Embracing My Creative Journey: A Reminder That It's Never Too Late

Rediscovering My Inner Creator in the Digital Marketing World

As I near the finish line of my digital marketing certificate through UCLA Extension, a journey that has led me through the intricacies of working with influencers and content creators, I find myself reflecting on a thought that often nags at the back of my mind: "Have I missed the boat?" It's a question that, I believe, resonates with many of us millennials as we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital age.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that because many of us didn't dive headfirst into the world of social media or digital marketing at its inception. If we started with dial-up (yes, I vaguely/briefly remember that) we might tell ourselves we've somehow missed our chance. I’ve told myself that false narrative, certainly.

The fear of not being able to catch up to the fast-paced world of online content creation can be paralyzing. But as I’ve been studying, I've come to a profound realization: I've been a content creator all along. I don't need to feel like I'm starting from scratch.

The very essence of what it means to be a content creator is to infuse your unique energy, creativity, and ambition into your work. And guess what? Those are qualities that I, like many of my fellow millennials, have possessed all along.

I'm reminded of a time when I started a "jewelry by mail club" for my grandmothers. I came up with this subscription service and I’d mail them instructions for a necklace in their style, providing them with the beads and tools to make their custom jewelry. Back then, I don’t remember anything quite like it, and I had no idea that subscription services would become a booming industry years later. Even now, I’ve experimented with subscriptions for everything from skincare to clothes picked by a personalized stylist.

Similarly, I launched my business "Stickers and More" during my middle school days, selling stickers to classmates to decorate their binders – as any 90s kid would. I vividly remember the stickers with words like "hot," "flirty," and "spicy" that were a hit among the girls. It was an early taste of entrepreneurship, and I didn't even realize it at the time.

Then there were the greeting cards I designed and sold to family members and even teachers. And in 8th grade, I remember re-designing a teacher’s board game and selling her the PDF I had generated in Print Shop. I wonder if she’s still using it?

Even little entrepreneur Ryan charged family members to see my portrayal of Thomas Edison, which I had done earlier in the day as a class performance. My grandma Mona still paid her dollar ticket fee, even though she had loaned me vintage clothes to look like Thomas Edison!

 So, when did I lose this creativity? When did I stop tapping into that passion? The truth is, I never did. It has always been there, patiently waiting for me to recognize it.

This post is not just a reminder to myself but to anyone who may have doubted their own talents and gifts. As millennials, we have a unique blend of experiences and perspectives that make us well-suited to this ever-evolving digital landscape. My ability to adapt, my innate creativity, and my endless curiosity are invaluable assets.

So, if you, like me, have ever felt a pang of self-doubt, remember this: it's never too late to harness that inner energy that's uniquely you. Embrace the creativity that has been a part of your journey all along. Whether you're diving into digital marketing or any other field, know that your unique perspective is an asset, and your creativity is your superpower. Don't get stuck in overthinking; instead, let your talents shine and watch as you create something beautiful.

As I finish my certificate and step farther into the world of digital marketing with a newfound sense of purpose and self-assuredness, I know that I'm not just keeping up with the times; I'm shaping them, one creative idea at a time.