We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexy Messina and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lexy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success in social media management, content creation, etc. has definitely been determination, with a sub-factor of that being passion. Being willing to work the extra crazy hours and/or miss out on different social gatherings, events, etc. isn’t ever easy, but it’s the choice that often has to be made. It’s interesting though because, yes, the choice takes away things sometimes, but there’s also a massive gain in making your career that much of a priority. I find that in the ebbs and flows of life, the times that I’m choosing to go the extra mile in my work and what I love doing, I can feel the passion, the yearning and excitement of wanting to do great things and make an impact in the world fuel me. It keeps me going. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that I have come by, so that I can keep fueling my passions and be that much more determined. It’s a positive feedback loop 100%. Big dreams deserve that.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from others is my transparency in who I am and that definitely shows through in my art and creations. To have the ability to laugh at oneself and be secure in who you are and who you’re becoming are traits that I hold SO close. There was a very long time I wasn’t this way. I definitely know what it’s like to be insecure and like any confident person, there are moments it seeps back in. The important part for me has been recognizing that and being able to take the steps to get back to a place of mental clarity and confidence. Without these skills, I would not be able to be a voice for many brands, one being my own.
The main way I’ve gotten to where I am today is definitely the connections I’ve made. I have so many talented friends that push me to be better, as I do for them. I feel like the people in my circle all have the mentality of “let’s grow together.” It’s amazing the things you can accomplish when it’s more of a collaborative effort. I’m very thankful for this dynamic. Easy is never a word I would use in the digital media industry. Being surrounded with amazing people definitely makes it easier though.
With that comes the lesson of being weary who you work with and let in your circle. I’ve been fortunate enough to not have anything detrimental happen to me from letting the wrong people in. But, I have seen the effects of that from the outside and have definitely learned to be aware of others and question things.
I look forward to the future of my work in all it’s forms and how I am able to impact others, both externally and through collaboration. This is only the beginning!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oshkosh isn’t massive, but being the coffee addict that I am, I would for sure stop at Piloras for a drink and arguably the best brunch in town. Some of my other favorite food stops include: Bar 430, Carrot and Kale, TJs Highland, and Planet Perk. Those are also conveniently some of my favorite hang out spots (obviously the cafes). If you’re into crystals and spiritual things, Main Street Awakenings is somewhere I stop often. I honestly wish we had more local shops like this! Eroding Winds is also really great for all my vinyl collectors out there!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to my Dad. He always preached perseverance and integrity when I was growing up. I say preached because obviously as a kid those are things parents say that tend to go in one ear and out the other. But, as an adult those are 2 really big qualities in myself that I standby. And when I think of my dad, his greatest legacy and impact on me was teaching me the importance of being my best, most honorable, genuine self. I think being able to build strong, deep connections with people based on those things (i.e. having integrity, being trustworthy, secure in who I am, etc.), have helped me be successful.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/messinalexy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/messinalexy
Other: Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe55XFwr/ Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/user/messia36