There are people out there who want to see you act, dance, recreate videos. Stop thinking about those who don’t want to, they anyway can’t do what you can so let it be.
Instagram - @priyalmittall
So I’m 20 years old, born and based in New Delhi. I’m a single child so I've always been very pampered. Bollywood fan, very energetic, moody and goofy are some adverbs my friends use to define me. I’m an extrovert and only shy if we are meeting for the first time. I was a commerce student in school and now pursuing a course specialising in entrepreneurship and advertising.
I have always been very cheerful and energetic, be it taking part in school activities ranging from dance to sports or contesting in college elections and securing the posting of general secretary. I was always told that “whatever you want to do or be, you have to get it for yourself, work for it, fight for it. There might be someone who would be ready to help you but definitely someone who would try their best to pull you down”.
I always wanted to be independent, be it financially or emotionally and trust me, it’s the best feeling to spend your own hard earned money on yourself or your loved ones rather than asking your parents for it.
I was always fascinated by the glamour world and loved being in front of the camera. It’s a place where I think I can totally be my goofy self. I still remember, my best friend getting on my head to start recording videos like Kusha Kapila and Dolly Singh and I was like, no way I can’t do something like that.
My journey has not been very easy but full of learning new experiences and getting to know what it actually feels to step out in the real world and do something you like.
2. What led you to start your blog and what is it about?
Last year in lockdown, when I had literally nothing to do, I posted a video on my Instagram page about “types of girls in my college” and couldn’t even imagine getting so much positive and appreciative feedback. My Instagram audience grew from somewhat 1000 to 77,000 in 10 months and that's when I knew there are people except my mum who love to see me in front of the camera.
I remember texting all my close friends that my hands are trembling because I don’t think I want to post this video. This happened with me 6-7 times after which I just told myself, “there are people out there who want to see you act, dance, recreate videos. Stop thinking about those who don’t want to, they anyway can’t do what you can so let it be”.
I started with funny videos on general topics that would be relatable to maximum and then shifted to fashion, lifestyle, skincare, luxury content. My superpowers are transition videos and self portraits because I have never had a photographer, professional shoot, video editor or for that matter even a paid version of an editing app.
It’s just one woman army with a handful of supporting friends. The idea of my content only revolves around the fact that it should be relatable to everyone. I’m not a celebrity or anything of that sort so whatever I post should be about what my audience likes to see.
Sometimes, it’s just a random thought on a regular Wednesday that leads you to something you always wanted to do.
3. Is it financially sustainable to be a digital creator these days?
Spitting straight facts, it’s NOT financially sustainable to be a creator these days. I don’t want to put anyone under the wrong impression that being a creator is only about getting new clothes/products, clicking pictures with and then getting appreciated for the same. It’s a lot more than that.
Ignoring the number of hours we spent curating the content idea, shooting, editing, you need to have some savings in your pocket in order to go through the whole process. Instagram still isn’t offering monetary incentives in India like it does in other countries, so it’s your pocket that gets emptied every time you want equipment for the shoot.
It’s like, brands are really indecisive, they are not always going to pay you, if they decide to, the amount can be very less. I still remember advertising for products that were not even worth ₹500 in the beginning.
It’s just, once you start working really hard and give it your 100%, you increase your chances of getting paid collaborations from known brands and that’s how you can save up for yourself. It’s a rat race, if you don’t grab the opportunity, someone who is even less hardworking than you, will.
4. How can someone become a successful content creator?
Every successful content creator has their own secret formula that helps them to perform exceptionally. The function of their secret formula doesn’t stop there. It makes the viewers like, share, and also ignite conversations about their content. If you are really dedicated towards your work, you are going to nail everything, trust me.
Whether you want to start your own business or you dream about working for a cool brand, these four pieces of advice will come in handy.
At the end, be yourself, be your goofy, unfiltered self. No one is you and that’s your superpower. There are people who love to see you because of what you are. Not everyone has to like you or your content and you don’t have to care about what everyone thinks.
5. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?
That being said, using social media does appear to be correlated with body image concerns. People compare their appearance to people in Instagram images, or whatever platform they're on, and they often judge themselves to be worse off.
Social media has put the world inside the bubble where everyone has a perfect body, smooth as milk skin, fancy clothes, makeup put on. Looking at the glamorous world full of glitter and perfect image humans, we often forget there’s a life without filters and cosmetic surgeries.
I feel there’s nothing better than someone embracing their true self. Those stretch marks on your body, moles, hairy arms, acne skin, they are beautiful. Don’t let someone’s Instagram profile fool you.
The best thing you can do is to think critically about who you follow – and, if you find yourself facing an endless stream of appearance-focussed photos next time you scroll, add some nature or travel into the mix.
After all, giving up social media altogether is probably too big of a task for most people – especially while the long term effects of using it are still unclear. But finding inspiring landscapes, delicious food, and cute dogs to fill your Instagram feed might just help you remember there’s more to life than what you look like.
I have always been very cheerful and energetic, be it taking part in school activities ranging from dance to sports or contesting in college elections and securing the posting of general secretary. I was always told that “whatever you want to do or be, you have to get it for yourself, work for it, fight for it. There might be someone who would be ready to help you but definitely someone who would try their best to pull you down”.
I always wanted to be independent, be it financially or emotionally and trust me, it’s the best feeling to spend your own hard earned money on yourself or your loved ones rather than asking your parents for it.
I was always fascinated by the glamour world and loved being in front of the camera. It’s a place where I think I can totally be my goofy self. I still remember, my best friend getting on my head to start recording videos like Kusha Kapila and Dolly Singh and I was like, no way I can’t do something like that.
My journey has not been very easy but full of learning new experiences and getting to know what it actually feels to step out in the real world and do something you like.
2. What led you to start your blog and what is it about?
Last year in lockdown, when I had literally nothing to do, I posted a video on my Instagram page about “types of girls in my college” and couldn’t even imagine getting so much positive and appreciative feedback. My Instagram audience grew from somewhat 1000 to 77,000 in 10 months and that's when I knew there are people except my mum who love to see me in front of the camera.
I remember texting all my close friends that my hands are trembling because I don’t think I want to post this video. This happened with me 6-7 times after which I just told myself, “there are people out there who want to see you act, dance, recreate videos. Stop thinking about those who don’t want to, they anyway can’t do what you can so let it be”.
I started with funny videos on general topics that would be relatable to maximum and then shifted to fashion, lifestyle, skincare, luxury content. My superpowers are transition videos and self portraits because I have never had a photographer, professional shoot, video editor or for that matter even a paid version of an editing app.
It’s just one woman army with a handful of supporting friends. The idea of my content only revolves around the fact that it should be relatable to everyone. I’m not a celebrity or anything of that sort so whatever I post should be about what my audience likes to see.
Sometimes, it’s just a random thought on a regular Wednesday that leads you to something you always wanted to do.
3. Is it financially sustainable to be a digital creator these days?
Spitting straight facts, it’s NOT financially sustainable to be a creator these days. I don’t want to put anyone under the wrong impression that being a creator is only about getting new clothes/products, clicking pictures with and then getting appreciated for the same. It’s a lot more than that.
Ignoring the number of hours we spent curating the content idea, shooting, editing, you need to have some savings in your pocket in order to go through the whole process. Instagram still isn’t offering monetary incentives in India like it does in other countries, so it’s your pocket that gets emptied every time you want equipment for the shoot.
It’s like, brands are really indecisive, they are not always going to pay you, if they decide to, the amount can be very less. I still remember advertising for products that were not even worth ₹500 in the beginning.
It’s just, once you start working really hard and give it your 100%, you increase your chances of getting paid collaborations from known brands and that’s how you can save up for yourself. It’s a rat race, if you don’t grab the opportunity, someone who is even less hardworking than you, will.
4. How can someone become a successful content creator?
Every successful content creator has their own secret formula that helps them to perform exceptionally. The function of their secret formula doesn’t stop there. It makes the viewers like, share, and also ignite conversations about their content. If you are really dedicated towards your work, you are going to nail everything, trust me.
Whether you want to start your own business or you dream about working for a cool brand, these four pieces of advice will come in handy.
- Find your niche & voice
- Be regular with your content
- Show passion towards your work. Nothing goes right if done half heartedly
- Stop worrying about your noisy relatives and unsupportive friends
At the end, be yourself, be your goofy, unfiltered self. No one is you and that’s your superpower. There are people who love to see you because of what you are. Not everyone has to like you or your content and you don’t have to care about what everyone thinks.
5. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?
That being said, using social media does appear to be correlated with body image concerns. People compare their appearance to people in Instagram images, or whatever platform they're on, and they often judge themselves to be worse off.
Social media has put the world inside the bubble where everyone has a perfect body, smooth as milk skin, fancy clothes, makeup put on. Looking at the glamorous world full of glitter and perfect image humans, we often forget there’s a life without filters and cosmetic surgeries.
I feel there’s nothing better than someone embracing their true self. Those stretch marks on your body, moles, hairy arms, acne skin, they are beautiful. Don’t let someone’s Instagram profile fool you.
The best thing you can do is to think critically about who you follow – and, if you find yourself facing an endless stream of appearance-focussed photos next time you scroll, add some nature or travel into the mix.
After all, giving up social media altogether is probably too big of a task for most people – especially while the long term effects of using it are still unclear. But finding inspiring landscapes, delicious food, and cute dogs to fill your Instagram feed might just help you remember there’s more to life than what you look like.
6. How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content?
There are days, no sorry, weeks, where I have literally zero motivation to leave my bed. I just want to lie down and keep munching junk. This is where my phone is really helpful. When I scroll through my Instagram, I see so many people doing wonderful things, inspiring others around them, helping the ones in need.
That’s when I remember how I can use my digital platform for spreading awareness about certain things or just making someone smile. Even if my video/picture makes one of you smile, my work is done. My one and only ideal has always been Blair Waldorf so you can imagine why I love to wear headbands haha.
My inspiration also comes from random people on social media platforms across the world who don’t even know I exist. I’m a big time stalker, so I stalk a lot. Sometimes, if I like the music, I create a funny video on it or if it has some good beats, I make a transition video. If I feel I can wear the same shirt in a different way, I make a video on it.
The whole process for me is very random but the simplest thing one can do is be aware of what’s happening around, keep the research up to date and add your own element to whatever you are creating.
7. Who is your favourite creator and why?
This is a very difficult question because there are too many talented people out there to choose from. I really love Marta Sierra, I wish I can create transition videos like her one day. Liz Sanchez makes bomb videos. Angela Giakas, Meghna Kaur, Shrusti Porey really match my aesthetics.
Oh my god, I can’t choose. I love all of them. Some of the Indian creators that I feel stand out with their content are Ashna Shroff, Aryaki Joon, Aashna Hedge Santoshi Shetty, Riya Jain etc the list is very long.
- Interviewed by - Shivani Singh
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