In this video, I’m sharing what it was like being invited on a panel to talk about content creation in a very honest, casual way—especially the part people always ask me about: how to actually make money as a content creator without losing yourself in the process. I take you back to how I started in 2020, when I was at home during that season and decided to finally stop saying “I’ll start a YouTube channel” and just do it. I filmed my first video in front of my bedroom door, and I even laugh about how I kept checking my views only to realize I was the one rewatching my own video. I break down the real ways I’ve monetized my content over the last five years: getting paid by YouTube through ads, brand partnerships across YouTube/Instagram/TikTok, and the less-obvious opportunities like being hired to create content for events and exhibitions in real time. I also talk about how my background in communications and marketing gave me an edge—because understanding your audience, your “brand persona,” and staying aligned with who you are is what makes partnerships work. My biggest takeaway is simple: your people always know you. So the money comes easier when the brand fits who I am, I keep it authentic, and I use storytelling and value (education, entertainment, inspiration) instead of forcing a hard sell.