Hi everyone! My name is Danna Rapoport, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Creative and Cultural Industries. This semester, I got the opportunity to intern as a Social Media and Marketing Intern for Lavender and Truffles, a cute little ice cream brand boutique located in Venice Beach, California. It was hands down one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far, and I’m excited to share what I have learned!

Like most students, I wasn’t sure where to start when it came to finding an internship. I wanted something creative and hands-on, so I turned to LinkedIn. After scrolling for what felt like years, Lavender and Truffles caught my eye. Their social media presence was so fun and colorful, it felt like a perfect fit for me. I applied and interviewed, and when I got the offer, I couldn’t wait to start.

Outside of the storefront

My main role was helping to grow their social media presence on Instagram and TikTok. This role included creating daily posts, brainstorming ideas for new content, and helping organize content days. I also got to help track analytics to see what was working and what wasn’t, which helped me adjust strategies and improve engagement.

Inside a Lavender and Truffles Pop up

One of my favorite projects was a mini social media campaign for a new seasonal gift set launch. I developed post ideas, pitched them to my supervisor, and saw my content come to life. Watching it perform well and seeing the team’s excitement over my work was so rewarding. Another incredible moment was being asked to edit a TikTok video, something I had never done before. I spent time learning how to cut and clip everything together, and it turned out so much better than I expected!

I never realized how much my communication classes would come in handy during this internship. In my Group Communication class, I learned about how to work well in a team setting, which sounds very vague, but the entire semester of the class has helped me learn how to communicate better in a team while also keeping up my confidence in sharing my ideas. I also used what I learned about branding and tone to ensure captions fit the company’s playful and lighthearted vibe.

The biggest lesson I learned, though, was that social media is so much more than just pretty, aesthetic photos and videos. There’s a ton of strategy and planning that goes into each post. Tracking analytics, brainstorming campaigns, and adjusting content based on what works made me realize how much I enjoy this balance of creativity and strategy.

Lavender and Truffles

This internship helped me in so many ways. It gave me the confidence to share my ideas, try new things (like video editing), and really take ownership of my work. I also loved the collaborative environment. The team at Lavender and Truffles was small but super supportive, and I felt like they genuinely valued my contributions.

If you’re interested in social media or marketing, I highly recommend interning at Lavender and Truffles. It’s the perfect mix of creative freedom and professional experience. Plus, the free ice cream doesn’t hurt! My advice is to go for it, even if you’re nervous. Apply to internships that excite you, speak up in meetings, and don’t be afraid to learn as you go, that’s how you grow.

This internship confirmed for me that social media marketing is something I want to pursue in my career. I’m so grateful for the experience and can’t wait to see where this path takes me next!