Meet Jacqueline Peraza | Fashion/Lifestyle Influencer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Peraza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
A very wise woman coincidentally gifted me “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle to read when I was in the middle of a slump. I was burnt out creatively, I didn’t know what the next step in my life was, and I was trying not to let anyone down in the process of getting out of it.

As I was reading, I came across a part of the book where she said, “Every time, you’re given a choice between disappointing someone else and disappointing yourself, your duty is to disappoint that someone else. Your job throughout your entire life, is to disappoint as many people as it takes to avoid disappointing yourself.”

After fully taking in the depth of these words I realized the only reason why I had “hit rock bottom” was because I wasn’t disappointing anyone. I was doing, becoming and living for others instead of indulging in practices, habits and a lifestyle that I wanted.

Everyday, I wake up and I choose to not disappoint myself. I learned that you’re not ever going to disappoint the people who will always be in your life and because of those people you are encouraged to, also, never disappoint yourself again by doing what you want, when you want it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Pursuing a career in social media is hard. What soooo many people think they know about the industry is probably not true. Becoming an “influencer” (I know that word has so many negative connotations attached to it, but let’s do better, and flip the narrative) isn’t just getting sent clothing, posing for an Instagram photo or filming a TikTok dance.

Being a successful influencer with a recognizable brand is all about strategy. What makes you different? What do you love so much that you wouldn’t mind sharing that passion with thousands of followers? Are you good at editing videos? Taking photos? How will you negotiate brand deals so that company knows your worth? If you’re currently working a traditional 9-5, how will you complete your duties as a content creator? Are you up with all the current trends? Are you showing your most authentic self online?

I know, that was a lot to take in. But it’s the truth and they’re all questions I’ve had to ask myself many times during this journey.

What makes you different? I’m a 22-year-old college graduate who comes from a Mexican household, living in a predominantly Hispanic area in South Texas where social media as a profession is still very, very confusing. I’ve slowly recognized that there isn’t many Latina representation in the influencer space. I watched so many influencers over the years who have entertained me but never really connected with me. I realized it was because we came from such different backgrounds. Their situations always felt out of reach because I didn’t look like them, I didn’t drive the cars they did, I didn’t live where they lived, etc. Which led me to think about all the young girls in the Latin community. Who did they look up to if now, more than ever, the industry was lacking Hispanic representation. I want to be that somebody. I want to show that our heritage isn’t a disadvantage, our heritage is powerful. Our heritage keeps us true to who we are as people, our morals, our beliefs, our goals. Showing up on social media to be these little girls’ role model is what keeps me inspired to constantly be pushing myself out of my own comfort zone.

The reason why I am where I am today, and why I truly believe it is just the beginning, is because I’ve let go of the hold that other people’s opinion have over me. I understand that what I’m doing is not commonly done but that doesn’t mean I am not a hard working woman with goals and ambitions. Some days, I do feel the voices of those who may doubt me creep into my mind but I immediately shut them out when I think about all that I have yet to achieve. I refuse to let those who know nothing about my goals, my drive and my passion tell me how I should live my life. At the end of the day, I think about that quote from Untamed, I’ll be damned if I ever let disappointing someone stop me from living my life the way I know it was meant to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We better be prepared to drive!

Morning:
-Hot girl walks at Buffalo Bayou Park because I absolutely love the greenery mixed in with the beautiful view of the skyline.
-Brunch at Sweet Paris for some delicious crepes and waffles!

Daytime:
-If we’re feeling a bit artsy, stop by Smashed Clay at City Centre and create our very own pieces of pottery
-Hit up the mall for some retail therapy at The Galleria, potentially try ice skating, grab some Auntie Anne’s to keep our energy up for our next stop:
-The Museum of Fine Arts for the coolest exhibitions (and Instagram pics, let’s be real)

Night time:
-Drink some amazing wine and have a wonderful Italian dinner Fiori located in Montrose
-Cross the bridge and hit up some local dive bars (Bonus points if you find the one that plays the YMCA unironically and has the life-sized, cardboard cutouts of the Golden Girls on display)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Any time I get asked who deserves credit in my success, I will always shoutout my family. From a very young age, my parents have encouraged and supported me to try everything! Dance classes? Guitar lessons? Volleyball? I did them all. Not always very well, but I tried it! And for every recital, game and award show I had, my family showed up and cheered me from the stands.

I recognize that what I’m pursuing on social media is still very new to the world we live in. The path I decided to embark on is a nontraditional one that scares many people and, honestly, is highly frowned upon. I thank God each and every day that I have the full support of my family. They’re not upset I didn’t decide to become a doctor, or an engineer, or go on to be president for that matter. They trust that this career is in my best interest because of the love and passion I have for it.

A lot of what people don’t see when it comes to social media is the mental turmoil that many creators experience. Anxiety over numbers. Stressing about not creating “perfect” content. Dealing with body dysmorphia. Are all things I’ve fallen victim to multiple times in the last three years. However, my family has always been there to support me and uplift me from these negative thoughts and is constantly there to remind me that I am worthy, I am powerful, and above all, I am loved by many… but not as much as they love me.

Website: https://jacquelinesitblog.weebly.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackieeperazaa/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvlSedEU02N-9lU15nU6r6w

Image Credits
Valeria Lopez | @_pareidoliaa on Instagram Nico. | @visualsbynico on Instagram