Meet Leighann Blackwood | Content Creator & Nano-Influencer

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

Hi Leighann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Like most creators, I didn’t think I was starting a business. I just wanted to create content for art’s sake, so I just started creating. I’ve been doing this for about five years now, actively learning how to create content that converts, but I also learned how to monetize my content. I’ve done everything from UGC to creating long-form content for my personal brand and managed other social media channels, so I’ve done a lot in terms of content. Regarding content creation, I’ve also taken the chance to learn from other professionals who have more insight or are working full-time in content creation because I do this as a side hustle.

I started my own business by learning and recognizing that content creation is a business. With the TikTok band from Washington, D.C., there is a lot of commentary from people who maybe aren’t in the creator industry, saying things like, “These creators need to get a regular job and stop relying on social media.” In reality, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, all of these social media outlets initially intended for entertainment, have become people’s actual jobs- REAL and LUCRATIVE. People rely on the income created from this content creation industry, so all of that is to say that I genuinely didn’t know what I was starting when I started creating. I just wanted to create for the sake of being someone who likes constantly doing something and utilizing her creativity. However, as time passed and I learned I could make this passion project into a business, I’ve made thousands of dollars in content creation. It’s possible, and I know that once you start treating your content creation as a business, you will see the results. One of the biggest downfalls for content creators is that they don’t see themselves as businesses. And that’s changing, but content creators on these platforms who have a substantial or even a mid-level following need to recognize that they are a business. Once that realization fully sets in for more people, we will see a massive shift in the creator economy. However, a shift is happening, and brands are also recognizing it now that creators are stepping into their worth as talent. When you think about it, content creators and influencers are doing the jobs that some marketing teams have been doing in-house for brands for all these years.

It’s been a long journey in terms of recognizing myself—Leighann, the content creator—as a business. Still, I’m happy that I have because it’s allowed me to have so many opportunities to work with different brands and meet different brand representatives and people behind the brands, so that’s been a fun experience. It’s also been a great way to find my community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My creative journey started in high school on Tumblr. I’ve always loved photography and videography—there are even home videos of me talking to the camera as a kid! I’ve always been comfortable in front of the camera, and that comfort grew to include being behind the camera as well.

This love of capturing moments led me to freelance photography. I photograph weddings, families, and all kinds of events, helping people preserve precious memories. But photography wasn’t enough. In 2016, I started a blog about my life, from faith and spirituality to fashion. It reignited my creative spark.

After a break in 2020, I relaunched my blog (ohleighann.com), focusing on lifestyle, tips, and my love for Disney and fandom culture. I manage a YouTube channel, Instagram, Threads page, TikTok (RIP), and Pinterest account.

While I don’t have a specific goal for each platform, I’ve always wanted to collaborate with brands, explore new opportunities, and connect with like-minded creators. The biggest challenges have been content creation burnout, lack of time, and discouragement from low engagement. But these are universal struggles. Algorithms change, followers come and go, but the urge to create persists. If it’s in your blood, nothing can stop you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For breakfast, I’d take visitors to either Hero Doughnuts in Summerhill or Son in My Belly. Both have delicious food, exciting seasonal menus, and great customer service.

Afterward, we’d enjoy a creative outing at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (I’m a member!). I especially love their Alice in Wonderland exhibit. It’s a beautiful place to stroll, chat, and appreciate nature.

Next, we’d walk along the BeltLine, exploring its unique shops and small businesses. For lunch, we’d head to Patria Cocina near Grant Park for chips, queso, amazing guacamole, and their refreshing seasonal Agua Frescas.

In the afternoon, we’d return to Summerhill for dessert at Big Softie and sample their seasonal ice cream flavors. Finally, we’d end the day with a relaxing walk in Grant Park, watching the sunset and maybe even catching a glimpse of the animals at the zoo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a content creator, I have done a lot of work to gain skills in this field because although I’ve always been creative, the content creator industry is an entirely different beast. I’ve joined various Facebook and Instagram engagement groups, done a few online trainings, and joined some online communities. However, the best community I’ve joined thus far–and one that I am still a member of to this day–is Kristen Bousquet’s Soulcial Suite. Kristen Bousquet is a content creator and creator economy expert who has had multiple articles published in Forbes centering around trends and forecasts in the creator economy. Kristen started Your Soulcialmate as a way to connect other creators who are doing this work full-time, part-time–and even as a side hustle–to help them find community and gain skills necessary to grow and learn more about succeeding in the industry.

Website: https://ohleighann.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighann-blackwood/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melaninonmainstreet

Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@melaninonmainst
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melaninonmainst/