Eventually, all content creators look for monetary benefits and it is possible to make money. But it may not happen overnight. Digital content creators are a brand or a product themselves and the question that you need to ask yourself is why would someone want to invest in you.
Tell us about your background and journey.
I am a mom of two boys and a girl and during the course of my life, I have been wearing different hats. Currently, I work as the Head of Programs for Private Firm affiliated with Hamad International airport. I also pursue my passion in advocating Women Empowerment and Creating Content for Social Media.
Coming from a conservative Sri Lankan Background, I was married at the age of 17 and sent to a totally new city, Hong Kong, which eventually became my second home. I started my career as a Marketing professional in the Fashion Industry. It was a very exciting journey as it meant that I was able to travel all around the globe to source products and meet new people.
This led me to develop a flair to connect with people and eventually I ended up studying counselling psychology. This helped me to truly understand the human mind and different perspectives.
After a very difficult divorce, I met my husband Shafraz Nilam, who is a turning point in my life. He led me to believe that true happiness comes from being happy with yourself first. It has been 6 years since I settled in Doha with him since then, I have completed my Bachelors in Education, MBA, given birth to my third baby, started my own business, and found my "True Self".
After a very difficult divorce, I met my husband Shafraz Nilam, who is a turning point in my life. He led me to believe that true happiness comes from being happy with yourself first. It has been 6 years since I settled in Doha with him since then, I have completed my Bachelors in Education, MBA, given birth to my third baby, started my own business, and found my "True Self".
I was recently appointed as the President of the Sri Lankan Women’s Association of Qatar by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar and I am also a freelance leadership coach. Before the pandemic, I would often travel, I have visited over 23 countries and more than 50 cities.
During my spare time, which is not too often, I love reading and learning new things. This is the only way that can truly grow.
When did you first decide that you wanted to create digital content and how did you start?
During my spare time, which is not too often, I love reading and learning new things. This is the only way that can truly grow.
When did you first decide that you wanted to create digital content and how did you start?
Social Media is all but very new to me. I have been pretty active on Facebook and even though I had an Instagram account was private for a long time. I will call myself a “COVID Blogger”, because I first started posting publicly during the initial lockdown somewhere on July 14, 2020, when I decided to start my own Youtube Channel and share positivity videos.
I used to lecture psychology Students and also conduct various workshops in Self- Development. During the pandemic, we start during lectures online, this motivated me to produce videos that people can benefit from. To promote my videos, I started posting on Instagram.
I also opened another Instagram handle called “Shafmahdiaries”. This was a platform to interview women who have truly broken barriers in society. I feature their stories. In the midst of doing this, I eventually met a group of like-minded ladies who are part of the social circle and I was completely thrust into a different world of social media.
I also opened another Instagram handle called “Shafmahdiaries”. This was a platform to interview women who have truly broken barriers in society. I feature their stories. In the midst of doing this, I eventually met a group of like-minded ladies who are part of the social circle and I was completely thrust into a different world of social media.
Currently, I have also started producing three music videos under Shafmahdiaries for my husband who is an Artist based in Doha and also in the process of producing a documentary.
I also Co-found “Social Panthers” a community where microbloggers can find opportunities to grow through social platforms. Once I started content creation, I could never go back! Have a look at my Instagram handles.
Find me on: Instagram
Media Handle: Instagram
Community: Instagram
Is vlogging and digital content creation a financially sustainable career?
It definitely is and I have come across many content creators who make enough income to not do a full-time job. But like all careers, you need to fully focus and do a lot of hard work. Content creation is like the tip of the iceberg, you do not usually see all the hard work that goes into it.
I also Co-found “Social Panthers” a community where microbloggers can find opportunities to grow through social platforms. Once I started content creation, I could never go back! Have a look at my Instagram handles.
Find me on: Instagram
Media Handle: Instagram
Community: Instagram
Is vlogging and digital content creation a financially sustainable career?
It definitely is and I have come across many content creators who make enough income to not do a full-time job. But like all careers, you need to fully focus and do a lot of hard work. Content creation is like the tip of the iceberg, you do not usually see all the hard work that goes into it.
Eventually, all content creators look for monetary benefits and it is possible to make money. But it may not happen overnight. Digital content creators are a brand or a product themselves and the question that you need to ask yourself is why would someone want to invest.
Along with patience, you would need an action plan as well if you plan to grow financially. Consider it a full-time job and be persistent.
However, most content creators are part-timers and do not pursue it as a full-time job. For Micro bloggers or starters, companies would most send free products and samples for reviews. Once you establish a portfolio and reach especially on Instagram it would be easier to negotiate a financial benefit from clients.
How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content?
My content is very raw and it is always about two things- Anything that inspires me within my Niche and of value to my followers or either promotional items I do with my brands. I don’t post Randoms. I also believe in Responsible influencing where you need to be very careful about the content you decide to share.
However, most content creators are part-timers and do not pursue it as a full-time job. For Micro bloggers or starters, companies would most send free products and samples for reviews. Once you establish a portfolio and reach especially on Instagram it would be easier to negotiate a financial benefit from clients.
How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content?
My content is very raw and it is always about two things- Anything that inspires me within my Niche and of value to my followers or either promotional items I do with my brands. I don’t post Randoms. I also believe in Responsible influencing where you need to be very careful about the content you decide to share.
I get inspiration from daily life, things I read, a trending topic, or the need of the moment. Since I get inspired randomly, I usually jot down ideas in my notebook so that I reflect when I do content. I also do some research to ensure things I write or talk about is true.
I also look for inspiration from other social media content creators and keep me in trend.
What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring digital creators?
Be Original, Be Original, Be Original. I said that thrice because your audience is looking for unique content. They do not want to see the same thing copied all over again. You need to through a little bit about yourself. Be honest and considerate.
I also look for inspiration from other social media content creators and keep me in trend.
What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring digital creators?
Be Original, Be Original, Be Original. I said that thrice because your audience is looking for unique content. They do not want to see the same thing copied all over again. You need to through a little bit about yourself. Be honest and considerate.
Make a plan on the type of Niche you want to blog about, whether it is motherhood, Fashion, Lifestyle, etc, and add a description in your BIO so people know what to expect. Put up a highlight on "About myself" and get people interested in you.
Social Media is about community engagement, connect with like-minded people, and exchange ideas. Make a genuine network. Instead of focusing on numbers focus on connecting with people who are already following you. If you are reaching out for brands or collabs always ensure to communicate how they will benefit from you and I would recommend even before you approach, create a buzz around your content so will actually engage and like your post.
The last piece of advice is: Have a purpose in life and let your page be a medium of how to communicate that purpose. Do not make social media your life. Always find the perfect balance. You can only influence if you have a story that people will be influenced by.
Interviewed by - Saba Parveen
Social Media is about community engagement, connect with like-minded people, and exchange ideas. Make a genuine network. Instead of focusing on numbers focus on connecting with people who are already following you. If you are reaching out for brands or collabs always ensure to communicate how they will benefit from you and I would recommend even before you approach, create a buzz around your content so will actually engage and like your post.
The last piece of advice is: Have a purpose in life and let your page be a medium of how to communicate that purpose. Do not make social media your life. Always find the perfect balance. You can only influence if you have a story that people will be influenced by.
Interviewed by - Saba Parveen
.JPG)
){kind=link}
0 Comments