In 2007, I was a reluctant social media user. It wasn’t that I didn’t see the value; I just wasn’t convinced I needed Facebook in my life. But when my four friends from Hong Kong suggested we use it to stay in touch after I moved back to New York, that hesitation vanished. The promise of connection won me over, and before I knew it, I was checking in on their lives daily—no longer worlds apart, but linked by this powerful new platform.

At the time, social media was a simple tool for maintaining friendships. It felt casual, fun, and relatively effortless. Fast forward to today, and I’ve made social media my career—a career I never envisioned back in those early days of staying connected. But what has changed is the role social media plays in our lives and how it has transformed from a platform for sharing into a critical tool for businesses to grow, connect, and build influence.

The Turning Point: From Designer to Thought Leader

The first time I saw the power of social media beyond friendships was during my time as a fashion designer. I was working for a corporate fashion company, where part of my job was to present my trend research, design direction, and final product to a boardroom full of merchandisers, buyers, and VPs. These presentations were more than just showing pretty designs—they were strategic narratives. I had to influence decision-makers by explaining not just what I was creating but why it mattered in the broader context of fashion trends, consumer needs, and the market landscape.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that the knowledge I was using to persuade these industry insiders could be shared on a much larger scale. That’s when I began to experiment with blogs and social media, using these channels to shape what we now recognize as a personal brand. I built a community of people who cared about fashion, not just as an industry but as a form of self-expression—people who wanted to understand the thoughtful decisions behind the clothes they wore. The blog became my platform to speak about trends, fashion history, and design construction, and social media amplified that message.

The Power of Social Media: Shaping Strategy Beyond the Boardroom

This was my “aha” moment—the moment I realized that social media wasn’t just a place for personal connection; it was a tool for thought leadership, influence, and building communities around shared values. What started as a way to document trends and explain design decisions became a powerful way to engage with people who cared about fashion on a deeper level. I was no longer just presenting to VPs in a corporate setting—I was speaking directly to consumers who were hungry for insight and connection.

As I saw the potential, I began recommending the use of blogs and social media to the various companies and brands I designed for. I understood that social media wasn’t just an extra marketing channel—it was a way to build a brand identity, to connect with an audience that shared the company’s values, and to foster a sense of community that extended beyond just selling products.

The Evolution of Social Media: Connection and Strategy Combined

Social media has evolved dramatically since those early days of Facebook and blogging. It’s no longer about simply sharing updates or connecting with old friends; it’s a space where brands, thought leaders, and creators can build entire communities, shape narratives, and drive influence on a global scale. But while the platforms and tools have become more complex, the core remains the same: authentic human connection.

My early experience taught me that the key to success on social media is understanding that it’s not just about broadcasting a message—it’s about creating a dialogue, fostering trust, and building relationships. Brands and creators who succeed are the ones who understand this balance between strategic content and genuine engagement.

Social media is a powerful tool, but only when used with intention. Whether you’re a brand looking to build loyalty or a creator seeking influence, the path to success lies in consistency and authenticity - the same way IRL relationships are won.

The story of social media is the story of connection. It began as a way to stay in touch with friends and has grown into a complex, multi-faceted tool for engagement. As social media continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: success comes from building meaningful relationships and fostering communities that go beyond metrics.

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