I focus on blending trend awareness with authentic storytelling. Before creating, I spend time on the platforms to see what’s trending, not just the sounds, but the feeling of what’s connecting with people that week. Then I think about how to make that trend fit naturally into the brand’s world, so it feels real rather than forced.

While working on the Mobile Food Pantry project at UTEP, I was collecting content for social media when one of the college deans unexpectedly arrived. Our original plan was to capture general footage of students and volunteers, but I immediately shifted gears to focus on filming a short, polished video featuring the dean. I quickly adjusted the shot list, directed a few brief interview clips, and edited the footage on the spot so it could be shared that same day. This experience taught me the importance of staying flexible and creative under pressure. In content creation, unexpected moments often turn into the most valuable storytelling opportunities—it’s all about recognizing them quickly and adapting your plan to make the most impact.

I stay on top of marketing trends by staying immersed in the platforms themselves, especially TikTok and Instagram. I pay close attention to trending sounds, editing styles, and emerging content formats that brands and creators are using to connect authentically with their audiences. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from creators in wellness, food, and cultural storytelling spaces, analyzing what makes their content feel genuine and engaging. I like experimenting with these insights in my own content, whether that’s testing new hooks, transitions, or narrative styles. Staying curious, adapting quickly, and keeping a creative pulse on what’s resonating helps me stay ahead of trends while still creating videos that feel original and on-brand.