Life & Work with Wu Russell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wu Russell.

Hi Wu, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. When I turned 18, I became a flight attendant for my country’s number 1 airline and was given the opportunity to expand my horizons. I realized I loved taking pictures of everything while I was traveling, and that made me fall in love with photography. That then led me to really get into editing and connecting myself to the world through social media. Since then, I have not stopped sharing my passion.

My life truly changed when I became a mother. I didn’t want to miss a thing in my child’s life, while still being able to be creative and share my passion with the world. I then moved to Colorado, USA. This move led me to work hard to become a content creator. I now use these ‘hobbies’ to create income, by creating my own presets, teaching people how to optimize growth on social media, and even becoming a social media manager, influencer, and brand ambassador.

I’ve been able to turn my passion for creating content into a lifestyle, and it has allowed me to work with many brands in Indonesia, the United States, and other countries. The things that I love are reflected in the content I create and I hope they can inspire and motivate people to do the things they love as well.

I came along the way from home, not just to try to find a better future, but also to find a better version of myself, doing something different, but also something I am really passionate about.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, God no. It’s more than a roller coaster I would say. Back in the day, when I started my journey as a content creator, people always doubted me. They don’t even want to ask what exactly I do. Because it’s true, it’s kinda complicated, we are not just a photographer, not just a writer, or editors, and we even need to be our own models. People are not really interested in even talking about it. It was never considered a job.

One day, I get a chance to be featured in one of the Apple/iPhone commercials in 2019 for their new campaign called ‘Apple Trade In’, and people started to believe that you can be successful as a content creator and working in the social media industry.

Fact, I hate the term ‘an influencer’ but, actually lot of people told me, I inspire them and I am a good influence to them. So I started to gain not just followers but a community. That always supports me. I remember the first time I was able to monetize my Instagram, I bought a car because of the money I monetized from my content. And, I’ve got the appreciation I need from my followers/community.

That was a long journey, but I am glad I could be here, and still doing the thing that I love.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over my career, I’ve had multiple jobs in a number of different industries, ranging from flight attendant for my country’s number 1 airline, to scuba diving boat crew in some of the most beautiful places in Indonesia, to social media consultant for up-and-coming companies in Indonesia as well as brand ambassador for quality brands here in the U.S. I am passionate about sharing not only amazing products with the world but also trying new things and sharing my experience in the social media industry also my unique perspective and personality! But I do really hate the term ‘influencer’ haha.

On top of that, I also teach people how to grow their social media, especially Instagram, by creating an online course, and teaching them about updated features, like Reels, etc. Because I’ve got a lot of questions people ask about my social media journey or story. But I always remember, ‘if you’re good at something, never do it for free. So yeah, I survived with that.

I am most proud of the fact that I am a risk-taker and never scared of being failed. So, I keep going and going, and I always believe in myself. Even though sometimes I am scared, I would still do it.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity! Genuine. Just be real!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wulanrussell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wulanrussell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wulanrussell/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wulanrussell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/wulanrussell

Image Credits
David Conti