For Ashley Costic, a communication studies major at Kent State University at Stark, creating content and connecting with audiences online has turned into a unique career opportunity.
Costic, a 2023 graduate of Wadsworth High School who lives in Green, is already building a following as a TikTok social media influencer while pursuing a degree in communication studies.
Costic chose Kent State Stark because it allowed her to stay close to home while still earning a degree from a university with a strong reputation.
“I have always known that I wanted to further my education, just without having to live on campus and in a dorm,” Costic said. “I have multiple Kent State alumni in my family, so it was one of my top choices when deciding what college I wanted to attend. Kent State Stark was the best fit because not only did I know my way around the area already, but I will complete my college education all in one place without having to live on campus.”
From First Video to Influencer
Costic’s journey into content creation began during her senior year of high school. Although she had always enjoyed being in front of a camera, taking the first step to post a video online was intimidating.
“It was scary at first but taking that first step is what led me to the success I had hoped to see all along,” she said “Because of my dream, and the motivation I had to chase it, I didn’t stop until all the hard work I had put in paid off”
As her audience grew, so did the opportunities. Today, Costic has experienced moments many aspiring creators only dream about.
“From modeling for my favorite brands, being invited to events such as Coachella and New York Fashion Week, to having the opportunity to even talk about my success in front of other students in class, I wouldn’t have any of these opportunities without my platform,” she said.
Turning Classroom Lessons into Real-World Skills
While her online presence may seem effortless, Costic says the skills she is building in the classroom are just as important as the content she posts online. Costic recently presented Influencer 101 to her Communication and Pop Culture class, taught by Lisa Waite, senior lecturer, College of Communication & Information.
“I’ve learned so much about myself when it comes to public speaking and accepting positive feedback,” Costic said. “When professor Waite asked me to share my experience and expertise, I was so excited,”
Behind the Scenes of a TikTok Video
While social media videos may appear quick and spontaneous, Costic says the process behind each post takes planning and time.
“When I’m trying to think of new video ideas on the spot, it doesn’t always work out, so when ideas come to me at random times, sometimes even in class,” she joked, “I write them down in a dedicated note in my Notes app so I can come back to them later.”
Once she has an idea, filming the video typically takes about an hour to capture all the clips she wants. Editing then takes another hour to an hour and a half.
“I’m very particular about my editing style, so I probably take more time to edit than the average content creator,” she said. “But it’s rewarding when I see the hard work I put into a video pay off and perform well.”
Being a Brand Ambassador
From the beginning, most of Costic’s videos showed her applying makeup and skin treatments. As her followers increased, brands took notice. When the contacts and contracts became overwhelming, she hired a manager.
“I appreciate having someone reputable to look after the business side of influencing,” she said. “I can focus on the videos and have a clear focus on what the brands are looking for.”
Beyond the money, Costic said she enjoys the free products, receiving as many as four PR packages per day. “I have so many products around my room that I’m often sharing them with friends.”
Advice for Future Influencers
For anyone hoping to build a following online, Costic said the key is staying dedicated and authentic.
“Quality and consistency over anything,” she said. “Just like anything else, if you put in the time and effort, you will see results. Just be yourself and bring a fun energy to the audience.”
Looking Ahead
After graduating in 2028, Costic plans to continue expanding her social media career while exploring additional opportunities in content production.
“I plan on continuing my career with social media and making as much content as I can,” she said. “With being a content creator, I fell in love with the editing process, and I hope to be able to create and edit content for other creators and businesses in the future.”
Outside of her own content, Costic also enjoys inspiring her younger siblings, Tyler Costic and Jillian Costic, by sharing her skills and expertise.
“I think that living with my siblings and them getting to see a ‘behind the scenes’ process of what really goes into it, proved to them that really anyone can do it,” she said. “As their big sister, I’ve encouraged them to start posting, guided them and shared my inside secrets with them, and of course, reposted their content.”
As she balances college life with a growing digital career, Costic continues to demonstrate how creativity, dedication and education can work hand in hand to build a successful future.