An Honest Look at the Life of an Influencer - TikTok star Alexis Winters

If you've wondered what it's like to go viral overnight, Alexis has the story for you! This episode Sofia sits down with childhood friend, TikTok star and Instagram Queen Alexis Winters. This episode is full of tips for growing on TikTok, what it's like to create content for brands, collaborating with content creators, and how to not compare yourself to others on social media.

CONNECT WITH US:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/allthethingsthepod/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/allthethingsthepod
WEBSITE: https://www.allthethingstheblog.com

LEXI'S LINKS:
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexiiwiinters17?lang=en
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lexiiwiinters/
NEO FINANCIAL LINK: https://card.neofinancial.com/neo-card-dv?ip_dv=25&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=whiterabbit_social&utm_content=profile&utm_term=lexiiwiinters&nf_cv=N3L2W7A8

Transcript

Sofia Merlo  0:04 
Hello everyone and thank you for tuning in to all the things podcast if you're new here, I'm your host, Sofia Merlo. If you're not new here, welcome back. Thank you for coming back. You're always welcome here. This episode goes up just after American Thanksgiving. So for all my US listeners, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend, hope you got to spend time with your friends, your family had some good meals. And then it was also of course, a Black Friday shopping. This is just a reminder that listening to this podcast is always free. So no matter how great any deals were, I hope you found some good online shopping. But this is always going to be free for you guys, and you can listen to it while you're shopping. But onto this week's guest, and that is Alexis winters. I'm so excited that she was able to come on the podcast, we grew up together, we danced together for years and years and years. So the fact that we were able to reconnect and talk about our adult lives together and our passion projects and for social media career and just life in general, was so nice. We had a long chat off air and then of course recorded this episode for all of you to enjoy. If you're coming over from Alexis channels, or Lexi's channels, hello, welcome. I hope you enjoy this episode, feel free to check out all of our other episodes we have 25 out so there's something for everyone. If you don't know who Alexis is, or this is the first time you're hearing of her, then you're seriously missing out all of her links will be in the show notes. As I remind you guys another plug for five-star reviews, much appreciated. But seriously, you guys, she has great content. She's gorgeous. She's funny, you'll get to know a bit more about her in this episode. She's also extremely kind and just a great person to know and a great friend. So I'm really excited for her to show more of her personality and for even her true longtime followers to just get to know her a bit better. It's so hard to have someone's full personality come through on the screen she does a really good job of being authentic and showing different parts of her life, not just her in a gorgeous outfit and hair and makeup done. Of course, we all want to see that too but really to get to know her as a person is great. So I hope that you guys enjoy this episode learn a bit more about Alexis learn a bit more about me and the podcast. And without further ado, here is all the things with Alexa winters.

Thank you everyone for tuning in to another episode of the all the things Podcast. Today. I'm so excited because I am joined with a hometown honey Alexis winters. You guys probably know her on Instagram and Tiktok Lexii wiinters we'll get into everything in just a sec. But Alexis, before we get into your social media startup, like what the hell you've come so far. For my listeners, I'm sure they know who you are. But if they're not familiar with you, can you just tell them a little bit about yourself some background info?

Alexis  3:08 
Yes, girl. Well, thank you for having me. This is crazy for all of Sofia's listeners like this is so nostalgic me and Sofia used to dance together back in our hometown. So a little bit about me. I am currently 20 years old. I'm turning 21 in like a week, which is so crazy. I'm like That's insane. Okay, love it. And so I grew up in trail with Sofia me and her used to dance together for like, oh my gosh, I don't even know like friggin 10 plus

Sofia  3:34  
years, like I was gonna say at least like 10 years.

Alexis 3:37  
Yeah. So me as we grew up together, and I eventually once I graduated high school, I decided to move to Calgary, Alberta and kind of start my life here. And so for the past three years, I've been just working, I was going to school, I went to school and got my diploma in travel and tourism. And now I'm working in travel in tourism, but I'm also doing influencing on the side. And so yeah, I kind of got my start with tiktok and I'm sure we'll get into that in a little bit. But that's like a little bit about me limited the big city. Yeah, so I'm excited. I'm so excited to be here. I frickin can't wait.

Sofia  4:11  
No, I'm so excited to have you on. And of course you guys can't hear it. But we did catch up a little bit off air, which was nice. I really want to dive into the questions really about like social media, because just knowing you personally, I think this is so fitting, you just have such a nice way about yourself where I think it's easy to connect with people and reach a broad range of people. But then people also just see you through a screen so they might not know you as well, obviously. So this is a nice way for people and from your audience to like, have a bit more insight. Just get to know your personality. Like this is still relatively new for you to like the influencing world and getting a following on social media platforms. Was there a moment where you're like, holy shit, things are starting to pick up or became a bit more serious than just how Having fun and posting content.

Alexis  5:02  
Absolutely. So everything kind of picks up. So I started posting on TikTok  back in 2019 around my birthday. So around this month, actually, so this will be kind of two years that I've been taking influencing as more serious and kind of like, trying to make my dreams I guess, like, come alive. And so I started TikTok in 2019, like I mentioned, but that's like one thing started blowing up. So I would just like make a couple random videos just like trending videos that I'd see on my 40 page that I was like, oh, that's kind of fun. Like, I like that skit, like might as well like, do it as well. And one day I like made this Tik Tok with a song Under young Ma. And right after that happened, I like posted it. I was like, Okay, I'm not gonna get like anything crazy. Like, I just I didn't think that that would happen. And then I woke up the next morning and I had 14,000 followers on Tik Tok. And I was like, um, what?

Sofia 5:56  
Oh, my God.

Alexis  5:58  
I know, I was like, what just happened. So once that happened, I was like, Okay, this is my ticket. And this is my time to start taking this actually, seriously, if I want this to be something that is a part of my future, like, I can't just post this one video, get all this traction, and then like, let it fall off. So I started just like posting like three times a day, and I just really started taking it seriously. And then around. About January, I had about three videos kind of go viral. So within like November to January, like that was kind of like a very crucial period. And like, I guess, like my Tiktok career. And so I ended up getting reached out by like a bunch of random companies and a bunch of like, agencies that were trying to like, sign me because they could see the potential that was going on. But that was scary for me, because I personally at the time, I was only like 19. And I didn't know much about contracts. And I was nervous to like sign with an agency because I didn't, I've heard so many horror stories about like, going with an agency and getting like them stealing your money or just like really being detrimental for like your career. And so that made me really, really, really nervous. But I and then in March, I ended up getting in a relationship. And that relationship really took a lot of control over my social media, like he wouldn't let me wear certain things on the internet, I wasn't allowed to post certain types of content and stuff like that. So that kind of took a downfall through my content. And that I realized, like, did end up hurting my career like a little bit, because I could have grown a lot faster. But it also was a good life experience period. So it was like this kind of sucks, because this is a little bit detrimental. But on the other side, it was like, this is exciting. And I'm learning different stuff. But yeah, like now I find that I'm back in a groove where like I'm comfortable again. And I'm like excited to make content I have like creative juices are flowing. Like before, I feel like it wasn't happening. So it just feels really good to be like back in a groove and busy again and excited to be doing this. So yeah, that's kind of like my little like, start to talk origins

Sofia 7:54  
story. Yeah, well, a couple things. First, I think that's really fucking smart that you saw an opportunity, I think a lot of people will just see if they have the chance of a viral video or something getting some traction, be like, Oh, that's cool. And then just like you said, Let it die out. And yeah, if anyone listening is trying to build a brand or gain a following, it's really fucking hard to build an organic following. It's so easy to spot. People have like, bought accounts, fake followers, that means nothing. So to have that organic traction is huge. So you recognize that, but then also, I don't think this is talked about enough. But one thing I see as like my nine to five is actually reaching out to some influencers, and different like trying to get content from influencers and whatnot. And it's so hard. Luckily, we don't have any crazy contracts. We just do a lot of gifted campaigns. But there's some out there that can really screw over the influencer. And I think it's one of those things that it seems really exciting. And for a lot of people it could be their dream to work with a company or start getting some traction for collaborations and whatnot. And he just see everything through rose colored glasses. So the fact that you realize that so early on, I think you did yourself a huge favor. And third off, fuck that guy. That's all we're gonna say about that. But we're out of it. Now. We're thriving. You're thriving.

Alexis  9:19  
Thank you. And I appreciate that. Because yeah, it is scary. And that's another thing. Like, I'm glad you brought that up. Because a lot of people will just be like, oh, like, Yeah, I'll sign every deal. I like take every little free thing that comes my way. But like unless it fits your brand, that's very detrimental. Because those people that follow you follow you for a reason and they follow you because they trust you or because they have interest in the things that you like, and if you're just out there throwing shit out there for money because you're like, Wow, that's a nice brand deal or like, oh, like Yeah, I really want that free thing. It's like in the long run it's not good because if that actually doesn't mean anything to you people can spot the fact that you're just posting because of money. People can tell if you're like not actually involved or like connected with that thing that you You're promoting because once you put your name on something, your names on something. So it's your name and that whatever company you're promoting, so you need to make sure that it is something that aligns with you in the long run for sure.

Sofia 10:10  
No, exactly. And your audience, not your audience. But the audience in general, is a lot smarter than I think some people give them credit for. And maybe not at first, but it's easy to spot if something's genuine or not. And then you're like you said, you're only going to hurt yourself. And it's I think timing is a big thing. I said this earlier as we were talking, but letting things happen organically. And that's not to say sit back and wait for everyone to come to you. But to seek out those collaborations that makes sense. And again, that you feel comfortable backing is huge.

Alexis 10:41  
Yeah, it is. And it's like, I think that's a genuine thing that anybody that wants to get into this kind of industry just needs to really genuinely like think about and be like, okay, like, I got to pay attention to that and make sure I'm not just like signing things for money, because yeah, everybody wants that money.

Sofia 10:55  
Yeah, of course, get your bad girl, but be smart about it.

Alexis  10:59  
Why exactly, exactly.

Sofia  11:01  
Well, that kind of leads me into my next question. And that this is also like, behind the scenes stuff of like talking about contracts and what goes into these collaborations. But we said this a bit off air as well, when people see the final form, whether that's a TikTok video, or an Instagram post, whatever it is, they see a quick clip of your life. And they're like, Oh, that looks so fun. That looks so glamorous, I want to do that. But they don't realize all the backend stuff that really goes in, well, what are a couple things or one thing that people would be surprised to know that goes into making online content.

Alexis  11:36  
So I feel like people they think that like just because you have a following a company, I'll reach out to you and they'll be like, I want you to post this about this. And like that's it, that's just not the case. It's, especially if it's a large campaign, most of the times like you're going back and forth, you're negotiating your rates, because at the end of the day, this is a job so and a lot of large companies don't realize the value that influencers actually have and the business that they can bring. Because influencers The reason why is such a huge part of marketing is because influencer marketing is so trusted. Whereas like, if you're reaching out to an influencer, to get them to promote your stuff, majority of the time, at least 50% To like, oh, well, I don't know what the actual ratio is. But like at least 50% of those followers that those people have, as long as they're not bought followers, which is like a lot of the world is But and so that's something you have to be cautious of as well. But anyways, as long as it's not bought followers, like that percentage of people is gonna be brought over to your site, because they trust that person's opinion. So not only is it just that you have to negotiate the rates, because we're actually valuable in a lot of big companies, like I mentioned before, like, they will devalue you and just be like, Okay, here's $100, and they want you to make this glamorous content, that's amazing. It's like, no, because it's spending $100 to get the supplies that I need to do the video and the shoot that you want for me. Therefore, I'm not actually making any money, I'm making less money than even doing this collaboration with you, which in the long run can be great because some businesses have a large following that you can obviously get exposure to, which is amazing, but at the same time, it's not always worth your time and your actual money like you're spending costs, you're not just always making it. So that's something that I feel like a lot of people don't realize, and they don't realize that like just the one little snippet that they see on the internet like that had to get sent back and forth from the company through your management or if it's just you and the company, like it's just you and the client, like there's deliverables that get sent back and forth. And if they don't like it, then there you are, you're spending another five hours of your time figuring out what kind of content they will appreciate and what they like. And that's a very time consuming and I don't think people realize that and it's just you have to be very strategic. It's literally like you're in sales except you're you're you're the product you are exactly like you're the product or you're technically the service if like let's say you're doing like if you're a makeup artist but you're a makeup influencer then you're a service so like it's just it's freaking crazy but it's so exciting and it's so neat but I just do think that influencers they deserve a lot more credit than they are given than just being like coming out at the end of the day with like a nice picture. It's like there's a lot that goes on behind that that people really don't understand.

Sofia 14:13  
I'm glad you brought up to the cost of actually making content because I think it's so hard to make going back to like some of our dance training for like ballet and stuff. It's so hard to make something look effortless and that's the same with a photo you might look fresh faced and that your hairs perfectly fallen and like whatever but there was hours of like makeup to get the lighting right like styling your hair to look a certain specific and like you said approved way by whatever company to that. There's a lot of funds just going in to get that photo and even going back to Tik Tok. I of course have like a growing community that's still small and intimate, but even just making like quick reels and stuff, literally a five to 15 Second Reel can take me like half an hour to get The timing right or something doesn't match up. But people only see those 15 seconds like Max, and they think they can just hold up the phone and do it.

Alexis  15:08  
Exactly. And it's like 100%. But you also have to be entertaining, you have to be engaging, you have to be relatable. You have to be smart, like, yeah, it's a 15 second video, but you have to be smart about what you're posting and like who your audience is, you need to pay attention to that stuff. And I feel like, like, for me, like, I did just get lucky. Like, I woke up one day, and my video was viral. And that was lucky as fuck, but the fact that I was able to, like, continue to go with it. That's the part that takes the hard work. It's not, it's like, yeah, the algorithm favors me one day, fuck yeah, but like, if I want to actually do anything with this, I have to keep going. Otherwise, I'm just gonna fall off because especially like after COVID, um, the influencing market is so saturated. And I'm not saying that in a bad way. It's just, there's so many people that see what you can make off of this. And like how you can actually turn this into a career. And there's so many people now that like, are joining in, and it's just making everything really concentrated. So nowadays, it's a lot harder to just like, pop off of nothing. type thing. Like, it's just a lot more difficult because there's just so many creators and you have to be a little bit more unique than you normally would have had to but Tiktokis magic, you the fact that you can just go viral over like nothing. It's just,

Sofia  16:17  
it's crazy. No TikTok is I think one of the best ways to grow as a, like creator or influencer, whatever you want your online presence to be. But I think it's a mix to have luck. But then also understanding what content does well, and you like, a random video can blow up. But yeah, most of the time, there's something behind it, that people like that's gonna make it blow up to.

Alexis  16:39  
Exactly and that's like what you have to like, try to evaluate and figure out and at the same time, like when I first started, I was jumping in the different waters and kind of figuring out like, what actually works. So I would try skits, I try like thirst traps, I do like acting videos. I do like funny skits. I do talking videos, I cooking things, like you just kind of need to test the waters and figure out what your audience actually enjoys, especially after just randomly going viral if you need to figure out like, oh, what next thing? Are my followers gonna actually be intrigued by or from that video that you posted? Like, Was I being funny? Is that what entertain people? Was it because I look cute? Like, I don't know, it's just like, you have to pay attention to that and kind of thrive and mix your personality into there, which is hard. And that's why I'm glad you have me on here today. Because I'm like, this gives me an opportunity to show off my personality and like intelligence instead of just people like looking at a picture and be like, okay, like, yeah, okay, she's cute, but like, boring. You know what I mean? So there's,

Sofia  17:36  
there's a lot more there.

Alexis  17:38  
Yeah, I'm like, I'm not just cute or like,

Sofia  17:42  
you have any tips? We kind of touched on them like throughout this, but for someone who maybe follows you and they're wanting to do something similar in their own niche? Do you have tips for them to help building that engaged online community? I think you have really good engagement. And that speaks to knowing your audience. But also, I don't know if there's like, tips that you've picked up along the way to share.

Alexis 18:04  
Yeah, so that's a really good question. Because, yeah, I'm with Tik Tok, specifically, because that's just kind of like how I started my grow. So like, I'll just talk about that first, I guess. Um, when I first started, I like realized that that video, like went viral was a great fun. But after that, I started posting three times a day for literally, like, six fucking months, like, it was like,

Sofia  18:25  
oh, for people who don't realize that's a lot of work to be that consistent.

Alexis  18:30  
It's crazy. And at the time, I was a full time student and I had a job at the same time. So it was just like, in any spare moment of my time I was doing that. But it was also something that I like, because now I can go back, like, even in five years, like, I can go back and look at these videos and be like, Oh, little baby legs, like little cutie, like, you know, it's stuff like that, that I do think, is kind of cute. And it's fun. But yeah, it was it was really hard, like you have to and it's all you can just be throwing out garbage content like you can. And you can just do that. But at the same time, it's not going to grow that organic, like fan base, or not fan base, but like supporter and like good community that you want. It's just gonna attract viewers, which is not at the end of the day, companies like that. But at the end of the day, if there's not people actually like checking out what you're promoting or actually engaging with this thing that you're posting, like, it's not really worth it. So, again, you just have to be strategic. And with Instagram. My biggest tip is like 15 minutes before you post a photo. You need to be engaging with the community, you need to be engaging with Instagram, you need to be messaging people, whether it's your liking, like DMS that you've already received, or like anything of that nature, you need to be engaging, and then you post your photo and 15 minutes after you also need to be engaging, engaging with comments. You need to be liking other people's photos just on your feed like you just and that's how the algorithm will push you because they're like, oh, they like Instagram. And they're also using it as our platform that we appreciate. And they're even afterwards they're still using it like but okay, boom. So they're like promote yourself which is a lot better than just posting and being like, Okay, I'll just like, wait a few hours and like, go back and check it out. It's like, that's what you want to do 15 minutes after, like, hang out with different 15 minutes, and then leave it alone and fucking leave it for days, whatever, like stuff like that. So that's, I think, my biggest tips for those two platforms. Um, with YouTube, if you want to throw up on YouTube, I hit 1000 Subs about two years ago, and I'm finally getting back into the like, momentum. But hitting 1000 subscribers on YouTube. Like, I really don't think people understand how difficult that is like that is a hard thing like YouTube. Barry's content so far, because there's, again, that's another largely saturated market. And you also get paid to be on there. So they want to promote videos that they believe in, and they want to push things in the algorithm that I don't know that YouTube believes is entertaining. So in order to do that, they came up with this new thing called shorts. And so it's like 10 o'clock. Yeah, but for YouTube. So that's something that if you want to start diving on that app you need to get into, and obviously make content related to the content that you post on YouTube. But yeah, like that's something important. Um, and making long videos like you need to make long content for YouTube. That's what they like, because they turned into a more long form platform where before it was kind of like, you would have like 10 to 12 minute videos, which are long, but those are not like valued anymore. It's more of like the half an hour mark videos longer just because people want it more to be like, Oh, Netflix, not just like, I'm gonna quickly look at something and like leave. So yeah, those are my social media tips and advice ramble that fucking crazy. But that's like,

Sofia  21:33  
No, you gave so much value. And I'm glad you differentiated between the different platforms because I think some people think the same rules apply on each platform. But no, especially what you just mentioned with YouTube, it used to be that like sweet spot. But now with Tik Tok growing so much, they've realized KR niche isn't and people go on Tik Tok for those quick videos. And when they don't, when they just want to keep swiping, they go on YouTube when they want to like sit down, have a meal, chill out, watch something for prolonged period of time. So that's what they're going to be promoting. And then same with Instagram, I think that algorithm changes so much. But at the end of the day, all these apps want people to stay on the apps and spend money. And if you can figure out ways to keep people on the app to you like I'm sure if someone comments on one of your photos or something on Instagram a new reply, they're going to be so excited. And then they're going to start DMing you or comment again, but like they're staying on the app. And that's exactly what it wants. So those are great tips. Thank you. Oh, cord.

Alexis  22:36  
That was such a good question. Girl. I loved it.

Sofia 22:38  
I don't know if this is valuable or not. But at least in your experience for Tik Tok, specifically, do you think jumping on trends is important for growth

Alexis  22:47  
100%. So 100%, because that's what the algorithm pushes, like, even. So I have like a decent amount on there. And it's like, even though that's the case, not every single video will get a million views are like a bunch of views like not even sometimes some of them don't even get like 30k, which is fine. But it really does. If you want that boost, or you feel like you've been in like a wall, you just need to film a trend. But you unless it's like a dance or a skit that's trending, you don't want to do the exact same as everybody else. Because I believe in not copying like other creators content. So like, at one point, there was these things called plbs, that were very, very, very popular. And it would be like, there'd be like these crazy like skits I got like millions and millions of views. But if you were to, like recreate it 100% and not give credit that she was weird, like that's like, then why do you have a following if you can even be creative in your own way. So I think if you're gonna follow trends, you also need to be putting it in the same category as what your regular followers like. Or if you want to just like be like trying out different ship and jump on every single train every single train. No, maybe don't do that. If you don't, if you test the waters on everything, like, then try out every single trend and be like, Okay, that was cool and that my followers liked and if not, but if you do have that following already try to make it a trend that is trending, but make it pass over so that it's gonna actually relate and like connect with the following you already have otherwise, it's just like kind of gets lost.

Sofia  24:17  
You brought up a really great, a really great point were kind of in the beginning phases too. And I think that's important to recognize what state you're at with your following. Because you need to figure out what does well and people resonate with. So that's the point where you're going to test everything, jump on the trends, do it maybe more generic, see what sticks. But then once you kind of found your sweet spot or your niche, it doesn't have to be like super targeted, but it has to represent you and your own brand. Yeah, people like subscribe or follow you because of that content. So I think if you steer away, people are like, Oh, this isn't the reason why I'm following or interested in this person and they're gonna drop off.

Alexis 24:57  
Yeah, exactly. And then they're just and then just become a ghost follower because you're like, Okay, that's great. Like, I have your number in my like following, but you're not doing anything to actually help my page in any way, because numbers are great. But ghost followers are even worse. Like, that's just, I think, even more detrimental than having like, no followers, you know, because, like, those people are just on your page, but they're not doing anything to help. And so like, yeah, these people do not owe me literally anything, they don't have to help me at all. But you know what I mean? Like, um, yeah, like, if they're gonna follow you, you want them to follow you and like, engage with the content that you are posting, you want them to follow you for a reason. So whatever that is great. And like you said, like, it doesn't have to be super, super in depth, like magnifying glass like niche. But it doesn't need to be something that you can stand out in your own way.

Sofia 25:48  
It's so important. Again, I still have a small community, but you realize what stage you're at, and like, your strategies, and your content is going to change and develop as you grow and develop as a person too. But I don't think you can, like, think that you're in a different state, if that makes sense. Or see content or a strategy that's working for someone else and apply it to yourself and just think, because it works for them, it's going to work for me, you really have to find your own path along that ride.

Alexis 26:17  
100%. And I totally agree with that. Because yeah, like, and that also comes with it compared to each other. And that's another big thing of social media that I cannot stand is like, I've learned that like, I just have to be so confident in who I am. And like what I want to do, because if you're not, then the hate that people send you is just going to make you sick, it's going to make you look at yourself in the mirror and be like, Oh, wait, like, I never had that insecurity. But now I do because somebody pointed it out. And it's like, no, you just have to, like, take that shit and be like this person just doesn't is very unhappy with themselves in their own way. And that's why they're reaching out because I can say literally, never in my life have I ever left like a hate comment for somebody like, that shit is just, it's weird. Like, it's so weird. Like, I get it if it's if it's constructive criticism, give me all day long. But if it's just unwanted hate, because you just don't like my shirt or you don't like the way my hair looks? Or like she like that, like you want to come into my body. Like that's your problem. Like, No,

Sofia 27:11  
exactly. That's just a reflection of them being put on you. And nine times or no Like honestly, like 20 times out of 10 people leaving those hate comments would die if they saw you or anyone in person, they would not say a peep. But then they get so brave. Like you said off everything. keyboard warriors, though, he said I like that. But that's so true. And that's what they are. And they're just looking for some sort of attention or reaction. And I'm sure it's hard to not give them that because you want to defend yourself, of course, but it's so not worth it. But it's unfortunate that those are the comments or messages that stick out. You could get like 1000 beautiful kind messages, but then you get one shitty one and then that's the one that you're going to think about.

Unknown Speaker  27:55  
Right? Because you're like, Fuck my nose. I really like. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker  27:59  
Yeah. Like you said to something you weren't like insecure about and then someone comments on your fucking like elbow and now you're like, Okay, well, my elbow is ugly, like, what the fuck my arm off, like what is happening? No, but I think that comes along with the territory. And it's unfortunate, but it's part of it. And hopefully that will change. I don't know how quickly it will I think there's always what whatever it is, whether it's online, whether it's in your workplace or school, like there's always going to be people who just kind of have it out for you. But I like that you promote the message of No, there's space for everyone. We were again, off air we were talking about. Yeah, like you can collaborate with people you can help each other out, like very supportive of other creators. And then in turn is just like you want people to be supportive of you to like, there's space for all of us to succeed.

Unknown Speaker  28:47  
I know and that's like, I think that's something that I want to make really known as, like, no one it's not like there's there's 7 billion fucking people in this world. And not all of them want to watch one Creator. So everybody is so different as well. Like when you start your brand, you kind of have to envision like, the person that you hope would be watching this, you just have to have intention with everything you post and that's like pretty much it. And you also like I a couple of years ago in Calgary, I was very intimidated of influencers, because I just I always kind of my entire life. I've loved YouTube, I've always thought influencers are so neat. Like I've always just been intrigued with this lifestyle in this kind of environment because it's not the same as being like a famous actor or famous model. Like you, you have a different kind of connection with people and you have your ability to like, say whatever you want and ask whatever kind of questions you want and people to just like you for you if that's what you want to promote. So I think that that's very different than being like famous for being known as like being Wonder Woman, like, that's awesome, but it's just this is like totally different and it was just always very intriguing to me. So I was always kind of held these kind of people to like a certain standard because I just I don't know, I was like, well, they're like famous like grading, like and stuff like that. And then meeting people in the city at the beginning when I first started It was kind of like, I was nervous to reach out for collabs. And then I finally was just like, But why, like I have somebody to bring to the table. So does this person, like we might as well collab together because, therefore my audience is going to go to you and your audience is going to go to me, and then we're still growing. Like, it's just, I think it's very beneficial. And there isn't just one thing for everyone, like, there's enough room for everybody. And like, fuck, it makes me happy when I see people thriving, like, even when I was saying to you off air, like, I love the fact that you're doing this and you're taking it because even like, for just for your listeners, like people listening right now, like, man, stuff came from this tiny ass town that people don't realize, like, there's just no room for being anything in a creative realm, which is something that we're both in right now. We're both in very electronic, like, newer generation jobs and careers that I don't think a lot of people would understand. But it's really cool when you can connect to somebody who does understand because then they get it, they get what goes into it. And they're like, oh, shit, like, let's do this, like, Let's spend time doing whatever. So I think it is good and collabs are very, very, very, very, very important, in my opinion, especially in like, the medium stage, because you don't want to bring in random people into your page at the beginning because it just confuses people. And it confuses the message of like, what you're doing. But if that is your message, then yeah, like full force, jump into that shit, because it's important.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai