How I Turned My Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Creator Business (And How You Can Too)

For years, content creation was just my fun little side hustle.

What started as sharing affordable fashion finds, beauty favorites, and lifestyle content eventually grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Today, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with brands like Walmart, Target, Amazon, Ulta Beauty, CVS, Dove, Levi’s, and many more while building multiple income streams through content creation. I am genuinely in awe as I type that out because working alongside brands I LOVE has always been a dream of mine since I started my content creator journey back in 2012.

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to turn your blog, Instagram, YouTube channel, or social media account into a real business, I’m here to tell you that it absolutely is.

How My Content Creator Journey Started

Like many creators, I didn’t start with a large audience, expensive equipment, or a business plan. None of that at all, actually.

I simply started sharing content that I genuinely enjoyed creating. Growing up, I was always trendy and loved to play dress up! Fashion became my favorite way to express myself. I read countless Teen Vogue magazines – cutting out outfits I loved and pasting them to create vision boards. I knew I always wanted to have a career in fashion even from such a young age.

While in college, I started my blog Affordable by Amanda. I took outfit photos using self-timer, posted my favorite shots to Instagram, and eventually signed up for affiliate networks (LTK, Amazon) to possibly earn commission on the items I wore!

Over time, I learned that consistency matters more than perfection. The creators who grow aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones who continue showing up even when views are low and engagement feels slow. Trust me – I’ve had some low days where I STARE at my Instagram and just ask myself what can I do to increase engagement. It’s not always black and white in the influencer industry…

As I continued creating content around affordable fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and home finds, I began attracting an audience that trusted my recommendations.

That trust became the foundation of my creator business as it is today!

Building Relationships With Brands

One of the biggest turning points in my journey was learning how to work with brands. I’ve been extremely fortunate to partner with nationally recognized brands such as Target, Walmart, Purina, Neutrogena, Amazon, and Levi’s over the past 8+ years.

Many creators assume brands will automatically find them once they hit a certain follower count, but that’s not always the case.

I learned how to:

• Create a professional media kit
• Pitch brands confidently
• Negotiate fair rates because CREATORS deserve to get paid for our hard WORK!
• Showcase my value as a creator
• Build long-term relationships

Over time, these efforts led to partnerships with brands like Walmart and Target, two companies I had already been shopping and sharing organically.

Those partnerships didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it took years to get on their radar! The brand deals I received from these brands came from consistently creating content, understanding my audience, and learning how to communicate my value to brands.

Looking for personalized guidance on your creator journey? I now offer 1:1 Creator Strategy Sessions where we can discuss content strategy, brand partnerships, SEO, and more.

Why YouTube Has Become One of My Favorite Income Streams

While I love Instagram, YouTube has become one of my favorite platforms for growing my business. One of the biggest advantages of YouTube is that your content can continue working for you long after you publish it. Many months, or even years, after I post a single video it may still earn ad revenue!

A Reel may have a short lifespan, but a YouTube video can generate views, affiliate clicks, and revenue for months or even years.

Through YouTube, I’ve been able to:

• Earn affiliate income
• Grow my audience
• Increase brand opportunities
• Create evergreen content
• Diversify my income streams

Many of my most successful videos are centered around topics my audience actively searches for, including:

• Walmart fashion finds
• Affordable outfit ideas
• Amazon fashion
• Beauty favorites
• Home decor inspiration

This is where SEO becomes incredibly important.

The Power of SEO for Content Creators

If I could go back and give my younger creator self one piece of advice, it would be this:

Learn SEO sooner.

Search engine optimization isn’t just for bloggers.

Today, SEO impacts:

• YouTube videos
• Pinterest content
• Blog posts
• Instagram captions
• Product recommendations

When you understand what your audience is searching for, you can create content that continues attracting viewers long after you hit publish.

Instead of constantly chasing trends, you’re building content that serves your audience for the long term.

Multiple Income Streams Changed Everything

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to rely on a single platform or income source.

Today, creator income can come from:

• Sponsored content
• Affiliate marketing
• Amazon Influencer Program
• LTK
• YouTube ad revenue
• Blog income
• Brand partnerships

Having multiple income streams has allowed me to create a more sustainable business while continuing to share products and recommendations I genuinely love.

What I Wish Every New Creator Knew

You don’t need hundreds of thousands of followers to build a successful creator business.

You need:

• A clear niche
• Consistent content
• A willingness to learn
• A strategy
• Patience

The creator economy has changed significantly over the years, but there has never been a better time to start building your personal brand.

Whether your goal is landing brand partnerships, growing on YouTube, increasing affiliate income, or creating content more consistently, success comes from taking action and staying committed to the process.

Are YOU Ready to Grow YOUR Creator Business?

Looking for personalized guidance on your creator journey? I now offer 1:1 Creator Strategy Sessions where we can discuss content strategy, brand partnerships, SEO, and more.

During our 1 hour long call or video session, we can discuss:

• Finding your niche and creator “why”
• Content strategy
• Growing on YouTube
• Attracting brand partnerships
• Media kit reviews
• Pitch email audits
• Negotiating rates
• SEO best practices
• Monetization opportunities

My goal is to help you create a strategy that aligns with your goals and helps you build a creator business you truly enjoy.

Apply for a Creator Strategy Session today and let’s work together to take your content to the next level.

Founding Creator Rate: $149

I’m opening a limited number of Creator Strategy Sessions at a discount while I launch this new offering!