We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Romanenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
One of the habits that’s really helped me succeed is consistency. Whether it’s posting content, engaging with my audience, or working on school projects, I’ve learned that showing up—even when I’m not feeling 100%—is what builds real momentum.

I also make a habit of staying organized. I rely on digital planners and content calendars to keep track of brand deals, deadlines, and goals. That structure gives me the freedom to be creative without dropping the ball.

Lastly, I’m big on reflection. I regularly review what worked and what didn’t, both in my content and in my personal growth. That habit helps me constantly improve and stay adaptable.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is storytelling—whether it’s through video, photography, or social media, I love creating moments that connect people, inspire emotion, and capture real vibes. What sets me apart is how much heart I put into everything I create. I don’t just post for the sake of content—I post to make people feel something, whether it’s joy, inspiration, or a sense of escape.

I started about four years ago, inspired by Alex Stemplewski. He not only sparked my interest in content creation but also coached me through the early days. From there, it’s been a lot of learning, evolving, and staying consistent. It definitely wasn’t easy—there were moments of burnout, comparison, and figuring out who I really was in this space. But I stayed focused on why I started and never stopped creating.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your story is your power. People connect with authenticity, and the more I leaned into being myself, the more my audience grew—and the more opportunities came my way.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on passion, curiosity, and creativity. I’m always chasing the next wave, sunset, or moment that reminds people life is beautiful. Whether I’m filming underwater, skating down the street, or sharing a raw, real-life moment—I do it with love and intention.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Gainesville for the week, I’d want to give them the full experience—starting with the best of UF life and ending with some of Florida’s most beautiful nature. We’d kick things off with brunch at the Swamp (a restaurant), then explore Depot Park and the surrounding downtown area to get a feel for the local vibe. One night, we’d definitely head to Midtown for the classic college experience—places like Social and Cantina are a must for good music, dancing, and running into half the student body. Of course, no trip to Gainesville is complete without a spring day. We’d float at Ginnie Springs or head to Blue Springs for a more chill, nature-forward vibe—crystal clear water, rope swings, and all. I’d take them to Paynes Prairie for sunset and a chance to see wild bison and horses—yes, that’s actually a thing here. On the weekend, if it’s football season, a Gator game at The Swamp is non-negotiable. The energy is unreal and there’s nothing like being surrounded by a sea of orange and blue. Throughout the week, we’d hit local favorites like Satchel’s Pizza, Boca Fiesta, and Karma Cream for vegan ice cream or coffee. Gainesville is such a fun mix of wild college energy and laid-back nature spots, and I’d make sure they experienced both to the fullest.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to Alex Stemplewski. He’s the one who really sparked my passion for content creation about four years ago. At the time, I was just getting curious about the creative world, and his work completely inspired me. Not only was he someone I looked up to, but he also became a coach and mentor who helped me grow my skills and confidence behind the camera.

His encouragement and the way he approaches storytelling had a big impact on how I see content and connect with my audience today. I’m really grateful for his guidance early on—it definitely played a major role in shaping the path I’m on now.

Instagram: anna_elysian

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