In this episode of More to Say, host Amber Venz Box sits down with Julia Marcum, the creator behind the beloved design platform Chris Loves Julia. Julia opens up about her journey from launching a personal blog in 2009 to becoming a leading home design creator, LTK powerhouse, and successful product collaborator. Amber and Julia dive into the evolution of the creator economy, the importance of consistency, and how to grow a loyal, lasting audience.

WE DISCUSS:

• (00:24): Starting her blog and creating content from scratch, how Julia began Chris Loves Julia in 2009 during a transitional life moment and used it to stay connected and creatively fulfilled
• (10:20): Turning a passion into a career, the moment Julia joined LTK and a premium ad network, grew her revenue from $11K to $250K, and brought her husband Chris into the business full-time
• (18:20): Posting 40+ times a week on LTK, how Julia makes LTK her second-largest platform and why consistency has been key to growth and audience trust
• (22:52): Humanizing your content, why creators should show their faces, share the process, and be radically authentic to build real trust
• (26:47): Collaborating with top home brands, how tagging, linking, and affiliate revenue paved the way to Julia’s major partnerships and product lines with brands
• (32:25): Prioritizing long-term growth over viral moments, how Julia balances audience nurturing with growth and why she resists chasing short-term attention
• (41:26): Scaling a business with your spouse, how Julia and Chris divide roles, manage a team, and create space for vision and creative direction
• (52:47): Creating a home you love, Julia’s advice on what to start, stop, and continue to make your home reflect who you are—without overthinking it

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In this special solo episode of More to Say, Amber Venz Box dives deep into the changing tides of the creator economy, offering a raw, insightful look at how social media, AI, and consumer trust are reshaping the landscape. Amber breaks down key shifts happening on major platforms like Instagram, explains why affiliate links in Stories are no longer a winning strategy, and shares why the future belongs to creators who prioritize authentic relationships and build community beyond traditional social apps.

She also unpacks the explosive growth at LTK, shedding light on the new features designed to help creators connect more personally with their audiences (including the exciting "Creators Near You" and "Chats" tools), and why trust—not followers—is the new currency for success.

Amber also shares candid insights on how to prioritize family and personal values amid a busy life. Drawing from her own experiences in leadership and entrepreneurship, she offers tactical advice, fresh perspectives, and heartfelt motivation in this must-listen episode.

WE DISCUSS:

• (03:00): Amber breaks down major shifts happening in social media and why Stories are no longer a mass distribution tool.
• (04:00): Why using affiliate links in Stories is no longer a viable strategy for creators and brands.
• (07:20): The unique differentiator that powers the creator economy: trust.
• (08:22): How AI is reshaping the creator landscape — and why human connection matters more than ever.
• (14:11): Amber discusses LTK’s new features like "Creators Near You" and "Chats" to strengthen authentic community connections.
• (17:15): How LTK is building a one-stop shop for brands of all sizes to collaborate with creators.
• (24:00): How AI can accelerate scaling — and how creators should rethink their time, energy, and resources.
• (29:30): Amber shares a personal lesson from therapy about "drawing a box" around your family and prioritizing what matters.
• (30:36): Why success is about net revenue, not team size — and how creators should think differently about scaling.
• (37:00): Amber discusses prioritizing family time and setting intentional boundaries with your calendar.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tezza Barton, a powerhouse creator, entrepreneur, and founder of the Tezza App, which has amassed over 25 million downloads. Tezza shares how she turned her creative passion into a thriving business, how she collaborates with luxury fashion houses like Gucci, Fendi, and Chloé, and the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship, wellness, and motherhood.

WE DISCUSS:

• (06:19) How Tezza’s creative upbringing shaped her approach to content and business
• (07:33) The turning point in her career—leveraging photography to break into social media and brand deals
• (20:06) The story behind the Tezza App—why she saw a gap in the market and how she and her husband bootstrapped it from their NYC apartment
• (24:04) The business of being a content creator, from brand partnerships to scaling a multi-revenue stream empire
• (33:04) Landing luxury brand collaborations with Gucci, Fendi, and Chloé, and what it takes to work with high-end fashion houses
• (38:22) The biggest fashion trends right now and how Tezza sees personal style evolving
• (42:19) Prioritizing wellness, mental health, and balance—how Tezza is redefining success beyond hustle culture
• (43:55) The intersection of creativity and well-being, including how she incorporates mindfulness and movement into her daily life

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Download the Tezza App

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In this episode, we dive into the journey of LTK Creator, Kate Bartlett, a leading fashion content creator, as she shares how she broke into the luxury fashion and beauty industry. From starting her blog at 15 to going viral on TikTok and working with top luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, Kate walks us through her path to success. She also shares insights on building an audience, staying relevant, and adapting to the ever-changing creator economy.

WE DISCUSS:

- (1:30): Getting started in fashion content creation, how Kate began her blog at 15, and the consistency and persistence it took to gain traction

- (7:22): Going viral on TikTok and career turning point, the video that gained her 100K followers overnight, and the strategies she used to maintain momentum

- (10:58): Breaking into luxury fashion, her first major brand collaboration with Louis Vuitton, and transitioning from budget content to luxury brand partnerships

- (13:47): Navigating social media changes and uncertainty with TikTok in the US, the importance of diversifying platforms and lessons from adapting to industry shifts

- (17:20): The power of positivity in content creation, why Kate avoids posting negativity online and how this approach helped her build a loyal following

- (28:06) Fashion and beauty must-haves, why Kate swears by Zara denim and how luxury beauty makes high fashion more accessible

- (30:28): Growth strategies for creators, reinventing yourself to stay relevant and learning from failures and trying new things

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In this week’s episode of More to Say, Amber is joined by Shelley Zalis, CEO & Founder of The Female Quotient, entrepreneur, and global advocate for women in the workplace. You may also know Shelley as the “Chief Troublemaker” who has built The Female Quotient to be the largest global community of more than 6 million women in business spanning 30 industries and 100 countries. They explore the dynamics of women in leadership, pivotal moments in business and the journey of entrepreneurship. Shelley discusses her journey in creating spaces for women in business, conscious leadership in fostering an inclusive workplace, the power of self-empowerment and so much more. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact. 

WE DISCUSS:

- (05:20): Amber and Shelley discuss heartbeat moments and pivotal experiences in business that have been transformative in Shelley’s career. 

- (17:40): Shelley discusses her journey building The Female Quotient.

- (26:00): Amber asks Shelley about community building and monetization strategies when building The Female Quotient brand.

- (40:30): Shelley discusses empowerment vs. in-powerment and redefining confidence.

- (43:20): Amber and Shelley discuss conscious leadership. 

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Today’s episode of More to Say is our very first solo episode with your host, Amber Venz Box! We’re switching things up from our usual guest interviews for a personal update from Amber. As we close out a monumental year for creators and the creator economy and head into 2025, Amber reflects on some of this year’s biggest moments, trends we can expect to see in the new year, leadership tips and more. It wouldn’t be a solo episode without an audience Q&A, so tune in to hear what topics and burning questions are top of mind for listeners. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur or someone who is just curious about this ever-evolving industry, there is something for everyone to take away. 

WE DISCUSS:

-(08:38): Amber shares what was top of mind for LTK in 2024 and reflections from the year. 

-(09:15): Amber discusses 2025 creator economy predictions - relationship with your community. 

-(10:50): Amber discusses professional leadership and tips for getting promoted and recognizing areas of opportunity. 

-(21:05): Audience Q&A - “How do you balance your drive to succeed while also making your family a priority?” 

-(32:03): Audience Q&A - “Will you give a breakdown of TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms and why they don’t have programs to get you paid on views?”

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In this episode of More to Say, Amber is joined by longtime creator and founder of SAME, Shea Marie. Shea is the founder, CEO and designer of SAME, the coveted luxury swim and ready-to-wear brand. Known as one of the most influential fashion leaders and innovative creatives in her industry, Shea has amassed a community of millions and built a thriving business. Tune in to hear Amber and Shea discuss her journey behind launching SAME nearly a decade ago, what it takes to build a creator-founded brand, how she thinks about the future of her business and lessons learned along the way.

WE DISCUSS:

- (03:30): Amber and Shea discuss meeting over a decade ago and how Shea got started in the creator industry. 

- (10:10): Shea discusses gaining followers in the early days of Instagram. 

- (11:45): Amber asks “You’re a very private person. Why do you think that works for you and your business?” 

- (20:00): Shea discusses expanding SAME from swimwear to ready-to-wear.  

- (26:03): Amber asks, “What have been some of your biggest lessons learned over the last 10 years?” 

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On today’s episode, we are giving you an inside look at LTK’s 12th Annual LTK Con bringing together global creators, brands and their teams. Amber is joined by three powerhouse LTK Creators, Natalie Marshall or who you may know as ‘Corporate Natalie’, Jenee Naylor and Paola Alberdi. Each of these incredible creators have very different stories of how they became the successful, full-time creators they are today. Tune in to hear their unique journeys as creators, how they’ve built and continue to grow their personal brands, what’s in store for their businesses and more. And as LTK Creators, we of course had to ask them about products they are loving right now! Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for all. 

WE DISCUSS:

- (05:03): Natalie Marshall shares her journey to birthing Corporate Natalie. Amber asks, “Who is Corporate Natalie?” 

- (09:45): Natalie shares how she got started on LTK and jokes about her first LTK post. 

- (16:00): Jenee shares her journey from working for a major retailer to becoming a creator full-time. Amber asks,“How did you get started in the creator business?” 

- (20:00): Amber discusses creators being deeply driven. Amber asks Jenee,“What were some strategies that worked for you to grow and define your community and audience?” 

- (31:40): Paola discusses getting her start as a bilingual creator and how being Latina set her apart. 

- (35:10): Amber and Paola discuss her Mexican heritage. Amber asks “How do you feel your culture has played out in your business?” 

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Follow Jenee on Instagram 

Follow Paola on Instagram 

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Today’s episode of More to Say is all about the business of podcasting, and we have two incredible guests who have built an empire from it – Lauryn and Michael Bosstick. They are the dynamic duo behind the massively successful podcast, 'The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show.’ Together, they share their candid conversations on business, relationships, personal growth and so much more. From founding The Skinny Confidential to Dear Media podcast network, Lauryn and Michael have turned their passions into thriving businesses. In this episode, they unpack their journey, the ins and outs of building a successful podcast, building a brand in the digital age and the future of the podcasting industry. 

WE DISCUSS:

• (05:20): Starting the Him & Her podcast. Amber asks, “What inspired you to get into podcasting?” 
• (13:35): Amber asks, “What are the things you look at to make sure you’re booking a great podcast guest?” 
• (33:18): Amber asks, “Is there a recipe for a successful podcast or a way that you coach your talent?” 
• (54:10): Lauryn and Michael discuss their move from California to Texas. 
• (01:00:00): Lauryn and Michael discuss cold plunging and their health journey. 

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In this episode of More to Say, I’m sitting down with award-winning journalist, former CNN anchor, author and storyteller, Poppy Harlow for an insightful conversation about the art of great conversations. With her extensive experience in interviewing some of the most influential figures in the world, Poppy shares her tips and techniques for fostering meaningful conversations, both professionally and personally. Whether you’re looking to enhance your communication skills or just love a good conversation, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes a truly impactful conversation. 

WE DISCUSS:

• (05:38): Amber asks, “Will you tell us a little about your journey and what inspired you to pursue this career?” 
• (09:30): Amber asks, “What do you think are the key components to having a great conversation?” 
• (16:35): Poppy discusses interviewing Warren Buffett, Jay-Z and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 
• (38:22): Amber asks, “Have you noticed that since the rise of work from home and virtual communication any sort of changes in the dynamics of conversations?”
• (49:28): Amber shares 10 guidelines for more successful conversations from her conversation with Poppy. 

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Follow Poppy on Instagram 

Purchase Poppy’s book “The Color of Love” 

10 guidelines for more successful conversations: 

1. Listen actively
2. Stay curious
3. Be sure to treat others with respect and courtesy 
4. Stay on topic
5. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues
6. Avoid dominance
7. Build on your shared interests 
8. Be authentic
9. Stay positive
10. Reflect on your interactions

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