Conversations with Kaity Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaity Smith.

Hi Kaity, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
It all started in 2020. I was a senior in high school and was on my way to college to study to become a doctor or dentist. I didn’t know for sure yet. Then COVID-19 hit, of course. And honestly, many people were upset, but I had senioritis so bad I was cool with it. I had never had the opportunity to slow down in the way that COVID-19 allowed me to. Growing up, I was always creative. I took art and music lessons and competed in both. But as many of us do, I got older and started focusing more on being serious and attending college after graduation.

With all this newfound free time, I started a YouTube channel. I’ve always been told that “my life is like a tv show.” Stuff was/is still always happening that seems crazy, but it’s normal. I loved filming my life, so I started posting it. I had great success with YouTube very quickly. I started my channel in April 2020, and by August or September, I had 1,000 subscribers. I blew up conveniently from a “Move into my dorm with me” video at UMKC right before my first semester of college. This was cool because my video was sent in multiple staff group chats at UMKC. You might think that’s intimidating, but all publicity is still publicity.

As the semester went on, I was studying biology entirely online while pursuing my social media career during a pandemic, and it was overwhelming. Creators and influencers need to tell you that it can be tough to separate your private life and what you put on social media. I had to film everything mainly because I was posting vlogs at this point. So I took a few months off from work and social media and focused on myself and school. I started working with some local businesses and doing gifted collaborations, which were very exciting at the time. I continued this Youtube and Instagram throughout the summer and fall semesters of 2021. Spring semester (March) of 2022 is really where it all changed.

I have struggled with acne my entire life. I started breaking out when I was about 11. And like clockwork, almost every 2ish years, my acne comes back worse than the last time. I’ve gone/ still go to dermatologists before anyone asks. At this time, I was about to start Accutane. I started making TikToks. They weren’t related to my skin at first. I was posting trends, and who knows what. But of course, people commented about my skin. I started replying to comments in video form, and the next thing I knew, I was an acne creator. Just like my YouTube, I gained followers quickly. I loved connecting with people who struggled with the same things I did. Most people with acne don’t ever have to experience the level mine was at at the time. It also helped to share the mental health struggles of acne. And because I knew how good it felt to have a support system of people who got it, I started the Acne Girlies Group chat in Geneva. I started it in May 2022, and today it has over 450 people of all ages.

And as time went on, I transitioned from being on Accutane to being taken off of it early and having to find other solutions to the residual acne. I began experimenting with skincare trends, ones I felt comfortable with anyways. Aloe vera was one of them. That changed my skin, and I highly recommend it. When I started experimenting, people trusted me as a skincare influencer because they saw I was just like them. I don’t know what I’m doing, and it is relatable.

And because of my platforms, I have had opportunities I never thought I would. Working with brands, I have used my whole life doing media for Kansas City Fashion Week, being an activist and role model for young people in the same situation, and getting jobs in Marketing even without being a Marketing major (I used to be a bio major, now I am marketing).

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Youtube – I had a hard time deciding what parts of my life should be shared. No one else is/was doing what I was doing, so I was figuring it all out on my own. Time management because I am a full-time student, work multiple part-time jobs, and am the direct contact for my influencer communications People needing help understanding what I do – I know this is common for people who aren’t traditional, but it is hard and frustrating. No one sees how much work you put in; it’s not just about going viral. I am posting up to 15-20 times a day, signing contracts, contacting major brands, and making most of my income from this, and people still say to me, “maybe one day you’ll be a real influencer.” Or tell me this isn’t a real job.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I am known for different things on each platform. On Youtube and sometimes TikTok, I am known for going to UMKC. On TikTok, I am mainly known for acne/skincare. What sets me apart from other creators is that I am 100% transparent about any journey I share.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
If you are trying to be a creator on social media, start posting. Don’t try to be something at first. Post what makes you happy and take note of what works well and do that. I initially did not want to share about my acne and hated skincare and makeup. But once I saw that is what worked for me, I stuck with it, and now a year later, I have worked with huge brands like Neutrogena, Garnier, and Express and have 17.5K on TikTok. Also, be consistent. Social media algorithms love to see that you are on their platform often. I post 3-15 times daily on TikTok and 1-4 times weekly on Instagram. Just ask! All anyone can do is say no, but you’d be surprised.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/thatkaitysmith
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatkaitysmith/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-smith-572095203/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kaitysmith
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatkaitysmith

Image Credits
Photo with red bra top – Adore Me blue and green crocheted top – @crochetedby.cass on Instagram, other photos- PrimeStudent, Garnier, HeroCosmetics (where I’m holding a sticker), selfie with the braid – Peace Out Skincare