Mode Around the Globe: Sam Kelly

Mode Around The Globe: Puerto Vallarta
Sam Kelly
@samkelly32

Photography by Aubrie Danae
@aubriedanaee

Videographed by Brett Erickson
@brettericksonphoto

Location: Velas Vallarta Puerto Vallarta
@velasvallarta

For those meeting you for the first time, how would you describe yourself and your content in three words?
I would describe myself and my content as authentic, fun, and uplifting.

What originally inspired you to start creating content?
I originally started making content as funny videos. For as long as I can remember, I loved doing humorous trends with people. I used to ask my grandma questions just to capture her reactions. I loved pulling little pranks on the people I cared about, filming them, and sharing those moments with everyone.

What’s one thing your audience might be surprised to learn about you?
I really love to write.

How would you describe your personal style on vacation versus at home?
On vacation, I wear a lot of bright, fun colors — pinks and blues are my favorites. My vacation style is young, girly, and playful. At home, I gravitate toward darker tones like browns, maroons, and cherry reds. I also love incorporating animal prints like leopard and snakeskin. My at-home style feels more cool-girl, night-out, and mature compared to my vacation looks.

What does having your very own magazine feature mean to you as a creator?
Having my own magazine feature means so much to me. Honestly, it’s the coolest thing ever. The photos are beautifully captured, and I love that we get to curate our own looks to showcase our personal style. Seeing that come to life on the page is such an incredible feeling.

What were your first impressions of Puerto Vallarta?
I was absolutely thrilled. I had just left New Jersey after a massive snowstorm that froze the entire East Coast for two weeks, so stepping foot into Puerto Vallarta felt like pure bliss.

What moment from the trip made you stop and think, wow, this is special?
On our last night, we had a Skechers dinner under a tipi on the beach at sunset. The table setup was stunning, the food was delicious, and everything felt perfectly curated. That moment was incredibly special to me.

Favorite look, outfit, or glam moment from the getaway?
My favorite look was my first editorial outfit — a floor-length chocolate-brown dress from Peppermayo. The deep plunging neckline was my favorite detail. It felt sleek, quietly dramatic, and very me.

Which part of the experience made the best content for you and why?
I created my best content while getting ready to lounge by the pool. I love filming GRWM videos, especially on vacation. Vacation makeup looks are always my favorite to create.

How did this trip inspire you creatively?
I’ve only recently started attending creator and brand trips, but what I love most — especially about Modeliste trips — is the inspiration that comes from being around other women. Watching how they create, how dedicated they are, and how they balance work and fun is incredibly motivating. Being surrounded by hardworking, creative women is so inspiring.

What was your favorite brand or partnership moment during the trip?
I left this trip with a new favorite lip combo, so that definitely stands out. The ABSNY Rosewood lip liner paired with the Blueberry Jam tinted lip serum is absolutely to die for.

How did being surrounded by other creators impact your experience?
Being around such amazing creators was incredibly inspiring. It’s a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by admirable women, each with their own unique traits and content styles that I can learn from and aspire to.

What is something you learned about content, travel, or yourself on this trip?
I learned that some of the best content comes from capturing small, unplanned moments. When you don’t overthink it, you end up with beautiful clips that come together naturally — those are my favorite kinds of videos to watch.

How do you balance staying present while still capturing content?
I used to struggle with that balance, and it’s still a work in progress. I’ve learned that completing deliverables first allows me to be more present afterward. Good time management makes all the difference.

What is your go-to tip for creators who want to elevate their content while traveling?
Capture everything. I sometimes forget to film or take as many photos as I want, and I always regret it. Beyond content creation, it’s also so important to preserve those beautiful memories.

If you had to describe this Puerto Vallarta experience in one sentence, what would it be?
A refreshing escape from busy — and sometimes cold — everyday life to a warm, beautiful paradise shared with an inspiring group of hardworking women.”

What was your most unforgettable location from the trip?
The Skechers dinner on the beach at sunset was unforgettable.

How does this experience compare to other influencer trips you’ve been on?
This trip offered the most creative freedom out of any influencer trip I’ve attended. The jungle day, in particular, felt completely surreal.

What’s next for you — any exciting projects, goals, or destinations coming up?
I’m so excited to be working closely with a brand I’ve loved and admired for many years. There are some very exciting things coming that I can’t wait to share.

What was your favorite part of the Velas Vallarta resort?
My favorite part of Velas Vallarta was definitely the pools. They were stunning, and there were so many food and drink options available throughout the resort.