Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, I like to say I’ve always been a natural content creator—the person who would make a video of a girls’ trip, vacations, a night out with friends, or a cool hiking spot. I’m the girl who does her own “tricks,” setting up my phone wherever I can to grab some B-roll for a recap, or making the fam or friend group take pics. Nostalgia is both my worst and best enemy. I want to look back, remember, and smile (literally tearing up thinking about it).
I’ve always had some type of side gig on top of a full-time job and being a mom. I was a young mother and moved to KC in 2009. My first side gig was working holiday season at Sephora—and wow, I loved it. That’s where my love for Kat Von D lipstick and taking pictures began. The creative wheels were always turning; they just needed some inspiration.
Eventually, I landed a second job at Orangetheory. I wanted to capture all the special moments and milestones of our members and coaches. I put ridiculous effort into the social media and made fun videos (smh at some of the crazy ones we did!). I worked at two studios and continued to create content and promote the businesses.
Sometime during that season, I started sharing where and what I was doing. Friends would reach out for restaurant and activity recommendations, and for years I thought, I need to be diving into the “influencer” world. But imposter syndrome held me back. Who was I, and why would people want to work with—or even listen to—me?
I met with a good friend, asked her for advice, and she gave me the encouragement and push I needed to just put myself out there and do the work. Kansas City Fashion Week jumpstarted my momentum, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. I’m brand new to it, but at heart, this is where I belong: networking, promoting KC staples and hidden gems, and laughing along the way. I’ve already met so many wonderful people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, there have definitely been struggles (lol). I learn something new every day. KC has so many amazing content creators who have been in the game and doing great work for years (need a list? DM me!). I had no expectations, and I’ve had to hustle.
In this world, numbers matter, and I’m continuously developing relationships and creating quality content. That means going from my 9–5 to an event or business, being “on,” then editing and posting late at night or early in the morning.
I still try to keep up with my fitness, food prep, and nurturing my own relationships—but there are only 24 hours in the day, and at 43, sleep is necessary.
The biggest challenge? FOMO—literally. KC is HAPPENIN’! This weekend alone, there are so many events going on, but I’m just one person.
Ultimately, I’m happy to work with amazing local KC businesses, share them with my people, and sip a few cocktails along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do work a full-time job for a general contractor, but content creation is my passion.
A good friend I met on this journey once called me the “B-roll queen”—and you know what? She’s right! I love capturing the good footage, the candid moments, and having a vision for creative storytelling.
At the core of it all, I just want to help create content and memories people can look back on and enjoy. I do love to edit (as frustrating as it can be), and as a girl who loves music, it’s fun to pick the perfect song.
The opportunity I had with KCFW is what I’m most proud of. It was such an incredible experience, and being around other creatives was energizing and motivating.
I still get excited when a business accepts a collab or when a friend says they visited a place because of my suggestion.
I’d also say I’m known for being “Midwest nice” and dancing it out often. If you pass the dance test—it’s a winner.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I think about that often, and honestly, my advice changes by the day.
Number one: be ready to work. It’s fun, of course—but it’s still work.
Decide what direction or niche you want to focus on.
What you’re capturing content with matters—and a friend recently reminded me: clean your camera lens.
Network, network. Go to events, put yourself in the right rooms. You’ll always meet someone.
Get organized—folders on your phone, calendars, whatever works for you.
You’ll have to learn a lot along the way, but there are so many kind people who’ll offer good advice.
And most importantly—just be you. There’s a lot of good content out there, but no one else has your voice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldandmexikc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details
