We’re thrilled to present the latest addition to Afluencer’s content lineup – our podcast series featuring insightful conversations with influential brand owners. In this inaugural article, we have the privilege of introducing Jaclyn Santos, the visionary lifestyle influencer, as our esteemed guest.
Meet Jaclyn Santos: The LifeStyle Influencer
Jaclyn Santos, the innovative lifestyle influencer, takes center stage in the Afluencer podcast series. With a wealth of experience in the world of influencer marketing, Jaclyn shares captivating insights, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her influencer’s journey.
Podcast Premiere: Delving into the Lifestyle Influencer Universe
Join us in exploring the enchanting world of lifestyle influencer space through the eyes of Jaclyn Santos herself. We’ve embedded the riveting YouTube podcast video below, offering an exclusive glimpse into the transformative power of influencer marketing.
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Key Takeaways
02:19 🌟 Jaclyn’s journey into influencer marketing began unexpectedly with Instagram, leading her to explore content creation.
05:44 💡 Focusing on lifestyle content allows Jaclyn to authentically showcase various aspects of her life, from fashion to home decor.
10:48 💰 Jaclyn stresses the importance of authentic brand collaborations, accepting partnerships only with products she believes in.
15:30 🌐 Jaclyn discusses her involvement in Meta’s Del 2 initiative, providing a supportive community for Hispanic and Latin creators to share their experiences.
19:22 🎯 Jaclyn aims to reach 100K followers and be known as a relatable mom, bringing joy and empathy to her audience.
20:05 📱 Find Jaclyn on social media as “modeljacqulynnicole” for collaborations.
Transcription Insight: A Peek into the Conversation
Gain an insider’s perspective as we burrow into the transcription of our engaging conversation with Jaclyn Santos. Discover the strategies, anecdotes, and wisdom that have fueled lifestyle influencer success, all captured in this in-depth transcription.
In Conversation with Jaclyn Santos, The Lifestyle Influencer:
Jaclyn:
I’ve always been on social media, not super, super active. So I get an email from Instagram and they were like, Would you be interested in making reels and getting paid per view? It kind of just happened. It sort of just fell on my lap. I’m not going to call it luck, but it feels that way because it happened really fast.
Why not me? I just want to be known for making people smile, laugh and making people feel hurt when they can’t speak for themselves. I want to be that voice for them, so why not me?
Brett:
Welcome to our influencer podcast, where we talk all things micro-influencers, creators, especially with respect to small business and e-commerce stores. Today we have an influencer that we’re going to feature. We have Jacqueline Santos, a New York City based lifestyle influencer and digital creator. Jacqueline specializes in all things health, food, fashion, décor and beauty. Lots of different interests. And focus is looking forward to the conversation.
Jacqueline, welcome. Thanks for coming on.
Jaclyn:
Thanks for having me. Brett It’s a pleasure.
Brett:
Awesome. Yeah, Great to meet you. Great to chat with you. Let’s start off Jacqueline, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey into becoming a prominent figure in the influencer marketing space?
Jaclyn:
Absolutely. Okay. So I’m Jacqueline. I’m from Brooklyn, New York. Born and raised, I’m a mom, a wife. I work full time at the fire department, but I’m currently on childcare leave with my two year old. So that’s kind of where the content creator journey comes into play. So I’m on leave to 2026 from 2021. So almost five years now.
So the fire department is really good with like giving you time off and stuff. So after about being home for maybe like a year, I started like, okay, getting a little bit bored, what can I do? The baby’s getting bigger so he doesn’t need as much of my attention. Like, what can I do to occupy my time? I’ve always been on social media, not super, super active.
I was maybe like ten years ago because I was doing modeling in New York Fashion Week. So I was posting a lot back then. But, you know, as time went on and I stopped doing that, I wasn’t posting as much. So I get an email one day from Instagram, which I thought was odd because I’d never made a real prior to getting this email, and they were like, Would you be interested in making reels and getting paid per view?
I had never heard of this before, but I was like, Yeah, why not? I’ve never done this before. But first time for everything, right? So at first it was kind of like me videoing, like funny stuff, things to make people laugh or things that the kids do just to make people laugh. And I did that for a few months.
After that, I get an email from a random jewelry company and they’re like, You want to do a collab? And I’m like, What’s a collab? Because I’m still learning about it and you wake.
Brett:
Up.
Jaclyn:
With this, um, what is the collab? And they were like, Well, basically we send you our product, you try it out and then you make a video, you know, of a testimonial like saying whether you liked it, didn’t like it or, you know, whatever, whatever it is. I’m like, Oh, that’s pretty cool, I’ll try that. So I did a couple of those and then I started to get, I want to say a little bit more serious about the way I’m creating the content, because now you’re representing a brand.
So I started to like, you know, look at little YouTube tutorials about like audio and editing and lighting and started to make it a little bit more like almost like a job. And little by little, as I started putting out these videos, other companies started to ask and it just became a whole thing. And then one day somebody said, hey, you know, we’re looking for influencers.
And I was like, I’m an influencer. Like what? And they were like, Yeah, you know, you have a really good vibe and the esthetic of your page is amazing and we really want to work with you. So it was at that point when that person called me an influencer that I realized that this was actually something that could be a job, a thing to make money, you know, extra money.
And I like doing it. So I didn’t really look at it as a job, even though it can be tedious. But I just it kind of took off. Honestly speaking, without me even really putting it out there, that that’s what I wanted. It kind of just happened. It sort of just fell on my lap. I want to call it good luck.
But at the same time I did put in the work as far as creating the videos, so I’m not going to call it luck, but it feels that way because it happened really fast. I just started doing this 18 months ago, so it’s it’s.
Brett:
Actually.
Jaclyn:
Yeah, So within a span of a year and a half, a lot has happened for me, like way more than I could have ever imagined.
Brett:
How do you build such a, I guess, loyal and active following so quickly? Was it did you find that the videos or the reels were that that was the type of content that resonated and then helped you kind of spread the word of Jacquelyn around, if you will, I guess, where you’re able to build your following faster or as fast as you did with this, or what.
What are some of the secrets that you found?
Jaclyn:
Well, I noticed that consistency is key. Like their look, they want to show they want you have to do something that’s going to captivate them. So in other words, like trying to make content that everybody likes, content that people can relate to and be like, Hey, I go through that, or that’s happened to me before. And I think just being genuine and doing things like that is what helped me create a following and just being relatable.
Brett:
Did you what your what you like in terms of inspiration for your content? Obviously, I’m sure initial early on, your baby is always a source of potential subject matter there. Did you go that route or, you know, eventually I noticed you branched off into home before all the different kind of hats that you wear. What was your guiding sort of inspiration in terms of the type of content that you’ve been creating?
Jaclyn:
Okay. So when I first started doing it, it was more for laughs. As I got more serious about it, I’m like, Okay, I got to pick a niche because everyone has one. You got beauty, influencers, fashion, music. So I’m like, Okay, we’ve got to sit here and pick a niche. But at the same time, I wanted to do a little bit of everything because that’s who I am, naturally.
So after doing some research, I figured the best thing for me to do would be lifestyle, because it’s everything that you do in your daily life. Places you go, people you see, things you do. And this aligns with who I am. I’m a very active person. I have a lot of children at home. You know, we do things.
So the best bet for me was to just run with who I actually am, which is, you know, a mom, a wife, You know, I’m a whole I wear a lot of hats. So I just figured lifestyle would be the best way to show all the hats that I wear. And that’s why you can see me one day at a Fashion Week event.
The next day I am cooking, the next day I’m doing beauty because that’s all a part of my life. And I’m not focused on just one thing in particular.
Brett:
Yeah, that’s very cool. And as new as it is, you, Jaclyn, I know it’s for the brands that we deal with. It’s new to them also because they’ll be showing me the type of maybe a home product or something that would look awesome in a Brooklyn apartment, Right? And that’s where it’s a lifestyle, right? That’s where you need to connect with the influencers and creators who are there, people like Jaclyn.
So from your perspective, when I mean, that’s awesome backstory in terms of the jewelry company, I’m sure that was pretty thrilling when they’re contacting you, asking for the collab as I am in the class. Pretty new word anyway, so it’s kind of a new term and all that stuff. What do you look for in terms of collabs and brands that you work with now?
Are you approaching them? Are they approaching you? What’s your approach to these collabs and sponsorships and all that stuff?
Jaclyn:
Okay, so at this moment it’s going both ways. A lot of times they approach me, but sometimes I approach them. If there’s a brand that I really want to work with, then I will DM or email them if I have their PR email. The reason I do that is because right now the social media market is saturated with influencers of all kinds, so it’s kind of hard to always get noticed.
So sometimes you got to kind of make them notice you. So in that aspect, bigger companies, I do jump into their DM because they’re flooded with, you know, I’m sure emails and DMS and all kinds of things. So my job is to present myself in a way that I stand out from the other influencers that are emailing them or asking to collab with them.
What makes me better than the next person? So it’s kind of like me introducing myself, but at the same time letting them know that, you know, you want someone like me to represent your brand. And you know, I stand out because X, Y, Z. Also, I came in to social media at a time where it’s changing, which in my favor, because when I first started doing social media is a lot of like, you know, glitz and glam and money slashing.
And we’re going here. We’re going that it’s not realistic. I came in now at the perfect time where they’re embracing like regular everyday people, which is what I am. And I think that’s why I was able to gain a following like that. And have people continue to watch me because it’s like the stuff that I’m doing you can do too.
It’s very attainable. These are dreams that can actually come true as opposed to when social media first started, where you’re seeing people fly to Dubai and back. I’m like, That’s not going to happen. You know what I mean? Let’s be realistic. And I think that’s also what got me a loyal following and people wanting to watch because I’m just like you, I’m doing this and you can do it too.
And I think that people like that because it’s realistic and it’s something that they can actually attain. So I’d rather watch something where I know I could do that too, than to watch something that I know is never going to happen. And I think that’s what is really like catapulting me a little bit higher at this point in time.
Brett:
Yeah, that’s a great way of putting it. I think brands are starting to realize that as well. I love how you put it every day right there, the realistic types of experiences, because if you’re looking to sell an everyday product that sells, do it with an everyday person, right? And that’s the term we’re kind of they’re starting to become hip to the whole micro influencer term.
It’s quite mainstream yet, I think from the brand standpoint. But we’re starting to see that more where they realize like, Hey, I don’t need a celebrity. That’s not realistic. I need someone who’s reacting because.
Jaclyn:
A celebrity’s not buying the product I am. So you want somebody that the audience can resonate with and be like, Oh, I go through that too. I need to buy this product. It works for her. So as opposed to a celebrity doing it where you’re automatically looking at it like they’re doing it for a paycheck, you know? And to me it’s more like I’m actually using this.
I’m showing you I’m using it, I’m showing you how to use it, how it can work for you. So it’s just more believable and more genuine. And I think that helps a lot. When you’re trying to sell a product. You have to be genuine. You have to like really see like, okay, this really works as far as like selling diet medicine with a person that’s already really skinny.
Like how how do you do that? You have to make me feel like, convinced that this is going to work for me. And the only way to do that is to be genuine.
Brett:
Yeah, that makes sense. I mean, it’s like the All Hair club for many commercials where you had the before and the after. But the I mean, I’m dating myself of the commercial, but it was like, is that a U.S. person?
Jaclyn:
Right, Exactly.
Brett:
Is it People are kind of smart to this, right? And they know, okay, well, this is is this just this is the actor kind of person that I’m viewing here. So would you say that’s the just making the stuff authentic to your followers because you’re producing content, they’re following you. You want to get paid you doing this, obviously.
Right. But you need to make it authentic also. So is that been sort of your secret on that front is just using and believing in the. Well, yeah, because that’s.
Jaclyn:
Another thing I don’t accept all collabs that are given to me. Not every offers a good offer. That being said, I don’t take offers from brands that I know I wouldn’t normally buy on my own already. So if a brand is coming to me and they have a product now that they like you said, we want to make money.
This is a job. It’s not easy. You’re creating content. It’s it’s a tedious job. So yeah, you want to make money off of it, but at the same time it’s quality over quantity. So I’m not going to sit here and put out terrible content or content that I don’t really believe in because it’s going to make me extra few dollars because my credibility is on the line.
At the same time, you have people following you, they’re listening to you, they’re hearing you and they’re taking your advice. So I don’t want to give bad advice. So because of that, I’m a little bit more selective of who I’m working with and what they represent. When I first started, I took whatever was thrown at me, which is a mistake.
Guys, don’t do it. Know your words and state your demands because, well, especially when you’re first starting, I’m really guilty of like, not being confident in who I am and what I’m putting out. So if a company presented me with something, I would accept it right away because it’s like, Oh, they want to work with me when in reality that’s the thing.
They want to work with you. So if they want to work on me, I have the right to be like, Hey, this is my rate, this is what I’m charging. And this is what you’re going to get as opposed to In the beginning I was just like, okay, and whatever they took and then they went and used my content to make money for them.
And I never saw a penny of it. So I’m learning a lot along the way.
Brett:
Yeah. Good lesson and thank you for sharing that. I think earlier when you said the world’s flooded with in freelancers and creators. Right. Likewise. I think we need to also remember the world is also flooded with brands and ecommerce stores that are trying to get their stuff out there. Right. And they’ve got products and I mean, you take a look at Shopify stock price one of these days and it’s it’s these small businesses that have products that they need to get out there and influencers are kind of there a secret.
So there are so many brands that need you out there as well. So that’s just, you know, something a reminder, the new people out there and I appreciate you sharing that because I get really excited. You do it yourself.
Jaclyn:
Exactly. Because regardless, at the end of the day, whether you’re just starting out or you’re really experienced, it’s a it’s still the same job. I’m still creating content. So don’t ever feel like, Oh, since I just started this, I have to accept whatever is thrown at me. You have a talent. Not everybody has it because content creation, although it might look easy, which is videoing something, it’s so much more to it.
And it’s it’s tedious job like it’s more work than my regular full time job. So I’m here to tell all influencers that want to get started are just starting or are thinking about starting, not just for themselves. Sure, because you are a brand yourself. When you’re an influencer, you’re your own brand and you want to be represented just as good as the brands want you to represent them.
That being said, I can only do that if I’m being paid my worth. I’m not going to give you some amazing content and I’m not getting anything out of it that’s hustling backwards, which you don’t want to do, especially if you’re trying to make a name for yourself in this industry, which at this point is very hard, like you said, with it being saturated with so many influencers, it’s like you have to find a way to make yourself stand out and a reason for that company to want to give you what you’re asking for, for your work.
Brett:
So yeah.
Jaclyn:
Yeah, it is exactly. So you got to believe in yourself. Believe in the stuff that you’re doing. If a brand is looking to work with you, obviously they believe in you too, but you have to have the confidence to be like, okay, I know this is a big brand, but they are looking to work with me, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
Brett:
100%, 100%. Jaclyn So educate me about this network that you’re a part of and I’m new to it, so I’m not even sure if I’m pronouncing it the right way. But I think it’s matters that the Delta Initiative. Can you.
Jaclyn:
Get.
Brett:
Me up to speed on this one?
Jaclyn:
Okay. So basically, it’s an initiative that was created by MIRA for Hispanic and Latino creators to have a safe space to showcase their work, how their how their work is affecting the culture and how the culture is adapting to what’s going on. So basically, like a community of Hispanic creators that get together, we all like a family. We have events, we have, you know, little retreats and things that we do.
And basically we just create content about our lives. And we tell a story through video. So basically we’re letting everyone in on our lives. The things that we do, the competitions for making events or attending, it’s just almost like a big family that’s just open about everything. And at the same time we’re learning, we’re doing things, helping the community.
There’s lots of wonderful events that they have created and I’m so happy to be a part of it because it’s something like my kids. I have two seven year old twins and they’re like super proud and always going into school. And my mom is an influencer. My mom goes to media headquarters, my mom does this, and it’s really cute to see.
And I would have never had this opportunity had I not started doing the content creation. And because that’s how they found me through through my real. So it’s like me watching myself from outside, almost like I’m looking down at which I’m like, Wow, I’m really doing this. And it’s amazing. I think it has put me in a place to be seen more, heard more just like and just being associated with media in general is really good for your stock.
When you know, when people hear that, they’re like, Oh, wow, you know, and it just a good feeling to be able to say, Yeah, I’m affiliated with this because this is a wonderful organization and they’re doing this, this and this, and I’m a part of it. And it’s just a good feeling to be a part of something like that.
Brett:
That’s awesome. That’s awesome. Something that’s really cool that you’re like you said, you got to put yourself out there to be kind of handpicked or chosen for her. So that’s the argument for having your own your own brand. Like you were saying, you got your own brand out there and then Metta finds you. I mean, that’s one of those you can knock on our virtually right.
You’ll never get all of them there. But they come five by.
Jaclyn:
Sometimes I look at it as luck, even though I know it’s not, but it’s like, wow, what are the odds? Like, why me? And when I said that, the funny thing is, the last time I was there at headquarters, I was having a conversation with one of the ladies that, you know, is the director of the program. And she asked me, you know, just out of curiosity, how did you feel when they called when they first called you and asked you if you wanted to be a part, did you think it was a scam?
And I said, no, I didn’t think it was a scam because I did my research prior to responding. So I knew it wasn’t a scam. But at the same time I was like, Why me? Why did they pick me? And she said, Why not you? And I thought about it. I was like, She’s right. Why not me? I am, like you said, the everyday person, the relatable person.
People can look at me and be like, Oh, well, I’m just like her, so why not me? It doesn’t always have to be like, you know, Beyonce or somebody really famous or whatever. You can be famous within your own right If you have the proper tools to captivate an audience, That’s all it’s about. Just making people want to watch, which is a job in itself.
But I like it.
Brett:
Yeah, it’s a challenge. You’re up to it. It’s the whole. But from a number standpoint, I see where it feels fortunate to you, but you make your lot right. And in that I because you’ve created the content and built the following and just being the everyday lifestyle influencer, right, that people can relate to. So I’ll get you out of here.
This one, Jacqueline, let’s look ahead. We’ve got the bonding. A couple more years of bonding, leave right till 2026. So what’s, what’s next for you? What are your future goals in terms of your influencer side or content creation? Give us that outlook going forward.
Jaclyn:
Okay. So for the future, my goal is to hit 100 K followers and just kind of be known as that relatable mom. Like when people see me, the Oh, that’s Jacqueline, but I know her from social media. You know, she puts out good stuff. She does this. You should watch it sometime. Like if somebody who doesn’t know me, the next person will be like, Oh, you need to watch her stuff.
She’s awesome and you can totally relate to her and she’s going to entertain you. I just want to be known for making people smile, making people laugh and making people feel heard when they can’t speak for themselves. I want to be that voice for them.
Brett:
That’s excellent. Jacqueline, How can people find you on social media, on an influencer to glam? How can brands get a hold of you? How do people follow you? It is the other key information here.
Jaclyn:
Okay, So on all my handle for Instagram, Tik Tok, all of that is model Jacqueline Nicole. So there’s that. And my Facebook is Jacqueline Santos Just sell and my email address is glove 39 at gmail.com if anybody wants to work.
Brett:
Perfect. Thanks, Jack. I will get all your links underneath the show notes. Appreciate you taking time out of your day to join us here and share your experience of the lifestyle influencer. Growing it as a mom. It’s been very cool experience, so we appreciate you sharing the insight. Very relatable and awesome conversation.
Jaclyn:
Thank you. Nice having. Nice of you to have me. Thank you so much.
Brett:
Yeah, great. Jaclyn, thanks again.
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Reflecting on a Journey of Innovation and Influence
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