1. Hero Snippet Block
How Do I Talk About My Awards Without Sounding Like a Jerk in the South Bay?
The Voxel Micro Video Labs Answer: Turn the trophy into a story about the people who helped you earn it — and film it like you’re chatting with a neighbor across the fence.
By Edwin Duterte (Capital Strategist) & Jennifer Wolfe (Therapist & Storyteller)
2. Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Jennifer’s Truth: Nobody likes a braggart, but everyone loves someone who’s grateful.
- Edwin’s Edge: A 60-second “thank-you reel” filmed at Voxel outperforms a 5-minute humble-brag monologue every time.
- Local Win: South Bay customers reward authenticity — mention the mentor from Rancho Palos Verdes or the client in San Pedro and watch trust skyrocket.
3. The Hook – Jennifer’s Therapist Voice
You finally won “Best of the South Bay”… and nobody cared.
You’re standing in your office holding that heavy glass trophy. You post the photo on Instagram with the caption “So honored!” …three likes. One is your mom. The other two are bots. Your stomach drops. You feel the heat crawl up your neck because deep down you’re terrified this makes you “that guy” — the one everybody rolls their eyes at during chamber mixers on 6th Street.
4. Validation
You’re not a narcissist. You just worked your ass off and nobody taught you how to celebrate out loud in a beach town that pretends it hates show-offs.
5. The Pivot
Stop polishing the trophy. Start polishing the relationships that got you there.
People in San Pedro, Torrance, and the Peninsula don’t bond over your win — they bond over the grind, the mentors, the late nights, and the favors you still owe. Give them that story and the award becomes the proof, not the point.
6. Edwin’s Technical Breakdown
How do I actually film a “thank-you reel” that feels real and not cheesy?
The Voxel Answer: One take, one chair, warm key light, and you look straight into the lens like you’re talking to the one person who believed in you first.
Here’s the dead-simple script we use with clients every week:
- “Most people think this award is about me… it’s not.”
- Name 3 real humans (bonus if they’re local) who helped.
- End with: “If you’re watching this and you’re scared to put yourself out there — call me. Coffee’s on me.”
Shoot it vertical for Reels, horizontal for YouTube. Takes 8 minutes total at Voxel.
7. Hyper-Local Proof
Real Example: The surf-shop owner on Pacific in Hermosa
Last month we filmed him holding his “South Bay’s Favorite” plaque. Instead of talking about himself, he thanked the 70-year-old shaper from Palos Verdes who still fixes dings for free and the high-school kid who sweeps the shop for $15 an hour. Posted it at 7 p.m. — 11 booking inquiries by breakfast. Same trophy photo alone got 14 likes the week before.
8. The Voxel Advantage
Here’s what changes the second you walk into Voxel Micro Video Labs on 6th & Mesa:
→ Lighting so warm you look like the friend everybody trusts
→ Soundproof walls — no more seagulls or Harleys in your mic
→ A director who reminds you to breathe and actually look human
9. Cliffhanger
Next week: “How do I get my first 100 customers to say YES on camera without paying them?”
10. Final CTA
Ready to turn your wins into stories people actually share?
Book Your Session – South Bay’s Best Kept Secret