Creators gathered for an insightful lunch session featuring Dara Denney, a seasoned media buyer turned creator and educator. Hosted in partnership with Teachable, the conversation centered around the intersection of content creation, monetization, and strategy—specifically through the lens of building and launching online courses. Dara shared her journey from agency life to full-time creator, unpacking how she built a thriving business by teaching performance creative strategies to other marketers and entrepreneurs. The session was equal parts tactical and personal, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how creators can scale their impact and income through digital products.
If You Read One Thing, Read This:
“I had 40K subscribers on YouTube, maybe 5K on Instagram… but I had just built a great community of people over the previous three years.”
Dara Denney’s story is a masterclass in creator-led education. She turned her expertise in media buying into a high-ticket course that generated $200,000 in its first month—without a massive following or a big production budget. Her approach proves that creators don’t need millions of subscribers to build meaningful, profitable products. They need clarity, community, and the courage to package their knowledge.
Hot Take:
“I coincided my course launch with me quitting my agency job… I felt like that was going to give me a lot more stability. It absolutely did.”
The most surprising moment came when Dara revealed that her first course launch coincided with quitting her agency job—essentially betting her career on the success of her digital product. That leap of faith paid off in a big way, but it also highlights a broader truth: creators are increasingly choosing autonomy over traditional employment, and courses are becoming the new safety net.
Other Key Takeaways
1. Courses Create Leverage and Longevity
“Sometimes I actually get clients from my course that become long-term people that I work with.”
Dara’s course wasn’t just a revenue stream—it became a gateway to long-term client relationships, licensing opportunities, and brand workshops.
2. High-Ticket Pricing Can Work—Even Without a Huge Audience
“Within the first month, I made $200,000… I had never seen that type of money before.”
Her first course sold for $899 and attracted 570 students. The result? A $200K launch.
3. Community Is the Moat Against AI
“People really just want you and they want to experience you… that’s impossible to replicate with AI.”
Dara emphasized that creators should build courses around community, not just content.
4. Cohort-Based Learning Is the Future
“I got a lot of feedback that people really wanted to have a more live experience… even potentially in-person sessions.”
For her relaunch, Dara is shifting to a cohort model to foster deeper engagement and live interaction.
4. Team Building Is a Game-Changer for Creators
“If you're a creator and you're making six figures, you need to hire [an EA] yesterday.”
Dara’s biggest investment this year was her team—including an EA, editor, strategist, and agency staff.
Closing Thoughts
This session was a powerful reminder that creators are not just entertainers—they’re educators, entrepreneurs, and community builders. Dara Denney’s journey shows that with the right strategy and tools, creators can turn niche expertise into scalable impact. Whether you’re considering launching a course or just looking to deepen your connection with your audience, the blueprint is clear: start with value, build with intention, and don’t wait for permission.
