Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Schultz.
Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I joined TikTok in 2020 right before COVID hit. I had no idea what I was doing, but it was fun learning the trending dances. During COVID, I spent a lot of my time on TikTok, doing more dances, and looking back, basically just embarrassing myself. I tried to grow a following, but it never really went anywhere. Once the world started to sort of get back to normal and I was able to work again, I didn’t spend as much time on social media anymore and I didn’t post as much. It wasn’t until the end of 2024 when I really decided I wanted to give this thing a go. I posted a video and gained about 2,000 followers overnight, which was pretty exciting. I was accepted into the TikTok shop affiliate program a few days later and then also into the Amazon Influencers program as well. I was super excited and tried to keep the momentum going, but nothing more was happening. I decided to change up the way I used Instagram and start to promote Amazon products and other links on that app in addition to TikTok. I was making product videos (TikTok shop) but felt so defeated – to this day, I have not made one sale on TikTok. I have had a few clicks on Amazon, but haven’t barely made anything (literally only a few dollars, and not even enough to get paid). I decided to change things up with my videos and start documenting my half marathon training. I did get fairly decent engagement with those videos, and I always had something to post, which was nice, but once my training was over, I was stuck again. In the meantime, I have been using the app Benable. This has been my biggest success thus far. I still am not able to get paid yet, but I have earned several commissions on my product recommendations through this app. All in all, I have learned that while you CAN make a lucrative business out of social media, it is SO HARD. I’ve been at this for awhile now and still feel defeated most of the time, but I am not giving up. I know there is a lot of money out there; I just need to keep pushing until my time comes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road! In addition to the struggles I just mentioned, I have a full time job, I go to school part time, and I also have a part time job. My full time job has me traveling several times per year, and I also like to travel leisurely as well. I am so busy, but feel as though I tend to thrive amongst chaos.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am just trying to make it on social media. As I said before, I have tried different things. I would say I’m more of a ‘lifestyle’ creator. I post content relating to music, running, makeup, outfits, traveling, etc. I definitely do not have a ‘niche.’ Honestly, I’m most proud of the fact that I am trying. I’ve wanted to do this seriously for several years, but always felt too embarrassed to post videos of me talking. I finally realized that it doesn’t matter. If I feel stupid, if I sound cringey – it doesn’t matter. Please can laugh or make fun of me if they want to, but I am just trying to make some money. Once that starts happening, those people laughing will start becoming jealous, and honestly, that is such a compliment. How great would it be to know that someone out there would do anything to get what you already have?
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I live in a very small town. It’s both a good thing and bad thing that you basically know everyone, and everyone knows you. Neighbors have your back and watch out for one another, but they also always know your business. There isn’t a lot that goes on here, which is also both a good thing and a bad thing. I would say the thing I like best is that overall I feel safe. The thing I like least is having to drive to another city to get groceries.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @heatherlynnschultz7
- Other: @heatherlynnschultz. (TikTok)
