Olivia Shalhoup: Social Media Strategist
Introduce yourself to us! What do you do in the industry? Where are you from?
I am a social media manager and digital marketing strategist! I’m based in Brooklyn, NYC currently but am from Southern California.
How did you get your start in the industry, and how long have you been in the industry?
About 4 years now?! Wow, time flies. I got my start working at a small label in Washington, DC, but I think the pivotal moment in my career was working for JarjourCo/Maverick Management, where I started in the A&R department and was given the opportunity to lean more into my interest in social media and marketing. From there, I took on as many social media projects as I could, and here I am now.
Is there anything you struggled with (or even still do struggle with) being in the industry?
I definitely struggle with imposter syndrome, especially because I started in the industry at a young age, so I’m significantly younger than most of my counterparts. There was a time when I removed my age from LinkedIn because I thought being young would make people second-guess my expertise. But I’ve learned that my work speaks for itself, and that hustle and honest results will outweigh age every time.
What is the best part of your job? Why?
Working with artists! Artists are some of the most creative and captivating people in the world, and getting to assist in their journey has been beyond rewarding. Working with artists that I’m actually a fan of has been the best part for sure.
Who are some clients you have worked with (past and current)?
My most notable clients are probably Trippie Redd, Nipsey Hussle, Bali Baby.
What do you think is the most important part of running an artist's social strategy?
PLANNING! Running successful social media campaigns requires a lot of planning, and taking notes from analytics. Being both creative and analytically minded is what I believe sets me apart.
You founded Amethyst Collab, tell us all about that!
Yes, the passion project of a lifetime! I was watching panel after panel and just didn’t see enough women being represented. I knew that the experience of women in music is very unique, so I wanted to hear that perspective. I called on a few of my own mentors, friends, and bosses to be a part of a panel that turned into so much more. We have now had guests from every single major label, some of the industry's best managers, and more. I’m really excited about how far Amethyst has come, and how far we have yet to go.
How do you manage your time, especially work in social media and branding?
I use a very detailed planner and one that I actually designed completely myself. I needed something to plan my time very specifically, so I created and printed it myself. I am super type-A in that respect. I block out my mornings for working out and stretching, and 30 minutes in the afternoon for a sunset walk. It’s hard not to spend all night working when working consists of listening to your favorite songs (which happen to be by your clients!).
Is there someone who you consider as your mentor in the industry?
So many people! Charlene Bryant, Trippie Redd’s manager who is a brilliant businesswoman and has pushed me to dive into my passions + skills. Hannah Hicks, my first boss as JarjourCo who has turned into a dear friend and someone I 100% trust with questions, industry or otherwise. Every Amethyst panelist who has gone above and beyond for me. I wish I could list 100 names!
What advice do you have for women who want to get their start in the music industry?
Don’t be afraid to just go for it! Whatever you want to do, start doing it independently. Don’t wait for the cosign of a corporation or big boss to take yourself seriously. That will all come in due time if you put the work in.
Have you ever been turned down or not taken seriously because you were a female in the industry? What did you do when put into that position?
HA! Definitely. I’ve been passed up for opportunities that have been given to men with half my experience and a third of my skills. But, I honestly let the hurt and anger that I felt in those positions fuel me. I can’t pretend it didn‘t feel like a gut punch, but in the end, it led me to find people, teams, and bosses who truly valued me and saw my potential, and wanted to see me grow. Those have been invaluable lessons.
What are some of your other hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I dance in my free time! I was part of a dance team in LA before COVID hit. Just for fun, but it really kept me sane. I also box religiously and take at least one boxing class every morning to this day.
Who is your all-time favorite artist?
Beyonce, I’m a big-time Hive
What is something you can't live without?
Is music too obvious?
Go-to Karaoke song?
Crazy in Love, of course. I got Jay’s part on lock
What are the three songs you have on repeat right now?
Trippple H (featuring Trippie Redd and D Savage) from K Suave’s new album, Me and my Guitar by A Boogie wit Da Hoodie, and Extra Sturdy by Bizzy Banks
Tea or Coffee?
Ugh, coffee, but I’m trying so hard to become a tea person. Lol
First concert you went to?
Lil Wayne! I was a real young money ride or die. I had written “Free Weezy” in my bedroom closet with a sharpie in middle school.
What’s something that you always have on you?
My AirPods!
Who is your dream artist or band to work with?
Queen Bey of course. I would love to work with more women artists in general. BIA, Koffee, and ChloexHalle to name a few of my most-wanted..
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Hovering over my computer, obsessing over editing videos and photos for socials, answering my client’s numerous Facetime calls. And I wouldn't have it any other way!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Big boss status! I want to continue building my own social media agency, and take on more/bigger clients. I would like to take on clients in the beauty/fashion space as well, I think there’s a lot of intersection between that and music. I would eventually love to be able to give jobs to women like me.
What do you hope to see done in the industry within the next few years?
MORE WOMEN IN HIGHER POSITIONS! I want to see women hired, listened to, and most importantly, promoted. I want to stop seeing men with a fraction of the necessary skills get positions over qualified women.
What are you most proud of?
My hustle. I made a lane for myself, and I’m always planning my next move. I’m not one to sit still in any circumstances, but especially that I didn't let this year slow me down.
Lastly, what saying do you live by?
If you don't see it - be it!
Socials:
Follow Amethyst Collab here.