Cambodia Investment Review
In Episode 130 of the Rising Giants podcast, Raksa Neth, one of Cambodia’s leading content creators and fashion models, delves into her career journey and the dynamic landscape of influencer marketing in Southeast Asia. Raksa, who also serves as a digital marketer at Seekers Spirits, has recently expanded her career into the Philippines, bringing a fresh perspective to the region’s content creation industry.
Raksa’s journey began unexpectedly during a university project in the Philippines. Without any specific goals or experience in the industry, she was invited to participate in a fashion photoshoot. “It started very organically from there,” Raksa explained. “I moved from a hobby into more of a full-time role driven by rejection and turning negativities into positives. Learning how to handle ‘no’s’ is very important in the industry.”
Changes In The Digital Content Creator Sector
Over the past five years, Raksa has witnessed significant changes in the digital content creator sector. “The industry has become more open-minded and professional. There are role models who have guided me under the mantra: dream big, believe it, and you can achieve it,” she said. Raksa emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience, noting that these qualities have been crucial in her career development.
Addressing common misconceptions about her industry, Raksa highlighted that being a model and content creator involves much more than just physical appearance. “Being a model and content creator is not just about being pretty. It requires performance skills, long hours, and hard work,” she said. “You have to manage content editing, sales, and client relationships yourself. I prefer working independently rather than through an agency to maintain my perfectionist standards.” This hands-on approach allows her to maintain control over her brand and ensure that all aspects of her work meet her high standards.
Raksa’s typical schedule varies significantly between her experiences in Cambodia and the Philippines. “In Cambodia, I worked as both a freelance model and digital marketer, which required a lot of planning. In Manila, I decided to expand my career partly because my partner returned there,” she said. Raksa noted the differences between the two countries, mentioning the larger market and economy in Manila, which offers more opportunities but also presents challenges like traffic and cultural adjustments. “The market in Manila is much bigger than Phnom Penh, with many more brands to work with. However, the traffic is on another level, and I miss Cambodian food a lot,” she added.
Importance Of Both Online & Offline Interactions
Discussing her approach to client engagement, Raksa emphasized the importance of both online and offline interactions. “It’s a combination of meeting people in person and showcasing my portfolio on social media channels like Instagram,” she said. Raksa believes that personal connections are crucial for building long-term relationships with clients. “Meeting people face-to-face helps establish trust and credibility, which are essential in this industry,” she explained.
Raksa acknowledged that leaving Cambodia for the Philippines was a difficult decision. “It’s been my hardest challenge so far, but I see it as an opportunity to grow and try new things,” she said. “Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial in any industry. The younger generation looks up to us as role models, and it’s rewarding to see their creativity and willingness to be different.” Raksa added that the move has pushed her out of her comfort zone, especially when it comes to conversing in English and adjusting to a new cultural environment.
Dream Big & Believe In Your Dreams
Reflecting on her journey, Raksa noted that she initially focused on Fashion modeling before transitioning to digital content creation. “Over time, I gained experience in various industries like real estate, F&B, and cosmetics. Understanding how they operate and building long-term relationships with clients has been very important,” she said. Raksa’s ability to adapt and learn from different industries has been a key factor in her success. “Most of the time, the people I work with are amazing, and I’ve learned a lot about communication and passion,” she added.
Raksa shared some personal habits that keep her grounded, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and drawing motivation from her family and partner. “Getting up and moving is crucial for me. I also listen to podcasts related to the fashion and digital marketing industries,” she said. Raksa finds inspiration in these podcasts, which help her stay updated on industry trends and best practices. She likened her experience to Anne Hathaway’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada,” highlighting the importance of perseverance in overcoming a lack of experience. “Like Anne Hathaway’s character, I started with little experience but worked hard to prove myself,” she said.
In closing, Raksa offered advice to aspiring content creators: “Dream big, and believe in your dreams. Bit by bit, you can achieve them.” Raksa’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief in the ever-evolving world of digital content creation. Her story is an inspiration for those looking to carve out a successful career in this dynamic and challenging industry.
