Today we’d like to introduce you to Melva Simpson.
Hi Melva, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In my early 20s, I attempted to start a YouTube channel. I had 75 followers and little to no views. The computer I used to create my videos was a rental that I paid for monthly. Back then, I worked at a pharmaceutical lab, which laid off the entire factory. I struggled to pay my bills after being laid off, and my computer was repossessed. At that point, I just gave up on YouTube.
Ten years later, now married. My husband and I were sitting in the car one night, having a conversation. He asked me, “What is one thing you wish you never gave up on?” My answer to him was I wish I never gave up on my YouTube channel. He then suggested that I start posting on TikTok.
In December 2019, I took his advice and started creating videos that made me happy. In the process, I made other people happy, and I began to gain an audience. Then the pandemic happened. I was the manager at a storage facility, and another storage facility bought them out. The new company said I could keep my job if I was willing to take a 50% pay cut. I was absolutely willing to take a 50% pay cut because I was afraid, I wouldn’t be able to find another job in the middle of a pandemic. After speaking with my husband, he said he would rather I quit my job and make TikTok videos. He believed that it would pay off in the long run. Again, I took his advice. I had just under 100,000 followers on TikTok at the time.
One day while scrolling on my phone. I saw that Amazon had a program allowing people to make a commission for recommending products. I applied to their program, and I was accepted. The first few Amazon videos I made on TikTok did terribly, but I was jumping for joy when I received my first Amazon check of $0.44. I was excited because I knew I was on to something. I knew if I could make $0.44, I could make more if I worked harder. I started studying sales, video techniques, and every commercial that came on TV. I continued making videos; then, one went viral and the sales started pouring in. That one video turning my hobby into a business. That was the spark I needed to continue on my journey.
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?
My biggest obstacle was me because whenever I didn’t see my videos getting the attention that I felt they deserved. It was easy for me to quit. I wouldn’t stop intentionally; I would just forget about it.
Then my husband would ask how come I haven’t posted anything on my platform, or I would receive messages from my audience saying they haven’t seen my post in a while. Receiving those messages showed me that I positively affect other people’s lives. My husband and audience held me accountable, and for that, I am grateful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During the pandemic, I saw many businesses closing. That’s when I started creating review videos for brick-and-mortar businesses. I would go to my favorite restaurants and create videos for them. My goal was to get them more customers to prevent them from closing down permanently.
A company saw my videos and invited my husband and me to see The Aces perform. The Aces concert is one of my favorite memories. That was my first time watching a live pop band, and Cristal Ramirez threw me a rose. I was on the second floor and didn’t catch it, but it was still a grand gesture and a great memory.
Social media is now my full-time job. I make promotional videos for brands and post them on my TikTok and Instagram pages. A few companies I’ve worked with are Chick-fil-A (Novi MI), Detroit Self Museum (Novi MI), Airbnb (Panama City FL), Trap Vegan (Detroit MI), Bose, and so many others. I mainly work with Amazon sellers, but I enjoy going to brick-and-mortar businesses as well. I’ve been doing this for two years, and I love what I do.
What’s next?
I plan to continue helping Amazon sellers, brands and businesses thrive. That’s my passion.
I aim to create promotional videos for hotels, resorts, & Airbnb. I’ve made a few videos for Airbnb that did well on my platform. I know my audience likes that type of content, so hopefully, I can give them more travel content.
I started a new YouTube channel reviewing products. It’s exciting watching my channel grow especially knowing that I gave up on it ten years ago. Now I’m back to finish what I started. My channel doesn’t have many followers, but I’m so proud of myself for staying consistent, and I look forward to seeing where this goes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://direct.me/epic-luvv
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/epicluvv?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCn_vbBWB7r8y6BM430z2p3g
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@epic_luvv?_t=8Vzapu1l07a&_r=1
Image Credits
Dmarlo Simpson
