Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Kimura.
Hi Zoe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My content creation journey started as a personal challenge to overcome my social anxiety and to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I have always had a creative side. My background is in graphic design and I spent years managing social media for others, but I realized I wanted to invest that same energy into building my own personal brand.
A little over a year ago, I started intentionally sharing my experiences exploring Austin, from local coffee shops to hidden gems around the city. One of the most rewarding moments so far was seeing a video I created generate so much excitement that a local coffee shop completely sold out. That experience reminded me of the positive impact content can have, especially for small businesses.
What motivates me the most is the community. The support from fellow Austinites and the feedback from local businesses who have been positively impacted by my work inspire me to keep going. I feel grateful to use my creativity in a way that helps others discover the best of Austin.
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?
The road has been relatively smooth, especially because this has always been a passion project for me. I genuinely enjoy creating this type of content, so even when there are challenges, it still feels rewarding. That being said, there have definitely been moments of self-doubt, staying motivated, and learning how to balance content creation with a full-time job. It can be tough to consistently show up, especially on days when creativity feels low or life gets busy. But overall, the support from the community and the joy I get from sharing my experiences have made the journey feel incredibly worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I originally started by filming aesthetic coffee shop videos, my goal has always been to connect more deeply with the community. That inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone by putting myself in front of the camera and incorporating personal voiceovers to share more authentic experiences.
One of the projects I am most proud of is my current series spotlighting Latino-owned businesses in Austin. As a Latina myself, it is important to me to celebrate and support these businesses while sharing their stories with a wider audience. I believe what sets me apart is my focus on building genuine connections with both local businesses and the community, while bringing a creative, approachable style to my content.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building your network is to not be afraid of cold outreach. You don’t get what you don’t ask for, and I truly believe that sometimes all it takes is reaching out to the right person. You never know who will be willing to take a chance on you or offer guidance. Some of the best connections I’ve made have come from simply introducing myself, expressing genuine interest in their work, and being open to learning from them.
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