This section explores the lived experiences of content creators. Through their personal stories — from their creative beginnings, moments of burnout and negotiating audience expectations, to the pursuit of authenticity, they reflect on what it truly means to build influence today.
The Triangle of Struggle
When I first boarded a plane to Saudi Arabia for my first travel collaboration, I could hardly believe it. Travelling for work had always been a dream, but doing it “for free” as a creator was something I never imagined when starting my YouTube channel. This experience validated my efforts and showed me that my work was reaching a wider audience. Although the videos from that trip didn’t go viral, the process of creating them filled me with immense joy.
Discovery has been central to my creative journey. After leaving the television industry, I wanted to connect with audiences on my own terms. Through YouTube and Instagram, I shared my experiences, which I felt were genuine and relatable. However, the transition wasn’t easy. As a YouTuber, I had to handle everything myself — filming, editing, scripting — skills I had never learned before. I did wonder if I had entered an already saturated space, and I often compared myself to others.
My creative process is spontaneous. I rarely script my travel vlogs; instead, I capture moments naturally: laughter with friends, street food discoveries, and unexpected encounters. This unplanned storytelling reflects my personality. I always strive to include a memorable moment in each video, whether it’s a witty punchline or a quirky experience.
When people ask me what keeps me going, I often jokingly say “money!” The truth is, my YouTube channel isn’t profitable yet, and collaborations on Instagram have slowed due to the economy. What truly motivates me is self-expression. Creating content allows me to show different sides of myself beyond my television persona. In this rapidly evolving digital age, staying creative and adaptable is essential for personal and professional growth.
Balancing authenticity, commercial demands, and viewership is what I call a “triangle of struggle” — a constant negotiation between who I am, what brands want, and what the audience chooses to watch.
Balancing authenticity with commercial demands and viewership is what I call a “triangle of struggle”. Initially, my channel focused on mindfulness and personal growth, but those topics were too niche for mainstream appeal or sponsors. After discussions with my management company, we shifted toward travel and lifestyle content. This compromise was tough but necessary. I’ve learned that while reality is harsh, it is part of the creative process. Once a solid brand and loyal audience are established, creators can gradually return to the freedom that inspired them.
Income instability is another challenge for freelancers and content creators. There’s no guaranteed paycheck, only hoping that a new video might capture attention. It’s a game of endurance and faith. I remain optimistic, understanding that life is not all about work. Pursuing hobbies and maintaining balance and taking care of wellbeing are crucial for long-term creativity.
Over the years, I’ve learned to separate my public and private lives. Initially, I believed in “being myself” at all times, but the constant scrutiny and criticism taught me that not everyone needs to see all aspects of my life. Setting boundaries has brought me peace. My journey into spiritual learning and counselling psychology has also helped me with calmness.
Ultimately, I hope to make viewers feel a little lighter, even if just for a moment. In fast-paced Hong Kong, happiness can feel like a luxury. If my work can bring a smile to someone’s day, that’s enough. I’ve also started organising wellness workshops to raise mental health awareness and am studying counselling psychology to share more with my followers, as an important aspect of my social responsibility. ■