This session at Press Publish was a masterclass in creator entrepreneurship with creator founder Ashley Alexander and investor Billy Parks. The session covered how creators can build successful, sustainable businesses that live beyond their content.
If You Read One Thing, Read This:
“The old form of entrepreneurship is, ‘make a product and find an audience’. The new form is, ‘build an audience and find the product that fits’.”
This quote from Samir set the tone for the entire session. It’s a powerful reminder that creators today have flipped the traditional business model—and those who understand their audience deeply are best positioned to build lasting, scalable brands.
Hot Take:
“I would never have invested in Ashley.”
Investor Billy Parks said he wouldn’t have invested in Ashley Alexander’s wildly successful matcha brand Nami (which did $2.8M in sales in its first year). It wasn’t personal—it was strategic. Billy explained that he looks for creators who not only have audience alignment but also deep industry knowledge. Ashley, a lifestyle vlogger, had to learn the beverage business from scratch. The takeaway? Passion and execution can beat investor skepticism—and sometimes, the best bets are the ones you make on yourself.
Other Key Takeaways
1. Audience First, Product Second
“I just had a feeling. And I feel like if you have a feeling, and if you're passionate about something, that's one of the most important factors.”
Ashley Alexander’s journey with Nami Matcha is a case study in creator-led product development. She teased matcha content, gauged audience interest through comments, and built a brand that resonated deeply with her viewers—many of whom share her cultural background and lifestyle.
2. Creators Are CEOs
“My job has gone from being a creator to being more of a manager and delegating tasks.”
Ashley emphasized that launching Nami was like starting a second job. She now spends 90% of her time on business and only 10% on YouTube. The shift from creator to manager is real—and necessary.
3. Data Matters, But So Does Intuition
“We saw I had more people interested in matcha… but I also just had a feeling.”
Before launching Nami, Ashley worked with her management team to pull data from YouTube and Instagram insights to validate interest in matcha. But ultimately, it was her gut—and her community—that gave her the green light.
4. Shots on Goal Matter More Than the First Hit
“If matcha doesn’t work, what’s the next shot on goal? That’s the mindset that matters most.”
Billy Parks reminded creators that not every product will succeed—but the ability to pivot and try again is what makes a great entrepreneur.
Closing Thoughts
This session was a powerful reminder that creators are no longer just influencers—they’re founders, strategists, and visionaries. Whether you're launching a product or building a brand, the key is to stay close to your audience, trust your instincts, and be ready to evolve.
