Ice-Cream Date with Elizabeth Lip: From LA to Barcelona, The Realities of Global Content Creation

Photos Courtesy of @roemagazine

Introduction: From Los Angeles to Barcelona

Elizabeth Lip’s journey as a content creator has been as cosmopolitan as it is strategic. From the fast-paced, studio-like ecosystem of Los Angeles to the intimate, storytelling-driven world of Barcelona, she has navigated two very different influencer landscapes, and thrived in both. Sitting down with her, it became clear that her perspective is shaped not just by geography, but by a deep understanding of audience psychology, brand dynamics, and the realities of building a career that straddles continents.

“Los Angeles feels like an established creator ecosystem,” Elizabeth explains. “There’s a decade of precedent, managers, agencies, and an expectation to produce content almost like a studio. Brands move fast, collaborations are transactional, and polished results are expected yesterday.”

Barcelona, by contrast, operates differently. Growth is slower but deeper. Audiences respond less to performance metrics and more to authenticity, intimacy, and narrative consistency. Elizabeth recalls a viral moment that perfectly illustrated this difference: a casual price-comparison video she filmed with a visiting friend from LA. “Overnight we had over a million views, and the debates in comments were heated. I loved it, it was the perfect way to bridge my two favorite cities.”

Even though Barcelona can feel less “influencer-friendly” than LA, the city has opened doors that shaped her career in unexpected ways. From presenting luxury properties for Estate Barcelona’s YouTube channel to exploring partnerships with private jet companies like Mirai Flights, and potential collaborations with Bombardier. Elizabeth has leveraged her location for opportunities that go beyond traditional content creation.

Brand Dynamics: Numbers vs. Relationships

The same piece of content can be interpreted very differently depending on the audience. Elizabeth has observed a marked contrast in how brands approach collaborations in the U.S. and Europe.

“In LA and NYC, brands look at engagement first; comments, storytelling, shares, aesthetics. They care about whether you’re a good fit culturally, not just your follower count,” she says. “In Europe, especially in cities like Barcelona, brands still often equate large numbers with conversion. They don’t always recognize the behind-the-scenes work; planning, editing, distribution, that goes into content creation. And sometimes, the offers are barter-based with unrealistic deliverables.”

Her approach is proactive. Elizabeth educates brands about the true value of influencer work, explaining that results may not always be immediate, but strategic, consistent campaigns bring long-term impact. “Your reach, your analytics, your engagement, those are the real entry tickets,” she notes.

Her experience spans collaborations with both tech and fashion brands, including Flo, the world’s most downloaded women’s health tracker, and MC2 Saint Barth. “The conversation starts with aesthetics, shared values, and long-term alignment. It’s less about raw statistics and more about whether we feel like a good cultural match,” Elizabeth explains.

Audience Nuances: Bilingual in Culture, Psychology, and Engagement

Elizabeth’s approach is informed by her global perspective. Having lived in over 12 countries, including seven years in London and three in LA, she has learned to “be bilingual” not just in languages but in audience psychology.

“Content that lands in Los Angeles might feel too direct in Barcelona, while something nuanced in Europe might get lost in the U.S. scroll,” she says. Her followers are concentrated in Los Angeles, Barcelona, and London, a triangle of influence that she has cultivated strategically. This dual perspective allows her to build cross-Atlantic communities and navigate different engagement styles.

U.S. audiences are enthusiastic and fast-acting, they click, buy, and share. European audiences take a slower, more conversational approach, saving content for later, asking questions, and considering recommendations carefully. Elizabeth has learned to tailor her content for both, building narratives that resonate locally while still appealing globally.

Professional Identity: The Creator as Entrepreneur

Elizabeth is keenly aware that being an influencer today is about far more than posting content. “Especially early on, you have to become an agent of yourself. You’re the creator, operational manager, accountant, editor, agent, all in one,” she says. This holistic view of the influencer’s role reflects a broader truth: successful creators are, in essence, running startups.

In Barcelona, Elizabeth has leveraged this entrepreneurial mindset beyond social media. She has served as a press-accredited influencer at the America’s Cup, built partnerships with luxury brands, and been invited into mentorship programs like Soho House’s RoutesIn initiative, roles that recognize her ability to guide and inspire younger creators.

Growth Lessons Across Continents

Elizabeth emphasizes that influencer growth cannot be approached with a one-size-fits-all strategy. “A Reel filmed in my Barcelona apartment can go viral in Los Angeles, Dubai, or even a small town in Brazil overnight. The key is understanding your audience and respecting regional differences,” she explains.

Her advice to aspiring international creators is clear: respect cultural nuances, stay consistent, and always approach growth with a global mindset. The influencer industry rewards those who are both creative and strategic, capable of adapting content while maintaining authenticity.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Performance and Storytelling

Elizabeth Lip’s transatlantic career highlights the evolving realities of influencer work. The U.S. market prioritizes relationships, fit, and engagement quality; European markets often emphasize metrics and reach. Success in this space requires more than creativity, it demands business acumen, cultural fluency, and strategic vision.

For Elizabeth, content is both an art and a business. By bridging the Los Angeles and Barcelona ecosystems, she has created a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both markets while staying true to her voice. Her story is a blueprint for influencers seeking to navigate international audiences without sacrificing authenticity or depth.

Writer’s Note: by Sophia

Talking with Elizabeth was a masterclass in understanding how geography, culture, and market expectations shape a creator’s journey. Her experience underscores an important lesson for the next generation of influencers: success is not only about virality or follower count, it’s about understanding your audience, creating meaningful content, and navigating the business side of influence with intelligence and integrity.

Elizabeth exemplifies how international perspective, adaptability, and strategic thinking can turn social media presence into a sustainable career. Her story is a reminder of why we celebrate creators who combine creativity with entrepreneurship, artistry with analytics, and storytelling with strategy. Her journey is a roadmap for building influence across borders, proving that with intention and vision, the world truly can be your stage.