Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Montiel
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always wanted to create content, especially vlogs and videos. Back in 2017, I wanted to make a big change in my life and step out of my comfort zone. I was about to start college at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), and it felt like the perfect time to try something new. I had always been interested in creating videos, and with a bit more free time before college fully kicked in, I saw it as an opportunity to launch my journey as a content creator. My first video was uploaded in August 2017, inspired by UMD’s Welcome Week for first-year students and an early program for students of color called the ‘ODI Kickoff’ event. It was a meaningful way to document my transition into college life and share the excitement of starting something new.
As I continued creating content, I eventually expanded beyond that first video. I started adding more vlogs, clothing hauls, and school-related videos to my channel. These allowed me to share different aspects of my life, from my personal style to my experiences as a college student.
However, my content creation journey took a significant turn in 2019. I uploaded my last vlog right before the pandemic, and everything changed after that. The challenges and uncertainty of that time caused me to lose interest in making videos, and I eventually stopped creating content altogether. It wasn’t until last year that I felt that spark reignite. This time, I decided to take a different approach and started focusing on creating content on TikTok. It felt fresh and exciting, and I found myself enjoying the creative process again in a whole new way.
This new era of content creation is closely tied to my journey as a college graduate from UMD with a Public Health major. I now work as an after-school teacher for K-5 students, and this has opened up a whole new avenue for creating content. I’m able to share the everyday moments of being an after school teacher, along with vlogs, fashion outfits of the week and day, my nails, and of course, moments with my cat, Frenkie. It’s an exciting time for me because I’m not only sharing my professional life but also blending my personal passions and experiences with my audience in an authentic way.
One of the things that really inspired me to create content is that there aren’t many Mexican Latina content creators or after-school teacher content creators in the USA. I felt like my perspective could offer something unique and important. I wanted to show that people from my background can thrive in these spaces, and I’m passionate about sharing my experiences as both a teacher and a content creator. It’s a way for me to be authentic and represent a community that’s not always as visible in the content creation world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. There have been ups and downs throughout my content creation journey. One of the biggest struggles I faced was losing interest in making videos during the pandemic. I had built momentum with my content, but the uncertainty of those times made it hard to stay motivated. That led me to stop creating content for a while.
Another challenge has been balancing my full-time job as an after-school teacher with my content creation. Finding the time and energy to create while being dedicated to my students and responsibilities can be tough. But I’ve learned to use my passion for both teaching and content creation to fuel each other, which helps keep me going.
Additionally, I’ve faced the challenge of not always having access to the best equipment to create content. Things like a camera, proper lighting, and editing tools weren’t always within reach, which made it harder to produce the high-quality videos I envisioned. However, I’ve found ways to work with what I have, and over time, I’ve been able to build up the resources I need.
There have also been times when I’ve struggled with motivation or found myself in creative ruts. It’s easy to get burned out, especially when life gets busy, and sometimes the ideas just aren’t there. I’ve had moments where I simply wasn’t feeling inspired or had trouble coming up with new content. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to take breaks and step away when needed, and I always come back to it when I’m ready and recharged.
Despite these struggles, I’ve always come back to creating because it’s something I genuinely enjoy and it allows me to connect with others. The process hasn’t been perfect, but I’ve grown from every challenge, and it’s shaped me into the content creator I am today
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an after-school teacher for K-5 students, and I create content that blends my professional life with my personal passions. I share a mix of vlogs, fashion outfits of the week, nails, and moments with my cat, Frenkie. What really sets me apart is how I bring my experience as an educator into my content, offering a real look at the teaching life while incorporating my other interests like fashion and beauty. I try to show that you can balance a career and a creative passion, and that’s something I believe others can relate to.
I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to build a community that feels connected to me on multiple levels, whether it’s through the insights I share as an educator, my love for fashion, or the moments of everyday life. I also feel incredibly proud to represent the Mexican Latinx community, particularly in the US where we aren’t always well-represented in content creation. I want to show that people from my background can thrive in these spaces and bring authenticity to the table.
I’ve always been working and helping my family, starting at a very young age. I have vivid memories of working alongside my dad in his catering and taco businesses. I helped with everything, from working as a cashier when he sold ‘barbacoa de chivo’ on Sundays to prepping condiments. His business is still going strong, and I’m proud to be part of it. Now, he has a mechanical bull business, and I still help him with that as well. This early exposure to hard work and entrepreneurship taught me a lot about dedication, responsibility, and the value of family. It’s shaped who I am today, both in my personal life and in my approach to content creation.
I’m also proud to be the first generation in my family on both sides to attend a four-year university and receive a bachelor’s degree. Graduating from high school and then continuing on to college was a huge milestone for me and my family. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me realize the importance of perseverance and the power of education. Being able to represent my family in this way is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it’s been a huge motivator in everything I do, both as a teacher and as a content creator.
I’ve always been passionate about helping youth, and that’s something I continued during my college days as well. I was involved in doing tours and other activities that allowed me to guide and mentor younger students. Helping others has always been a part of who I am, and that passion continues to influence how I approach both teaching and content creation.
For me, it’s a full-circle moment. I want to give back to my community and be there for the youth and my students, offering a presence they can relate to. Looking back, there weren’t many teachers or people in my classes who looked like me. I want to be someone who can represent Mexican and people of color communities and offer a perspective they might not have seen before
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I just want to say that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, it’s always possible to find your voice and share your story. I’ve learned that hard work, perseverance, and staying true to who you are can lead you to places you never imagined. For anyone looking to create content or follow their passion, my advice is to just start. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take it one step at a time, and remember that your journey is unique to you. It’s never too late to chase your dreams or make a difference in your community. And to anyone thinking about creating content, don’t hesitate to go ahead and follow your passion. There will be people rooting for you and cheering you on—even if it’s just yourself!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/GoldenGirlJocelyn
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelyn.montiel
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montieljocelyn/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldengirljocelyn?_t=8qidgEAHqzz&_r=1
