Urszula Makowska is a full time blogger and influencer that first used social media to advance her career. Not far into it, though, she realized its potential for being a career path on its own. We sat down with the actress and model to discuss the influencer industry and its power to change the consumer landscape.
Grit Daily: For the uninitiated, what are the several career “hats” that you wear?
Urszula Makowska: I am a full-time blogger, content creator and actress. It all started in 2011 when I first launched my fashion blog. Ultimately, my goal was to share how my style would change throughout the years, but soon my blog became my brand and main source of income.
In the very early stages I landed a collaboration with Nylon magazine. From there, I started to build a heavy presence on social media from collaborations, press, and appearances in movies and television shows. This helped me build a loyal fan base and launch my influencer career. For years, I have collaborated with major brands including Aveda, Cartier, Revolve, Dolls Kill, La Mer, Amika, and Tarte. I’ve also worked in social media representing brands from the bridal market to the beauty market. I focused on their branding, building their social media presence, managing their accounts, creating content and influencer marketing.
GD: What was the spark that got you into being an influencer?
UM: I started years ago and it came naturally! I was always very creative and hands on. Growing up, I always loved being behind a camera whether it meant filming or taking photos in outfits. I always looked at styling as art and a way to express myself. I loved to put outfits together. One day, I decided to launch my blog because I wanted to combine my passion for writing with styling. It worked! I put my heart into it! I was posting very frequently and this helped me grow into an influencer.
GD: You had some interesting entrepreneurial ventures as a youth. Share those.
UM: For sure! Aside [from] blogging and social media, growing up I was surrounded by other areas of art. I took acting classes and piano classes at a young age. In terms of acting, I started to audition for various roles and seeking an agent. I was able to not only start building an impressive resume and finding an agent at a young age, but networking. I have met many wonderful people who have helped me grow in my career and pursue my dreams in the arts.
I learned a lot from each individual that I have come across. This shaped me to become the person I am today. I was able to learn that networking is very important and I was able to develop listening skills. You learn a lot along the way and the information is valuable.
GD: And what led to your role in the film Wedding In New York (2015)?
UM: I was working hard to build my resume in film at the time. I remember seeing a casting notice on Backstage and I applied. They ended up casting me!
GD: Which behind-the-scenes experiences can you share from your role on MTV’s Catfish?
UM: Sure! It was quite a while ago but with reality television you never really know in what direction things will go. I remember there was a moment off camera I wanted to cry and scream at the top of my lungs. I was learning a lot of new information about my cat-fisher and I felt so many emotions. I was hurt, angry, and in disbelief. I had to Facetime my friends when I was back in the hotel room in Missouri.
GD: What are your next collaborations that readers should know about?
UM: I am always collaborating with brands, but the brands that I choose to collaborate with are always brands that I truly believe in and truly like. I refuse to post false reviews. I am always 100% about being original and true to my brand. You can definitely find more fashion collaborations in the future, but since I launched my Instagram live series “Dating with Urszulala” and “#RealTalk”, I’ve also been collaborating with my own followers and other key public figures on Instagram Lives. Past guests on my Instagram lives include Patricia Kazadi, Lauren Francesca, and more worth checking out.
