Kristen Lecos: The Influencer Who Built a Relatable, Authentic Brand from Scratch

Kristen Lecos, known on social media as @kristenlecos, has mastered the art of balancing multiple roles. Not only is she a lifestyle creator, but she is also a digital strategist and the founder of Atlanta Sunrise Creative, a boutique agency that helps businesses scale through user-generated content (UGC) and social media strategy. What sets her apart in the competitive world of content creation is her ability to blend professional-level content with a real, relatable narrative that resonates with audiences and produces meaningful results.

It all began with Balancing Pieces, Kristen’s lifestyle blog that she launched to document her personal journey. What started as a passion project has grown into a multi-platform brand that touches on lifestyle, travel, food, home projects, and modern motherhood. Unlike many creators who incorporate their children into their content, Kristen takes a different approach: she keeps her family off-camera. This decision, rooted in her commitment to privacy and online safety, has become a core part of her brand’s authenticity.

“Even as I create family-centered content, I’m fiercely protective of my family’s privacy,” says Kristen. “I believe that authenticity doesn’t require sharing every detail of your life, especially when it comes to your children’s privacy. My audience appreciates that. They connect with the real, raw moments I share, without any invasions of privacy that others might rely on for engagement.”

From Makeup Artist to Lifestyle Creator: A Natural Evolution

Kristen’s entry into digital content creation was anything but conventional. With roots in the beauty industry, specifically as a published makeup artist working with brands like NARS and participating in events like Miami Fashion Week, Kristen had a unique advantage in understanding the intersection of beauty, media, and branding. Her transition into content creation felt like a natural progression, one that allowed her to blend her passion for storytelling with her professional skills in creating polished, visually appealing media.

As her brand grew, Kristen noticed that her audience was drawn not just to beauty tips or family anecdotes, but to her ability to create lifestyle content that was both aspirational and attainable. What started as a beauty-focused platform evolved into a broader space, covering aspects of her life such as home projects, travel, food recipes, and her experiences with modern motherhood.

“I’ve always believed in the power of telling stories that are deeply personal but universally relatable,” Kristen explains. “When I share a product recommendation or a home project, I’m not just promoting something, I’m sharing a story that resonates with people who have similar experiences.”

Overcoming Challenges and Pivoting with Purpose

Kristen’s rise to success has not been without challenges. In addition to managing her growing personal brand, she has built a second business, Atlanta Sunrise Creative, which supports other brands and creators with UGC production, influencer campaign management, and social media strategy. Balancing the demands of two businesses while raising four children hasn’t been easy, but it is a challenge Kristen embraces.

Her professional journey is marked by key decisions that shaped her path. In 2019, Kristen made the strategic decision to focus on creating high-quality content for brands rather than maintaining her daily blogging routine. This move allowed her to combine her expertise in content creation with her growing passion for digital strategy. Since then, she has worked with top companies in various industries, from travel and food to wellness and retail, consistently delivering results that go beyond engagement metrics.

“Working with brands is about understanding their goals and crafting content that drives real results,” Kristen says. “It’s not just about creating beautiful pictures. It’s about creating content that influences awareness, conversions, and long-term customer loyalty.”

A Modern Approach to Family Content and Privacy

Kristen’s commitment to privacy is one of the defining features of her approach to content creation. In a digital world where influencer culture often revolves around sharing personal details, Kristen’s decision to keep her children off-camera addresses growing concerns about online safety and the preservation of family privacy. By focusing on herself and her lifestyle, Kristen has shown that it is possible to build a successful and relatable brand without compromising family boundaries.

“Privacy-forward content creation isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity,” she explains. “I’ve learned how to create content that offers a glimpse into my life without crossing personal lines. My audience knows what to expect from me: a window into my world, my thoughts, and my experiences, without any oversharing.”

Kristen’s approach has cultivated strong, trusting relationships with her audience and the brands she partners with. Her authenticity continues to set her apart in the industry, allowing her to build a reputation for delivering high-performing content that aligns with campaign goals.

Scaling Brand Partnerships Through Authenticity

Kristen’s long-term success lies in her ability to scale brand partnerships by staying true to herself. She brings a professional edge to every project while maintaining a down-to-earth, relatable voice that resonates with her audience. Her diverse content portfolio, which spans home projects, travel guides, and more, showcases her versatility as a creator and makes her a highly sought-after partner for brands across industries.

“Authenticity drives my brand’s success,” she shares. “My content isn’t about following trends; it’s about staying true to who I am. When you’re authentic with your audience, they reward you with trust and engagement.”

Kristen’s proven track record with leading brands highlights her ability to blend creative vision with strategic thinking. Brands continue to return to her because they trust her ability to deliver results, not just in terms of sales, but in building relationships that extend beyond a single campaign.

A Bright Future Ahead: Expanding Partnerships and Continuing Growth

As Kristen continues to grow her personal brand and expand Atlanta Sunrise Creative, she is looking to form more strategic partnerships with brands in the lifestyle, travel, food, home, and wellness sectors. She sees immense potential in cultivating long-term relationships that focus on both creative excellence and measurable outcomes.

“Authenticity and professionalism are at the core of everything I do,” Kristen says. “I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries, creating high-quality content, and helping brands tell stories that resonate with their audiences.”

Explore Kristen's work: Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Facebook | Website