We’re shining a spotlight on Latina Creator Paulette Pitones!
Paulette Pitones is a Latina creator who displays her Hispanic Heritage through her lifestyle and family content. Not to mention, she has the tastiest food prep videos on her YouTube! Whether through recipe reels, fashion rec’s or weekend adventures with her husband and daughters, Paulette infuses her channels with a taste of her latina culture and proudly represents her heritage. During her time with Social Native, she’s completed over 40 campaigns with brands like Entenmann’s, Macy’s, and Moose Toys.
Q: What led you to become a creator?
I began using social media to share my fashion designs and to create my fashion design portfolio. As time went by I wanted to share more about myself, my family, and my interests.
Q: What is your favorite part of the content creation process?
I’ve always been into photography and videography. During high school and college, I took classes as a hobby. I like the fact that I can implement what I’ve learned as a content creator. I enjoy the process of capturing moments with my camera, storytelling through photography, and captions.
Q: As a Latina creator, how does your hispanic heritage impact your channel?
I’ve always enjoyed cooking. Many of my recipes come from what my mother and grandmother have taught me. I don’t ever want to lose my authentic Mexican recipes. Documenting those recipes is important to me to pass on to my future generations. I’ve received positive feedback from my audience that they enjoy my recipes, because it brings back memories to the foods they themselves grew up on.
“I want people to experience the beauty in my culture and heritage through the food, fashion, and travel that I share on my social media.” @lollipop_couture
Q: What’s the most difficult thing you’ve encountered or had to overcome in your journey of being a Latina creator?
Unfortunately, the most difficult experience I’ve encountered is racism. There will be people who feel the need to try to put you down because of your color, culture, or heritage. That’s something that you have to not let it get to you. Remain proud of who you are and where you come from.
Q: Tell us about how you include your daughters and husband in the content creation process. What does it mean to them?
Some of my content is very organic: I photograph my family while we are traveling, when we are attending special events, birthdays, candid moments, or when my daughters ask me for a photography session. When it comes to sponsored posts, I tell my family about my concept and they decide if they want to be a part of it. My family enjoys me capturing special moments because those moments are frozen in time and they truly treasure them. They can always look back at those moments and smile because they remember that particular time in their lives.
Q: What drew you to working as a creator with Social Native?
I really liked the fact that Social Native has given me opportunities to create special content regardless of my age, race, ethnicity, or follower count. It makes me feel valued that I am able to contribute while representing my culture.
Q: What was your favorite campaign that you have worked on with Social Native and why?
I have a few favorite campaigns, however one that is close and dear to my heart is the Marinela campaign. It was such a beautiful feeling to be able to share some of my childhood treats and Hispanic roots with my daughters. They absolutely enjoy Marinela treats, especially Gansitos.
Q: How does sponsored content affect your channel and your followers?
My goal is always to share products that I truly enjoy, give an honest review, and stay authentic. I believe I’ve developed trust between my followers where they know I’m not going to do sponsorships that don’t align with who I am.
Q: What is one thing you think can be done – by brands or other creators or even followers – to better the efforts around diversity and inclusion on social media?
I think brands should give equal opportunities to all ethnicities. At the end of the day if they want their brands to be known as well as grow their customers then showcasing diversity through their campaigns would be a simple solution to diversify their brand.
Q: What’s one thing you would like people to know about the Latinx community?
I want people to experience the beauty in my culture and heritage through the food, fashion, and travel that I share on my social media.
Q: Has there been a moment in your career as a creator when you felt you made an impact?
Five years ago, I started to share about beauty products, specifically makeup. At that time I felt like I couldn’t find women who were the same skin shade as me sharing how lipsticks or eyeshadows would look like. It became my mission to provide makeup looks for women of similar shade as me.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would share with latin creators who want to grow in the online sphere?
My advice is invest in your basic camera gear, knowledge, and keep practicing. Try thinking outside the box, be creative, and stay true to yourself. Don’t get caught up in the numbers. Growth will come with time, and how much work you’ve put in. Give yourself some grace and be proud of what you’ve already accomplished.
