At Social Champ, we’re always thrilled to spotlight creators who are transforming the digital space, not just with content, but with purpose. This week, we’re excited to sit down with Annie-Mai Hodge, the powerhouse behind Girl Power Marketing.
Annie’s journey is anything but traditional. From navigating personal challenges during her teenage years to creating a thriving marketing brand that now boasts over 460K followers across platforms, she’s built a name for herself by being radically honest, refreshingly relatable, and fiercely committed to accessibility in marketing.
In this candid interview, Annie opens up about her unconventional path into the industry, the real moments that sparked her growth, and how she stays true to her values in a space that often prioritizes polish over authenticity.
Whether you’re a content creator, aspiring marketer, or just someone looking for a dose of inspiration, Annie’s story is a must-read.
Let’s dive in. 👇
Tell us a bit about yourself, Annie-Mai. How did your journey as the Founder of Girl Power Marketing begin?
I launched Girl Power Marketing in 2020 with one goal in mind: to prove that you don’t need a degree, a polished CV or any kind of ‘traditional’ background to get into marketing. I entered the industry through a bit of pure luck, and a little nepotism through my mum.
After being diagnosed with anorexia in my teens, everything I’d planned for myself completely changed. I always imagined I’d go to uni and follow a more traditional path but instead, I focused on recovery, staying out of hospital and spending a couple of years pretty much rotting in bed. Eventually, my mum helped get me a job as an assistant at the digital marketing agency where she worked. It wasn’t part of the plan, but it ended up being the best thing that could’ve happened.
From there, I fell in love with marketing. I created Girl Power Marketing and started sharing tips, insights and relatable content on LinkedIn and Instagram. Eventually building a following of 460K+ across both platforms, cutting the fluff, ditching the gatekeeping, and making this industry more accessible.
Was there a specific moment or piece of content that helped you grow?
After struggling with anorexia in my late teens, it completely changed how I approach things both in life, and in business. It made me realize that no one is coming to save me. I have to back myself, make things happen, and take ownership of my own path.
There wasn’t one post that changed everything, but going to therapy and working through my core values helped me get really clear on what I care about and how I want to show up online. That’s when things started to grow, not because I was following some algorithm hack, but because I was being honest, saying what I meant, and speaking in a way that felt like me.
What type of content do you enjoy creating the most and why?
I absolutely love putting together my weekly social media updates roundup. It’s hands down my favorite piece of content to create, and that’s mainly because I know how helpful it is for people. The online space moves so quickly, and it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with every single platform update or trend.
So being able to save people time, cut through the noise, and just give them the need-to-know stuff in one place feels genuinely valuable. I often get messages from people saying it’s their go-to resource each week, which makes the effort totally worth it and then some.
How do you decide which topics, trends, or tools to focus on in your content?
When it comes to choosing what to talk about, my rule is pretty simple: if it helps people in the industry or supports my audience in any way, even in a small, everyday kind of way, then it’s worth sharing.
I’m not interested in chasing trends for the sake of it or jumping on bandwagons that don’t actually serve anyone. If a tool, update or topic can save someone time, give them clarity or just make them feel a bit more in the loop, then I’m all in. I focus on what’s genuinely helpful, rather than trying to please the algorithm, and I think that’s what keeps my content grounded and useful.
What challenges have you faced while building your personal brand and Girl Power Marketing?
One of the biggest challenges has been staying focused on my own path and not getting caught up in what everyone else is doing. It’s so easy to compare yourself or feel like you’re behind, but I’ve had to remind myself that their story is theirs, and mine is mine. I’m learning to own that more and trust myself, my pace and my journey.
How do you maintain authenticity while working with brands or promoting products?
I only work with brands I genuinely love or already use in some way. I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending something I haven’t tried myself. I also try to be as transparent as possible when people ask how it all works. There’s no need to gatekeep or be weird about it. It’s a very lucky and privileged position to be in, and I don’t take that lightly.
Which tools or platforms help you stay consistent with your content?
If I could only take three tools to a deserted island, it would absolutely be Notion, VEED and Canva, they’re integral to my workflow and make my life as a social media manager and business owner SO much easier.
And as for staying on top of the latest updates in the social world: Lia Haberman, Rachel Karten, Matt Navarra, Social Media Today and TechCrunch are the MVPs!
How do you measure success or impact as a creator?
For me, success isn’t measured by follower counts or how much money something makes. It’s more about the messages I get from people saying my content helped them feel seen, saved them time, or gave them clarity. That’s the kind of impact I care about.
If someone reads a post and feels a bit more confident, less alone, or more equipped to do their job and that means more to me than any vanity metric. I try to focus on contribution and community over chasing numbers.
One piece of advice for aspiring creators or influencers in the digital space?
Figure out what success actually means to you. It’s so easy to see other creators shouting about making six-figures and start comparing yourself, but most of it is smoke and mirrors. Take a step back, look at your core values, and ask yourself what truly makes you happy — then build your decisions around that.
For me, it’s not about money or scaling for the sake of it. It’s about contribution and community, and making a genuine difference in the industry.
What do you love doing when you’re not creating content?
Reading (currently reading ACOTAR) and going for walks with a coffee in hand are my favorite things to do, but I also like picking up random hobbies just for the fun of it. Lately that’s been things like clay building, or writing. I’m not trying to be amazing at them or turn them into something productive. It’s just nice to do things with no pressure, purely because they make me feel good.
Annie-Mai’s story is a powerful reminder that traditional credentials don’t define success or follower counts, it’s about impact, honesty, and showing up for your community.
Her approach to content is rooted in realness: sharing helpful tools, cutting through the noise, and making the marketing world feel a little less gatekept and a lot more human.
From her favorite content to create, to the tools she can’t live without, Annie offers a roadmap for aspiring creators who want to build something meaningful.
We’re grateful to Annie for sharing her journey, her insights, and her mission with us. It’s creators like her who make the digital space a better and more inclusive place for everyone.
Be sure to follow Annie-Mai and Girl Power Marketing for more marketing advice, relatable content, and weekly updates you’ll actually want to read.
Until next time, keep creating with intention. 💪
