Yes, I helped a friend sell henna cones and traditional clothing at local events and small gatherings. It was all in person, so I had to be confident speaking to people, explaining the products, and making them feel excited to buy. I learned how much first impressions matter, from how we set up the display to how we approached people, everything made a difference in getting their attention. What stood out to me most was how important storytelling is when selling, when I explained how the henna was handmade or where the clothing came from, people connected more with it. That experience taught me a lot about reading people’s reactions, building trust face-to-face, and how to present a product in a way that’s both genuine and persuasive.

My process starts with inspiration, I scroll through TikTok, Instagram Reels, and even Pinterest to see what’s trending or what types of videos are performing well. I pay close attention to audio trends, formats, and content styles, then think about how I can put my own spin on it. I also keep an ongoing list of ideas in my notes app, so I never run out of creative directions. Once I have a concept, I plan out the shot list or script in my head (or jot down quick notes), then film using natural light when possible to keep it looking clean and aesthetic. I usually edit on CapCut or Instagram’s built-in editor and I focus on keeping the pacing tight and the first 2–3 seconds super engaging to hold attention. After that, I write a caption with keywords that match what people might search for, and I’m specific with hashtags to help with reach. I try to balance trendiness with authenticity so the content feels natural, not forced.

One of my most engaging videos was an airport-themed reel I created. I noticed it performed significantly better than my usual posts, and I think a few key things made the difference. First, I edited it in a way that immediately caught people’s attention, the pacing was fast, and I made sure the first few seconds were super engaging to hook viewers. I also used a trending audio that fit perfectly with the vibe of the video, which helped boost its visibility. On top of that, I was really intentional with the caption. I used SEO-friendly keywords and very specific hashtags that matched both the content and what people were searching for. That helped it reach a broader but still relevant audience. I’ve learned that when everything like editing, audio, caption, and hashtags works together, it really increases the chances of a video taking off!