Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Cornejo.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a first-gen college grad who started out studying history, but midway I felt that creative spark pulling me elsewhere. I shifted into Digital Media Innovation, where I focused on social media, AI promoting, and UX/UI design. During college, I freelanced for small businesses in my area, learning the ropes through internships and short-form content. Since graduating, I’ve gone all-in on freelancing, juggling social media management, content creation, AI coding, photography, and even building my personal brand as a micro-influencer. Each step, switching paths, freelancing early, and now thriving across roles, shaped where I am today. Even now I’ve realized that I wasn’t built for the traditional 9-5 Corporate America we all grew up to know, I’m made for the creative ongoing chaos of being a freelance entrepreneur!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what’s made me who I am today. Being a first-generation college student, oldest of 5, first born daughter, meant I had to figure out almost everything on my own, from navigating college to building a career after graduation. I worked multiple jobs while in school to support myself, all while trying to build a freelance portfolio from scratch. One of my biggest challenges was taking the risk to completely change my major. I went from studying history to pursuing Digital Media Innovation because I realized I wanted a career where I could be creative every day. Starting freelancing was another challenge because you’re constantly proving yourself, finding clients, and learning skills that no classroom can really teach you, like communicating with clients, managing projects, and running a business. Even now, only a few months after graduating, I’m balancing multiple freelance roles while continuing to grow my personal brand. It’s not always easy, and there’s a lot of uncertainty, but every challenge has pushed me to become more adaptable, resourceful, and confident in what I bring to the table. I always tell people I’m kind of building the plane while I’m flying it and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I always joke that I’m a “jack of all trades,” but I genuinely love that about my career. While most people know me for social media management and content creation, my background goes much deeper than that. I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Digital Media Innovation, where I studied everything from social media strategy and branding to AI, coding, UX/UI design, website development, and emerging technology. That foundation allows me to think beyond creating content, I understand the strategy, analytics, user experience, and technology that make great marketing work.
I currently freelance across multiple roles, including social media management, account management, AI, photography, copywriting, and content creation. I also create content for my own personal brand, where I share my life as a Gen Z freelancer while collaborating with brands and local businesses. I love being able to wear so many hats because every project teaches me something new and allows me to blend creativity with strategy. While also showcasing my personality as well!
What I’m most proud of isn’t one specific project, it’s the fact that I built this career from the ground up while I was still in college. I took internships, worked with local businesses, created my own opportunities, and slowly built a portfolio that turned into a full-time freelance career just months after graduating. I think what sets me apart is that I’m always willing to learn, adapt, and evolve. Social media changes every day, AI changes every day, technology changes every day, and I love being someone who’s constantly curious and excited to grow alongside the industry.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always open to collaborating with brands, businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about what they do. Whether it’s social media strategy, content creation, photography, UGC, or creative campaigns, I love bringing ideas to life and helping people tell their stories online. I also love connecting with other freelancers and creatives because I truly believe there’s room for all of us to grow together. If you want to support me, the best way is honestly just by following along with my journey, engaging with my content, or sharing my work with someone who could benefit from it. I’m still at the beginning of my career, so every connection, opportunity, and conversation means so much. My goal is to keep creating, keep learning, continue collaborating, and hopefully inspire other first-generation students and young creatives to take the leap and build something they’re proud of.
I’d love to connect!
Email: socialsbylyssa@gmail.com
Instagram: @alyssacornejoo | @socialsbylyssa | @lookingforlyssphotos
TikTok: @lookingforlyss
LinkedIn: Alyssa Cornejo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/socialsbylyssa
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssacornejoo and https://www.instagram.com/lookingforlyssphotos
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-cornejo-46a866325
