Influencer
Little But Mighty: Lylli Stapper’s Inspiring Journey As A Little Person Content Creator
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Lylli, a talented content creator who is defying expectations as a little person in the world of online creativity. Lylli’s story unfolds, revealing her rise from working in retail to an inspiring influencer, sharing relatable challenges, triumphs, and the power of authenticity. Through her content, Lylli showcases that size doesn’t limit impact, proving that anyone can make a difference in the digital age. Join us as we explore Lylli’s unique perspective and her remarkable presence in the dynamic realm of content creation.
About Lylli Stapper
Today, we have an incredible treat as we sit down with Lylli Stapper, a remarkable content creator who is proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to making a big impact.
Lylli Stapper, who happens to be a little person, is here to share her one-of-a-kind journey in the world of content creation. Get ready to be inspired by her experiences, her challenges, and the creative ways she’s making her mark on the online stage.
Let’s jump into Lylli Stapper’s heartwarming story and learn what it’s like to be a content creator with a unique perspective!
How It All Started: Lylli’s Journey As An Influencer
Meet Lylli Stapper, a 23-year-old who loves making cool stuff online. She’s not your typical influencer – she thinks of herself more as a content creator. About two and a half years ago, she started putting out her own stuff on the internet to show off her creativity.
Lylli’s journey has had its ups and downs. However, everything changed when the big pandemic hit. Before that, she used to work in a store to help with her college money. But suddenly, things were different, and she had to move back home with her parents. Online school wasn’t fun like being in a real class, and she missed her friends.
During this time, Lylli’s mom saw she needed something fun to do. TikTok was getting popular, so Lylli secretly began sharing short videos there. It turned out to be a lot of fun and helped her feel better when things were tough.
Lylli Stapper said, “It was my mom who noticed my struggle and encouraged me to find a creative outlet. TikTok had just started gaining popularity, so I decided to secretly post videos there. It became a source of fun and connection, helping me improve my mood. Eventually, one of my mom’s students recognized me on TikTok, and the secret was out. I owe a lot to my mom for pushing me to find something positive during that tough time. TikTok provided the platform I needed to share my content and improve my mindset.”
Being Part of A3 Artists Agency’s Roster
Before becoming a part of A3 Artists Agency, Lylli’s journey was characterized by her independent efforts and collaboration with a close friend to manage her influencer activities. The challenge was her difficulty in composing effective emails, which she found to be a source of stress. Additionally, navigating negotiations with brands became an intimidating task, leading to a noticeable shift in the authenticity and creativity of her content.
This dynamic changed when Lylli Stapper made the decision to join A3 Artist Agency. The agency’s influence brought about a transformative effect on her career. The agency’s talent representative, Stephanie, assumed responsibility for negotiation processes and acted as a guardian of Lylli’s creative freedom. This shift in management not only alleviated the burden of negotiations but also reinstated the genuine creative spark that had been missing from Lylli’s content.
Lylli attests that signing with A3 Artist Agency has been a defining moment in her journey. The agency’s unwavering support and adept handling of negotiations have allowed Lylli to focus on what she does best: creating authentic and engaging content. The collaboration has yielded significant outcomes, with Lylli successfully partnering with prestigious brands such as Sony, thereby elevating her influence and expanding her career horizons.
She shared, “It’s flattering to know I have a supportive team behind me. I’ve worked with notable brands like Sony, elevating my career. Interviews like this feel great, letting me grow creatively while being supported.”
Challenges Balancing Authenticity With The Demands Of The Industry
Striking a harmonious balance between her genuine identity and the expectations of brands and the industry at large has been a delicate endeavor.
Lylli shared, “I think sometimes I’ve loved every brand that I’ve worked with. I am. Very very grateful for every opportunity that I’ve had.”
Lylli’s endeavor to stay true to herself while meeting industry expectations has meant assessing each partnership’s fit with her personal brand. Her approach involves evaluating whether the collaboration resonates with her values, interests, and style of content creation.
Addressing Important Issues
Ensuring resonance with her audience while addressing significant issues is a deliberate approach that Lylli Stapper employs to maintain her connection and impact within her online community.
One particularly memorable instance in Lylli’s journey involved her initial collaboration with the brand Overtone, which coincided with the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Faced with ethical considerations, Lylli grappled with accepting payment during a challenging period for many families.
She opted for a thoughtful strategy, and proposed redirecting the payment towards a charitable cause, specifically United Help Ukraine. This approach not only demonstrated her conscientiousness but also proved to be well-received by Overtone, showcasing the potential for influencer-brand collaborations to be a force for positive change.
Lylli’s content strategy also extends to addressing the vital topic of mental health. While she personally navigates its impact, she admits the sensitivity of openly discussing it online. Instead of solely divulging her feelings, she channels her emotions into humor, using it as a coping mechanism. This creative approach has proven effective in dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering a sense of shared experience among her followers.
She explains, “I’ve found a way to cope by making jokes. I truly believe that we need to break the stigma around mental health and talk about it openly on social media. When I make these jokes, I’ve noticed that my followers connect with them. It’s like we’re sharing a common experience, and they get the message that discussing mental health is so important.”
The bond forged through humor allows Lylli to connect more intimately with her audience. By sharing relatable jokes related to mental health, she creates a space where her followers can engage and feel understood. The dialogue she initiates through humor fosters a communal understanding of the importance of discussing mental health openly and candidly.
Managing Brand’s Expectations
Navigating the dynamics of scripted content within brand collaborations is an aspect of Lylli’s influencer journey that requires careful consideration and balance.
She shares, “I sometimes feel that brands come to me for creator videos with specific timelines and requirements. After the video is done, it can feel scripted and not authentic. Some brands, like Well, have been incredible in letting me create content that’s authentic to myself. Being too demanding and scripted in brand deals can make me feel like I’m not being myself in that space.”
Conversely, situations where brands impose excessive demands and scripted content can lead to a sense of incongruity. Lylli emphasizes the importance of retaining her individuality and authenticity within these partnerships. Striking a balance between adhering to brand requirements and infusing her personal touch is paramount to ensuring that the content remains engaging and relatable.
While scripted content can offer structure, allowing for authenticity to shine through in collaboration is essential to preserving the credibility she has cultivated within her audience.
The Pressure Of Creating Content And Mental Health
While Lylli Stapper recognizes the sensitivity of expressing her emotions online, she has progressively embraced discussing mental health matters in a manner that resonates with her audience. She acknowledges that her online platform may not always be conducive to conveying her feelings openly. As a result, she employs humor as a coping mechanism, leveraging its power to manage and address personal challenges.
Through humor, Lylli channels her experiences into relatable content that allows her audience to connect with her on a more personal level.
She said, “I cope by making jokes about it, as humor is a way for me to deal with personal challenges. I believe that discussing mental health is important and needs to be normalized on social media. It helps my followers connect with me on a more personal level.
Lylli’s approach underscores her belief in the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health in the realm of social media. By integrating humor and selective sharing, she navigates the pressure of content creation while also fostering meaningful connections that extend beyond the digital sphere.
Experience As A Little Person
While acknowledging the importance of discussing her experience as a Little Person in the media, Lylli expresses her desire to go beyond a singular focus on her stature. She recognizes the value of showcasing the multifaceted aspects of her identity and avoiding being pigeonholed as the spokesperson for all individuals with similar experiences.
Lylli’s approach to promoting diversity and inclusion is marked by an intention to avoid overwhelming her audience with a constant barrage of messages on the subject. Instead, she opts for a more organic approach, promoting awareness in a passive yet impactful manner. This approach allows her audience to engage with her content in a way that transcends a sole focus on her physical attributes.
Lylli Stapper shares, “I believe that just being me and going about my business makes a difference. By showing up in videos like “get ready with me” or comedy skits, I’m subtly teaching and promoting the idea that a little person can be part of any space. These videos don’t revolve around my differences, because that’s not my entire identity.”
Social Media Strategies
Instagram was a challenge for Lylli Stapper, and she struggled to fully immerse herself in that space. She found herself repurposing TikTok videos, apprehensive about being seen differently by people she knew personally. Interestingly, her closest friends emerged as strong supporters, consistently interacting with her content. This newfound support eased her concerns and transformed her perception of Instagram.
TikTok, on the other hand, served as a safe haven for Lylli. Its algorithm felt more familiar, and she honed her content to fit its parameters. The platform’s user base embraced her style, and she felt more at home in this space.
YouTube introduced a different facet to Lylli’s journey. Despite her recent entry, it has witnessed tremendous growth As she prepares for her move to New York, Lylli see YouTube as a canvas for more artistic and experimental content. However, transitioning her TikTok-established style on YouTube required time for her audience to adjust.
She said, “YouTube has been an interesting journey. It’s the channel where my growth has been the fastest, even though I started it most recently. As I’m gearing up for a move to New York soon, I have some exciting ideas for YouTube, a place where I can be more artsy and experimental.”
Advice For Aspiring Content Creators
For aspiring influencers seeking to maintain authenticity while collaborating with brands, Lylli offers valuable advice centered around self-advocacy.
Lylli Stapper emphasizes the significance of asserting oneself within brand collaborations.
She said, “Sticking up for yourself is important. You have the ability to say, “Hey, I don’t wanna talk about this” or “I don’t like the way this is planned out.” Even if they’re paying you, you are still valuable, and if they want your work, they should respect your authenticity.”
Her advice serves as a reminder that, even within professional collaborations, preserving authenticity remains crucial. Balancing brand objectives with personal integrity requires open communication and the confidence to uphold one’s values. In doing so, aspiring influencers can cultivate a reputation for genuine engagement and ensure that their partnership with brands aligns harmoniously with their authentic identity.
The Future of Influencer Marketing
Lylli Stapper envisions the influencer marketing landscape evolving towards a realm characterized by satirical and self-aware content generated by brands. This shift toward a more authentic and genuine approach to marketing holds her interest and anticipation.
In her words, “I see influencer marketing expanding in a way that involves brands creating satirical and self-aware content. This shift toward more realness in marketing excites me. I’m eager to adapt and embrace brand partnerships that align with this evolution.”
Lylli plans to adapt and grow within the evolving landscape. She is excited about the prospect of collaborating with brands that are on board with this shift towards more realistic and relatable content. By aligning herself with brand partnerships that embrace authenticity and self-awareness, Lylli aims to remain at the forefront of this evolving influencer marketing landscape.
