I Am A Creator

How This Doctor Turned YouTuber and Author Learned to Create on His Own Terms Again Mar 08, 2024

Ali Abdaal never expected to leave his medical career to become a productivity expert with over 5 million YouTube subscribers (and a major book deal). But he thought teaching on YouTube was fun, and that changed everything. This is how he started and scaled his business to millions in revenue and a life he loves. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/ali-abdaal for show notes and more information.

How This Creator Pivoted and Scaled His Business After Overcoming Personal Loss Jan 05, 2024

Dan Go’s journey is filled with heartache and growth—both personal and professional. Learn how he uses ConvertKit and the Creator Network to run a successful fitness business. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/dan-go for show notes and more information.

How This Author Used Email Marketing to Create a Passive Income Stream and Work 50% Less Oct 27, 2023

Fed up with constant travel, Dorie Clark pivoted to work on her own terms, with her own audience, leading her to online course creation and Broadway. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/dorie-clark for show notes and more information.

YouTube Star, Netflix Presenter, and Founder: One Creator’s Journey From Undocumented to Documenting Sep 15, 2023

From Brazil to Los Angeles, Jo Franco’s career included scaling a YouTube channel to 1.2 million subscribers until one day changed everything and inspired a major life and business pivot. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/jo-franco for show notes and more information.

How Drawing Changed This Artist’s Life and Led to a $45K Paid Newsletter Aug 11, 2023

Danny Gregory triumphed in the advertising world before tragedy struck. But his resilience and passion for creating helped him bounce back to scale his newsletter to 20,000 subscribers and inspire artists around the world. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/danny-gregory for show notes and more information.

How This Creator Scaled Her Book Club From a Few Casual Readers to Tours of Literary Locations Across the Globe Jul 14, 2023

Hayley Solano was born to read. But she had no idea her passion would take her across the world, building a community of book readers and leading a popular paid book club. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/hayley-solano for show notes and more information.

Why This Storyteller Left the Corporate World and Scaled to 25,000+ Subscribers Using ConvertKit Jun 12, 2023

From 21 friends to an audience of 25,000+ subscribers, this is how storyteller Lawrence Yeo went from corporate to creator. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/lawrence-yeo for show notes and more information.

How This Baker Went From Sourdough Enthusiast to a Six-Figure, New York Times Bestselling Author Apr 28, 2023

When software developer Maurizio Leo started baking sourdough bread as a hobby, he had no idea that one day it would lead to a six-figure business or a book deal. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/maurizio-leo for show notes and more information.

How a Travel Blogger Pivoted During the Pandemic to Rebuild a 7-Figure Business Mar 24, 2023

When travel blogger Alexandra Jimenez burned out from the stress of her personal life and the pandemic, she took a break. Then the unexpected happened: her business jumped back up to seven figures. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/alexandra-jimenez for show notes and more information.

How a Fiction Writer Redefined Success for Herself and Helped Others Do the Same Feb 10, 2023

Is there only one way to be successful? Becca Syme grew up believing there was. But when she realized that one-size didn’t fit all, she opened up a world of possibilities for herself and helped others unlock the same potential. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/becca-syme for show notes and more information.

How a Corporate Marketer Pivoted to Consultant and Landed a Hosting Gig for Entrepreneur Magazine Nov 21, 2022

Terry Rice was on a good path with his business, speaking on stages around the country, and saying “no” to work that didn’t fit. But then his kid’s gymnastics class led to a chance encounter that changed the trajectory of his career. Visit https://convertkit.com/terry-rice for show notes and more information.

Why This Voice Actor Started an Email List Aug 15, 2022

Like most actors, voice actor Carrie Olsen relies on multiple streams of income for stability. For her, building an engaged email list was the key to helping her build longevity into her creative business. Visit https://convertkit.com/carrie-olsen for show notes and more information.

How Creating Automated Courses Helped This Artist Kick Burnout to the Curb Jun 13, 2022

Artist Chris Legaspi lived the hustle lifestyle creating caricatures and video game graphics until burnout made him step back and figure out how to monetize his courses on autopilot. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/chris-legaspi for show notes and more information.

How a World-Class Jazz Violinist Went From Lincoln Center to Building a Business at Home May 17, 2022

When Chris Howes became a dad, his priorities changed. He traded in his fast-paced, highly successful NYC touring schedule to move back to Ohio and teach music online. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/chris-howes for show notes and more information.

How This PhD Candidate Ditched the Silicon Valley Formula to Start a Newsletter Apr 04, 2022

Anne-Laure Le Cunff started a newsletter to help her study neuroscience. She had no idea it would turn into 40K subscribers and her own business. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/anne-laure-le-cunff for show notes and more information.

Why an Insurance Agent Became a Secret Bird Blogger Mar 07, 2022

Bird blogging may not have seemed like the “smart” choice, but Scott Keller loved it and put in hard work to create a community and new way of earning a living. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/scott-keller for show notes and more information.

How to Be a Creator With 200k YouTube Subscribers and Work a Full-Time Job Jan 31, 2022

Find out how design expert Charli Prangley keeps both passions running as ConvertKit’s Creative Director and creator of her design-focused YouTube channel, CharliMarieTV. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/charli-prangley for show notes and more information.

How a Dog Mom Turned Her Blog Into an Award Winning Pet Business Dec 06, 2021

Find out how Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat turned her love of fur babies into a full-fledged business supporting other women in the pet industry. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/tori-mistick for show notes and more information.

How to make music you love and find the right audience Nov 01, 2021

Drew Holcomb thought his music career was over until he trusted his instincts, sat in his grief, and wrote his first hit song in 10 minutes. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/drew-holcomb for show notes and more information.

Untangling Self-Worth From Audience Size Oct 04, 2021

Learning that a number doesn’t define success or worth helps Aileen Xu continue creating out of authenticity, even when the numbers are down.

Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/aileen-xu for show notes and more information.

Building a Home for the Business of Hip-Hop Aug 30, 2021

When Dan Runcie began sharing the why and how of hip-hop mogul’s business moves, he found a devoted audience—and a thriving business. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/dan-runcie for show notes and more information.

Keeping a Travel Blog Afloat During a Global Pandemic Jul 26, 2021

After quitting her engineering job and taking her travel blog full-time only two weeks before the pandemic shut down travel, blogger Gabby Beckford wasn’t about to give up on her dream. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/gabby-beckford for show notes and more information.

The Beauty of the YouTube Community Jun 21, 2021

Serein finally found true joy when she stepped out of the background of TV cameras and found her spot front and center as a beauty vlogger. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/serein-wu for show notes and more information.

How a Journalist Quit Her Job to Become a New York Times Bestselling Author May 17, 2021

Rejection couldn’t stop Jennifer Keishin Armstrong from taking any road possible to realizing her dream of becoming an author. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/jennifer-armstrong for show notes and more information.

From Eviction to 30 Million Views on TikTok Apr 12, 2021

Music producer Kato On The Track never gave up on his music. From working side jobs as an exterminator to learning the music business, Kato turned his dream into a career. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/kato-on-the-track for show notes and more information.

An Education in Food and Community Mar 29, 2021

How Chef Daniella Malfitano niched down her audience to stay true to herself and her food philosophy. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/daniella-malfitano for show notes and more information.

The True Meaning of Financial Freedom Mar 15, 2021

It’s not just about budgeting. For Nick True, sharing his lifelong passion for finances is about helping people win the game of life. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/nick-true for show notes and more information.

“The cloth I’m cut from” Feb 15, 2021

Not even the slow-paced fashion world of the Midwest could keep Whitney Manney from dreaming big and creating freely, boldly, and brightly. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/whitney-manney for show notes and more information.

Giving in to “Irresponsible” Art Feb 01, 2021

When Shelby allowed herself to do the “irresponsible” thing and add some color to her bullet journal, a small rebellion of art turned into a career. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/shelby-abrahamsen for show notes and more information.

The Power in Telling Your Story Jan 18, 2021

Rebecca Dekker wanted to focus on the data, but quickly learned that if you really want to make an impact and connect with your audience, you just have to tell your story. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/rebecca-dekker for show notes and more information.

Fight or Flight: When Resistance Feels Worth It Jan 04, 2021

When Noa Kageyama realized he didn’t love the thing he’d dedicated his life to, it was time to decide if the resistance he felt was the kind you push through or the kind that helps you choose a new path. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/noa-kageyama for show notes and more information.

The 5 Month Runway Dec 28, 2020

What happens when you give up traditional expectations to fund your biggest dreams? Find out how Teela from Every Tuesday went from crying during her commute to covering her family’s living expenses for a year with one launch. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/teela-cunningham for show notes and more information.

The Magic of Having No Other Choice Dec 21, 2020

Cara had always let her analytical side run the show. But when her government job of 10 years slowly deteriorated her health, Cara knew it was time for a change. She never could have guessed that in a short time she’d not only be handling her favorite band’s social media, but that she’d find the freedom to be creative. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/cara-chace for show notes and more information.

Empty Nesters Dec 14, 2020

When the illusion of security leaves you feeling trapped, how do you break free? Find out how author coaches Steve and Azul turned down big career advances, packed their life into 2 suitcases, and found their freedom 10 years in the making. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/azul-and-steve for show notes and more information.

Slow and Steady Makes the Dream Dec 07, 2020

When an unknown illness took Mayank out of work, he and his wife Prerna bet on themselves. Instead of sticking with traditional jobs, they took an intentionally different path to build something of their own - a lifelong dream coming true. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/prerna-mayank-malik for show notes and more information.

Giving Yourself Permission Nov 30, 2020

How watercolorist Angela Fehr, a girl from a small town in the middle of nowhere, learned to trust the process of believing in herself. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/angela-fehr for show notes and more information.

How To Thrive in Business as a Sensitive Person Nov 23, 2020

To find true success, you need to push past the standards of what you’ve always seen and lean into who you truly are. When Austin Church gave himself permission to be the fully-feeling creator he is, he connected more deeply with his audience and built a successful business helping creatives achieve their dreams. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/austin-church for show notes and more information.

Focusing on the Work You Were Created For Nov 16, 2020

Changing perspectives and unveiling clarity are qualities that can’t be taught. While creator Vannesia Darby was successfully building her digital marketing business, her innate ability to draw people out started bringing her new clients and more joy. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/vannesia-darby for more information and show notes.

Getting Comfortable With Instability Nov 02, 2020

How parenting blogger Nina Garcia dreamed the impossible dream and quit her job. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/nina-garcia for show notes and more information.

How To Follow Your Dreams by Googling “How to be a …” Oct 26, 2020

How do you start your journey to your dream job when it feels too big or you have no idea what it even means? Bonnie Christine first googled “How to become a fabric designer” and then learned that with 10 seconds of courage, you can take on big goals one step at a time. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/bonnie-christine for show notes and more information.

Fireproof Optimism Oct 19, 2020

How muralist Eric Friedensohn owes his success to losing everything. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/eric-friedensohn for show notes and more information.

The 4 Lives of Heavyweight Pro Boxer Ed Latimore Oct 12, 2020

Depending on luck alone may have worked for a young Ed Latimore. But when this writer and former Heavyweight pro boxer learned to bet on himself, he found self-respect and the capability to dictate his own future. https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/ed-latimore for show notes and more information.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Oct 05, 2020

How web designer Chaitra Radhakrishna found the beautiful side of failure. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/chaitra-radhakrishna for show notes and more information.

Single Mom on a Mission Sep 28, 2020

Designer Kelsey Baldwin had two life-changing events happen on the same day. But instead of letting the weight of a world-turned-upside-down keep her down, she looked to the one thing she knew she could control — her business. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/kelsey-baldwin for show notes and more information.

Never Say Never Sep 21, 2020

How embarrassment gave motion designer Austin Saylor the motivation and courage to overcome procrastination and perfectionism. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/austin-saylor for show notes and more information.

Audience Over Ego Sep 14, 2020

When Srini Rao turned a blog into a WSJ bestseller, he thought his life was set. But when faced with setback after setback, he had to learn to let go of the opinions and expectations of the world and get back to the man who was happy to sell 300 copies of his book. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/srini-rao for show notes and more information.

Chasing Dreams Sep 07, 2020

When you have no one to look to, you blaze your own trails. This is the story of how travel blogger Gloria Atanmo went for her dreams and paved the way for others to follow. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/glo-atanmo show notes and more information.

How To Survive as an Indie Musician Aug 31, 2020

Musicians today have to be multifaceted creators. Ryan Baustert of Throw the Fight learned that building a music career was a lot like building a business. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/ryan-baustert for show notes and more information.

The Lifecycle of Creativity Aug 24, 2020

How fine artist Kimberly Brooks continues to embrace the digital age by seeing technological shifts as an opportunity to communicate the things that never change. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/kimberly-brooks for show notes and more information.

The Fashion Outsider Aug 17, 2020

When you’re burnt out on your calendar, but not on your mission, what’s your next play? For fashion designer, Brandice Daniel, stepping back with a “if it’s meant to be” mindset brought the biggest opportunity of her life — leading a team of women designers to create a shoe for Nike. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/brandice-daniel for show notes and more information.

The Long Warm Up Aug 10, 2020

How Courtland Allen, founder of Indie Hackers, didn’t let five years of failure or burnout stop him from pursuing his dream. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/courtland-allen for show notes and more information.

It All Starts With the Words Aug 03, 2020

After getting an engineering degree, running a record label, and then a marketing agency, Chris Craft landed back at the art he loved as a child—writing. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/chris-craft for show notes and more information.

No Niche Too Small Jul 23, 2020

Homesteader and author Deborah Niemann never dreamed that her love of goats could turn into an online business, the ability to save goats all over the world, or security in her own self-reliance. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/deborah-niemann for show notes and more information.

Money Is Tape Jul 20, 2020

When Wall Street money wasn’t patching up the hole in his soul, online coach Khe Hy left 14 years of the “dream job” to write to his 36 email subscribers. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/khe-hy for show notes and more information.

The Natural, Inherent Value of You Jul 14, 2020

What happens when you ask yourself, “What if?” For creator Jenell Stewart, the answer was the freedom to be herself, a new understanding of her value, and the start of a new business. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/jenell-stewart for show notes and more information.

How to Take Control of Your Creative Life Jun 22, 2020

After 30 years of working in her craft, cartoonist Jessica Abel realized she had taken a grassroots marketing approach to build a full-time business and now teaches other artists how to do the same. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/jessica-abel for show notes and more information.

Creating Her Own Colors May 18, 2020

Online video coach XayLi Barclay learned the best lessons from her grandma—one including the limitless potential of a creator. Find out how giving her 110% to everything led her to creative possibilities she didn’t even know existed. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/xayli-barclay for show notes and more information.

The Bulldog May 11, 2020

With a nickname synonymous with stubborn relentlessness, it’s no surprise that editor John Fox takes each rejection as a chance to improve his craft. Find out how knocking on all the doors finally opened the right one. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/john-fox for show notes and more information.

“I want them to know I was here.” May 04, 2020

For writer Jessica Pena, every day is a gift. “I can’t be hurried,” she likes to say. This is her story about chronic illness, trauma, and how a conference changed her life. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/jessica-pena for show notes and more information.

Electric Blue Dreams May 04, 2020

It never occurred to Dave Barnes to not write songs when he picked up a guitar. But he didn’t think of himself as a songwriter; he was just having fun. And two decades later, with many hit songs and a Grammy nomination under his belt, he still struggles with the same self-doubt that all creators experience. But what makes a creator is the willingness to live in that space. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/dave-barnes for show notes and more information.

“I wanted to be happy now. Not two years from now.” Apr 29, 2020

A story about taking chances, struggling with self-doubt, and how one lawyer-turned-full-time-food-blogger didn’t let that (or the haters) stop her. Visit https://kit.com/resources/creator-stories/tanya-harris for show notes and more information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected