2022’s Top Creatives to Watch Now: Payton Sartain
@taylorkrausecreative
What would you title this chapter in your life?
The Gift of Simplicity.
What inspires you and your career?
I’m very inspired by my audience & other creators that I follow. Also, since I was a child, I’ve looked up to my grandfather and admired the way he conducts his business. Though we are in completely different fields, him in oil and myself in social media, I’ve learned so much by simply observing him my whole life. My other sources of inspiration are my boyfriend, traveling, fashion, modern art, & modern American literature.
How did you develop the social media platform you have as an influencer today?
I worked every day to create content on the platforms I enjoy to find the ones that work best for me. Being an influencer oftentimes means experimenting with content, learning the ins-and-outs of new social media platforms, and creating opportunities for yourself outside of social media (like creating a fashion label, an app, or writing a book, for example). It all takes a lot of work, a lot of research and a self-starter attitude. Over the course of a few years, I began to find my groove, and I love the little online community I’ve built across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, & my podcast, Note to Self by Payton Sartain.
What’s the biggest challenge you come across as an influencer?
As much as it may not seem so, being an influencer can be very lonely and feel anticlimactic. Most of the time, it feels like you’re constantly working with no “congratulations,” or “good job,” or promotion at the end of the day.
Most of the big wins in my work have been private moments, and I have to remind myself to pat myself on the back and validate my efforts when I hit a huge goal or accomplish something important to me.
In what ways do you wish to inspire people through your platform?
I want to inspire people to embrace who they are, to trust themselves, and to give themselves grace. As the solo-date queen, I also hope to inspire women to spend quality time alone, treating themselves, having quiet moments of peace & reflection. There is something really powerful to me about a woman who is independent and knows & loves herself. She just glows.
What’s at the top of your bucket list for 2022?
I want to go on a big, romantic trip with my boyfriend, Joe, this year. Joe is a professional baseball player (for the Washington Nationals: Go Nats!) and he works really hard during the season, from February through October. He’s been committed to baseball for his whole life, and because of that, has yet to travel to Europe. I’m hoping to take him to Italy (my favorite) at the end of the 2022 season, and, of course, take the people who follow me along with us. It’ll be a nice treat for us both after a long season.
What’s a trend that never goes out of style in your life?
Minimalism. In life, in style, in the home. Simplicity is beautiful to me.
Three beauty products you cannot live without?
Oh, easy: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, MAC Lip Liner in the color “Soar,” & Buxom lip glass in the color “Dolly.”
What’s a typical work day like for you?
Since moving to Dallas two months ago, I’ve gotten better at working by a set schedule. I lived in Los Angeles for nearly 6 years prior, and every day was so different there! Now, I have a steady routine, which is something I’ve loved about moving somewhere more quiet. I usually get up around 8am and prep for the day, hydrate, moisturize, & caffeinate. I take a few hours in the morning to work on the computer, answering emails, editing, turning in content for partnerships, and planning upcoming work. I break for a workout & lunch around noon. Then, I use the afternoon for shooting content, running errands or taking meetings. Because I’ve had a real problem with overworking myself since starting this job, I try to stop working around 6-7pm, though that doesn’t always happen. I usually post content in the evening, so even if I’m not “working,” I’m still online, posting, engaging, and supporting my friends & favorite creators.
What advice do you have for someone who aspires to have a career like your own?
Don’t wait for permission or validation or direction from others! Just start creating, learn as much as you can (Google, Pinterest, Podcasts & YouTube are my favorite resources for research), and be consistent. Once you start, you can learn as you go, oftentimes by making mistakes (mistakes are KEY). Just get yourself into the arena, and you’ll learn to figure things out on the fly.
Are you working on any exciting projects you can share?
I can’t share exact details quite yet, but there are very exciting things happening with my podcast in 2022. Podcasting has quickly become my favorite way to connect with my audience and it makes me so happy that they enjoy it, too. Also, keep an eye out for a couple of capsule collections with my favorite brands this year. A dream!
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Before being an influencer was a career option, I studied Political Science at Texas A&M University in preparation for attending law school. I have a degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. But, after starting a fashion blog in college, and as social media began to develop & create major career opportunities, I took the risk to pursue being an influencer, and the rest is history. I’d still love to use my degree in a meaningful way someday! We’ll see.
Biggest highlight in your career?
It’s difficult to narrow this down! I feel like I’ve really come into my own lately, as far as work goes, and I’ve had a few “pinch me” moments in the last year or so. One huge accomplishment was signing with my current management team, The Digital Brand Architects. When I first started my social media journey, 6 years ago, I looked up to many of the influencers who were signed with DBA, and it seemed extremely unrealistic to me that I would ever be able to join their ranks. I’m proud to say that I’m represented by the best in the business and in the mix with top-tier influencers and creators. I take it as a huge, validating step that I’m moving in the right direction.
Last song you played?
Can’t Touch This by BIA. I LOVE women in rap music. I’m always leaning on their work to make me feel like THAT b*tch when I need a confidence boost.
What would you like to say to your fans?
THANK YOU for sticking around, for supporting me, and for allowing me to be a small part of your life. I’m grateful to have an audience full of badass women who just GET IT.
