In this episode of More to Say, host Amber Venz Box sits down with Dani Austin — digital creator, community builder, and founder of Divi, the haircare brand that started with one scalp serum and grew into a multi-million-dollar line now sold at Ulta nationwide.

Dani shares how she went from secretly filming “Things I Wish a Sister Taught Me” in her dorm to building an audience of 2.5M+ followers, opening up about the vulnerability that built her community, sharing hair loss struggles, and turning personal hardship into product innovation. She and Amber talk candidly about monetizing early, launching a hero product, turning “haters” into valuable feedback, balancing motherhood and business, and what’s next for Divi.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just curious how a dorm-room vlog became an 8-figure brand — Dani’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

WE DISCUSS:

• (00:16): Filming her first YouTube videos in secret.
• (01:39): How LTK gave her control and built audience trust.
• (04:20): Using vulnerability to deepen connections.
• (11:49): Creating Divi’s first scalp serum from DIY to best-seller.
• (14:40): Saying no to bad deals early on.
• (15:39): Growing Divi from one SKU to a community-led brand.
• (18:51): Turning harsh reviews into product improvements.
• (34:21): Focusing on audience depth before virality.
• (36:00): Why LTK is still core to her business.
• (43:35): Putting “trashy” family moments before work.

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Follow and shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow and shop Dani’s LTK

Follow Dani on TikTok

Follow Dani on Instagram

Connect with Dani on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Follow and shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow and shop Julia’s LTK

Follow Julia on TikTok

Follow Julia on Instagram

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Julia on YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Follow and shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Follow and shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow and shop Tezza's LTK

Follow Tezza on TikTok

Follow Tezza on Instagram

Connect with Tezza on LinkedIn

Download the Tezza App

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Follow and shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow and shop Kate’s LTK

Follow Kate on TikTok

Follow Kate on Instagram

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Kate on YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow Shelley on Instagram

Connect with Shelley on LinkedIn

Follow The Female Quotient on Instagram

Follow The Female Quotient on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?”

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?” 

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow Shea on Instagram

Shop Shea's LTK

Follow SAME on Instagram

Shop SAME

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?” 

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Shop Natalie’s LTK

Shop Jenee’s LTK

Shop Paola’s LTK

Follow Natalie on Instagram

Follow Jenee on Instagram 

Follow Paola on Instagram 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

LTK for Creators

LTK for Brands

Learn more about More To Say

Watch on YouTube

Shop Amber's LTK

Follow Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn

Follow Lauryn on Instagram

Follow Michael on Instagram

Shop Lauryn’s LTK

Shop The Skinny Confidential

Follow the Him & Her Show

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.