Who’s the Miami Content Creator of Soul in Stilettos?

We just keep raising the bar when it comes to which Miami content creator we feature. Let me tell you, Emilie Sobel of Soul in Stilettos did NOT disappoint. With insights into not only the industry but how she personally navigates the traitorous social media landscape, this feature is jam-packed with hacks.

How long have you been actively creating content?

I started my blog, Soul in Stilettos, in college when I was a Junior. So it’s been a little over 6 years since I started creating content online!

How long have you been in Miami?

I’m born and raised here in Miami Beach. I grew up in Bal Harbour and left to Georgia where I attended Savannah College of Art and Design. Every summer I lived in New York for work/internships and once I graduated school I made the decision to make the move back. Ever since I’ve been living in Miami and have no plans to leave, I love it here so much.

Where is your favorite place in Miami to take visiting friends?

There are SO many good places to take out of town visitors. It’s the perfect excuse to do the things you wouldn’t normally do!

My favorite spots are:

• 27 Restaurant and Bar makes for a great dinner and drinks spot.
• South Pointe Park is where I LOVE to pick up Joe’s Takeaway, then have a picnic in the park on a Sunday night around sunset. It’s the best.
• 1-800 Lucky in Wynwood is a MUST! Try to get the karaoke room and make sure to actually EAT there. The food is just as amazing as the vibes, every time friends come in from out of town, they want to go back there!
• Coyo Taco, also in Wynwood, is another spot I love. BEST tacos in town and the back bar always has great music.
• For Brunch: Nautilus Hotel on SoBe has a gorgeous outdoor patio, live music, and GREAT food! I love to bring friends to Flywheel on Saturday’s around 12:30 pm for their 60min spin class with Miss Eddy Pink, can’t forget the pre-boozy brunch.

There’s so much more and I actually have a whole documented list, feel free to message me for it 🙂

What are some of your favorite local brands/businesses that you worked with?

I feel so lucky to work in such a fun and creative industry. The majority of my friends are PR gurus, content creators, photographers, foodies, etc., so they’re all pretty much my favorite local brands and businesses. I’ve been lucky enough to work with the City of Miami Beach and recently worked with Jungle Island where I got to play with animals (OMG)!

I get to eat and enjoy some of Miami’s best food and nightlife thanks to the amazing agencies that rep these spots. Of course, this includes Menin Hospitality, Carma Connected, Workshop Collective, andAlchemy Agency just to name a few!

How can local businesses gain more exposure on social media?

Work with the RIGHT influencers. Do your research before hiring influencers with “big followings.” Instead of looking at numbers, look at their content and be sure to ask yourself these questions:

• Is their content of good quality?
• How about their audience? Is it authentic?
• Is the influencer you’re choosing professional and friendly?

If they have 200k followers and 500 likes, that might not be right. Ask for insights (that Instagram so graciously provides to anyone with a business profile).

Aside from partnering with a Miami content creator, local businesses should be posting their own content on social media frequently! If it’s a restaurant, they should be posting 7 days a week, a store should be posting 5-7 days a week! Always keep your audience engaged and excited and give them a reason to come in every day! Comment back to those commenting, respond back to your DMs and prioritize every customer, no matter how small they might be. You never know who is behind the phone or computer.

Kindness goes a LONG way.

What is your biggest challenge as a Miami content creator?

The fact that I have no control over who engages with my posts on any social platform and the ever-changing algorithms. The algorithms that’ve rolled out have been a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it has pushed me to work harder and to create amazing content that people will want to see and interact with. On the other hand, it’s made it difficult to grow unless you’re boosting your posts, posting a million times a day, etc. The rules are always changing and it’s sometimes hard to keep up with, but it’s also what makes it fun. I love a challenge.

How can a Miami content creator better engage with their audience?

It’s simple. Create nice, professional and COOL content that is unique to you and your brand and never stop sharing it! Forget about the numbers and appreciate the people who are already supporting you. Your numbers will grow. Patience is key.

Physically interacting and engaging with your audience is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Take time out of your day, whether it’s in the morning with your coffee, on your lunch break or in bed at night before you go to sleep. Engage with the people who are liking, commenting, etc. and don’t forget about other people’s content. If you give love, you will receive it back, trust me.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My parents without a doubt. Both my mom and dad work really hard, but they also prioritize their family, friends, and travel. They’ve set such great examples on how to be a good person, enjoy life to the fullest and give back to those they love and I respect that so much.

I try my best every day to use the skills they’ve taught me, whether it’s at work, at home or with friends. From the little things like keeping my apartment clean and making my bed every morning, to helping those in need and always being thankful. Those values and rules come straight from my Mom and Dad.

What do you consider your strongest skill?

I’m super organized, always have been. I pride myself on always getting my work when I’m supposed to. I love to do my check-lists for the day and won’t get up from my desk until the list is complete. The same thing for my errands or grocery list. It just helps me stay on top of my deadlines and responsibilities. It’s VERY important that people know they can count on me, and staying organized is the key to being successful at that.

What book has had the biggest impact on your life?

I highly recommend reading “25 and Selfish” by my friend Brittany Berger, it’s such an empowering read and the author is a local girl who has such an energetic and amazing personality.

Equipment & Editing

Usually, I carry a mini cell phone ring light everywhere I go and use it for nighttime or food pictures. I have a big ring light on a tripod at home that I LIVE for. It’s great for beauty pictures and it’s a great prop if I have people over because it can work as a photo booth. I also always always always carry a backup charger for my phone and accessories. The key is to never let your phone die.

Top 5 Apps

My top 5 favorite apps are:

• Facetune (no shame, we all need to edit our pictures sometimes!)
• VSCO for filters
• Story Luxe and Canva for Story Curation
• UNUM to help me curate my feed and plan it out!

Anything else you are currently working on that you would like to share?

I’m always working on something! I’m excited to be partnering up with one of my favorite jewelry brands, Rommanel, once again. I’ve worked with them before and I really love their pieces so I’m honored they want to partner up again. I’ll be hosting an event and sharing their new collection, so stay tuned to see what’s to come!

Keep up with all that Emillie does, follow all her social media!