Editors note: At Pixlee, we feel that our team is our biggest strength. We also feel that individual stories are incredibly powerful. In this series, we’re featuring new team members on the Pixlee blog to share their journey to Pixlee, and their first impressions. Please welcome Holly Ridgway as she joins our Sales team in our San Francisco Office.

‍Before Pixlee, I was immersed in the skincare world. I loved skincare so much that I decided to become a Licensed Esthetician to help people treat their skin conditions. That involved meeting with clients from all walks of life. It involved listening to their stories. And most importantly, it involved finding solutions that would best fit their needs. Eventually, I wanted to share this knowledge on social media because I noticed that the beauty industry was very active on Instagram.

I created an influencer business page where I built my personal brand. I would talk about skincare and beauty products and how they were effective for different conditions. I created digital graphics of my favorite products that I believed in which drove a lot of engagement. Over time, my account grew to over five thousand engaged followers. Even though I didn't plan for it, I was becoming a micro-influencer! I realized I was helping my favorite brands grow by showcasing their products and having my community learn about them. I was even receiving requests to collaborate with other beauty brands.

‍This is when I learned the true value of UGC. At this time, I had been selling skincare and beauty products as an indoor sales rep and learned about the tech industry from having conversations with my clients in San Francisco who worked at tech companies. I was inspired to pursue a new career in tech that would help me grow the skills I worked hard to cultivate as a micro-influencer and indoor sales rep.

Seeking to enter the tech world, I applied to Flockjay, a tech sales fellowship based in San Francisco. This sales program teaches people just like myself who have non-traditional professional backgrounds how to thrive in tech sales roles. I was super excited when I got accepted!

When I discovered Pixlee after graduating Flockjay, I felt like I had finally found my tribe. Not only did I love the product and the team, but I was also really passionate about Pixlee’s mission. My previous experience creating content taught me that social media and word-of-mouth are powerful tools for marketing and I’m really proud to be a part of that.