We don’t give up. We are constantly learning and growing and trying to be better people in life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesupermomlife.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesupermomlife
- Facebook: https://fb.com/thesupermomlife
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesupermomlife
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/thesupermomlife
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@thesupermomlife
Image Credits
tinyhousephoto.com for the family photos
