Isabella Escudero, a young content creator from Florida, is making waves on TikTok with her engaging videos and growing fan base. The 15-year-old Colombian-American, who goes by “Isa Escu” on the platform, says her passion for creating content began with a simple lip-sync video that went viral.

“I used TikTok as an app just to have fun with my friends”, Isa says. “And one time I made a video and it blew up, it got a bunch of likes and comments. I was so shocked that I thought it was the coolest thing ever.” Since that first viral hit, Isa has been dedicated to creating more content and growing her presence on the platform. “I started posting more videos and gaining followers, so I began putting more effort into my content,” she says.

As her popularity grew, Isa’s parents became more involved in her TikTok journey, recognizing the potential dangers of social media for a young creator. Realizing that being an ally would be more beneficial, Isa’s dad Pablo began managing his daughter’s account. With her father’s support, Isa continued to create content, engaging with her audience through Get Ready with Me videos and interacting with fans.

As her following grew, the young creator took the next step in her career by creating a business email for potential collaborations. “We had no idea what we were doing”, Isa says. “We just saw big numbers of views and likes, and we were like, ‘Oh, let’s make a business email’ because we saw that was a common thing with creators, and we started getting companies reaching out.”

Creating Relatable Content

For Isa, creating content on TikTok is all about sharing her life experiences and connecting with her audience. “I’ll just talk about things in my life, stories that I feel people could relate to,” she explains. Her goal is to help people feel less alone in their online experiences. “For me, it’s very helpful seeing people posting things that I feel I can relate and connect to,” she says.

Inspiration for her content often comes from everyday life experiences. Isa shares an example of a recent instance in class where she found a relatable moment: “We were singing Happy Birthday to one of my friends, and we got to the part where we say their name and it got awkward because people call her different things. And I told my friend ‘That always happens’. So I was like, ‘That’s something people might relate to’, so I wrote it down in my notes.”

Isa also emphasizes the importance of introspection and analyzing one’s emotions when creating content. “Sometimes we’re dealing with emotions and we think that something doesn’t bother us, that we don’t care. But when you really look inside, there is maybe some jealousy, anger or envy behind that feeling, and I think it’s very important to analyze those feelings,” she says.

By sharing her experiences with emotions, Isa aims to create an authentic connection with her audience. “I think it gives an authentic feeling to the video that people can feel comforted by and relate to,” she explains. “I’m sensitive, and I think it’s good to be able to connect with people.” 

Finding Inspiration and Balance as a Young Creator. 

Isa also finds inspiration in the work of other influencers, such as Alix Earle, who has been working on a program to help people in need. “I enjoy watching her videos, and I saw she started working with a way to help people and I think is very cool, that’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she says. Inspired by the work of others, Isa has ideas for how she could make a difference in the future. “When I saw that from Alix I was like, ‘Oh, maybe that could be something I do one day,” she says, considering the possibility of opening a homeless shelter that offers employment opportunities to those in need.

Overcoming the challenges of being a young content creator requires not only seeking guidance and support from experienced individuals in the industry but also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By prioritizing her mental health through regular therapy sessions and relying on the unwavering support of her family, friends, and school community, she can tackle the demands of her growing online presence while staying true to herself and her values.

“In my therapy sessions, I talk a lot about my job as an influencer. I work on certain things that bother me about it, I talk about things that I enjoy about it, and I make sure to express my emotions and figure myself out when it comes to that. Therapy’s very helpful,” Isa says.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by isa (@isaescuu)

Isa also relies on the support of her parents, who are always available to listen and offer guidance. “My parents are there for me all the time, I can come to them and they’re very supportive. Even if I mess up, they empathize with me, and it’s very helpful to have them and not feel like I have to deal with it on my own,” she explains.

The support of her friends and school administration is also very important for Isabella, “My friends are super sweet, and at school, they are very supportive. They are always in the loop of what’s going on with my social media, they’ll talk to me, check up on me, and make sure that I’m safe at school”, she says.

Isabella Reflects on Success and Advice for Her Younger Self as a Content Creator

For Isa, success as a content creator in the digital age comes in various forms. One of the most rewarding experiences for her was when a company she has always admired reached out to collaborate. “It was such a proud moment, that feels like I’m being successful,” she says. Another measure of success for Isa is the recognition she receives from her fans in public. “When girls come up to me in public and they’re like, ‘Hey, are you Isa? Can I have a picture with you?’ And I hug them and I take a picture with them…It’s strange that people know me, but it’s cool,” she shares.

These moments of recognition and appreciation from both brands and fans serve as a validation of Isa’s work and dedication to her craft. They remind her that her content is resonating with people, which is ultimately what drives her passion for creating.

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self when she was just starting as a creator, Isa emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. “I think I would tell myself to be careful with who you’re surrounding yourself by, it makes a big difference in your life, and it makes a big difference in your career,” she says. Isa extended this advice to aspiring creators, by being mindful of the people they allow into their lives, she believes aspiring creators can set themselves up for success and avoid potential pitfalls along the way.

Looking Ahead: Long-Term Goals and Aspirations

Isa remains focused on her personal growth and long-term goals. One of her primary aspirations is to work on herself and develop strategies to better handle the negative aspects of social media that come with being an influencer;  “I would love to be able to work on myself and work on handling the negative aspects of social media as I go on with being an influencer, because it does get to me and I do struggle with it,” she shares. 

Despite her growing success, Isa maintains a realistic outlook on the unpredictable nature of social media. “It’s kind of like a one day at a time, we don’t know what’s going to happen on social media, so I’m not planning too far ahead. I’m just seeing where it goes,” she says.

In addition to her work as a content creator, Isabella has always been drawn to the idea of becoming a school teacher, “So that’s something that I would love to do, I’d love to teach elementary school and continue being an influencer and posting about my experience as a teacher. I would love to do that. So that’s a long-term goal.” 

As Isa navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with her growing online presence, she remains committed to staying true to herself and her values. With the support of her family, friends, and community, she is well-equipped to tackle whatever the future may bring, both personally and professionally. Through her authentic content and relatable personality, Isa has captured the hearts of countless fans on TikTok and beyond. As she continues to inspire and connect with her audience, there is no doubt that this rising star will achieve great things in the years to come, whether in front of the camera or the classroom.