Vacation Days

Good morning. Tinx—a.k.a. TikTok’s big sister—launched a podcast yesterday, which is pretty much an audio version of her Instagram stories, with live AMAs and product recs. The best part is it’s all under 30 minutes.

–Hannah Doyle

Shelby Church Launches an Airbnb

Last year the creator went through a months-long $100,000 home renovation in Palm Springs, CA, documenting it all on her YouTube channel with the intent to rent the property out to the public.

On January 8th of this year, her plan finally came to fruition: Racquet Club Resort is available to book on Airbnb. 

Last week Church took to YouTube to share the details of her first full month renting and booking the property.

By the Numbers

$625–700 → how much it costs per night to stay at the Racquet Club Resort in February and March. 

22 → how many days are booked out of the 31 days in March.

$12,831 → how much the property is slated to bring in for March after Airbnb and property management fees.

Compared to other ventures like clothing, products, and books, creator offerings that involve experiences can sell at higher price points and increase in value over time. And if the audience likes it, they can become repeat buyers and build a deeper connection with the creator.

Church’s average monthly expenses run around $3,700 and she has a property manager who takes 18% of every booking to manage each stay. “All in all I’m really happy with how much the house has made for the month of March,” Church said, “and at this point it’s pretty much passive income. There’s really not a lot I have to do.”

Our Take

The hospitality industry is an untapped industry for creators to generate passive income. Real estate is a classic investment that can build equity for long-term wealth, and rentals are something that can stand alone, apart from a creator’s brand.

Kanye West Documentary Premieres on Netflix

The first episode of Jeen-Yuhs tracks the rapper’s rise from producer to emcee, and is full of inspiration for being a creator today. Here are some of our favorite quotes and takeaways:

• Radical belief is crucial at the start. West had to create nonstop to keep pushing through relentless rejection, similar to creators starting today who have to continue to upload even with little to no audience.

• It’s all about reps. In the episode, West’s mother says he plays tracks like Michael Jordan shoots free throws, illustrating that the amount of time West devotes to his craft makes him better. Creators should find a format that allows them to take as many reps as possible so when opportunities come, they’re positioned to succeed. 

• “If I brick, I can still eat.” West could make the album of his dreams because he had financial stability from being a successful producer. Likewise, creators have to find the means to make content without fear of failure so they can find their authentic voice.

Our Take

West understood early what’s second-nature among creators today—that documenting himself on camera has value. Now creators can study West’s past to apply to their current projects. Check out more creator learnings in this week’s Colin and Samir episode.

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How Two Creators Make an Income With Under 1,000 Followers

Less than two months ago, the creators behind Lauren Labeled started their business making user-generated content (UGC) for brands on TikTok. 

Despite having less than 600 followers, they've made four figures from 14 brand deals, and are slated to have over 50 brand deals by the end of March. 

On their account, they explain how to get started, and smart strategies for soliciting brand work.

Our Take

Even with a small viewership, brand deals can be one of the most lucrative ways for creators to earn an income. For those targeting an audience within their industry, UGC can be an especially seamless way to attract more clients.

🔥 Press Worthy

• Johnny and Iz Harris are hiring a studio assistant.

• TikToker Remi Bader signs a year-long partnership with Victoria Secret.

• Snapchat introduces midroll ads for stories, and gives creators a cut.

• Nine creators reveal how much they made on Instagram Reels in January.

• Google is hiring a creator liaison for YouTube.

• Amouranth buys another manufacturing company—one that makes plastic balls.

• Ryan Trahan spends 100 Days in the Metaverse.

We’re sending our condolences to the friends and family of Jamal Edwards. The music creator was a pioneer in his field and paved the way for up and coming creators today—

“‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ is one of my favorite quotes and something I’m trying to live by. If we can look at music and culture in the same way, people won’t be told ‘no you can’t do that’, they will chase bigger dreams and be free to express themselves how they want. The arts can be the most powerful vehicle for change and should be respected as such.”