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Can the creator economy help women of color build wealth?
The creator economy has revolutionized the way people create and monetize content, offering new opportunities for financial empowerment. As a result, it is crucial to highlight the experiences of women of color who have successfully leveraged this space to build their financial futures.
In the article, four women – Anela Malik, Karen Sevillano, Joanna Franco, and Joanna Franco – share their stories of transitioning from behind-the-scenes work or unanticipated viral moments into full-time content creators. Their journeys exemplify that visibility is more than just a metric for growing audience attention; it has become a catalyst for building businesses, creating meaningful connections, and rewriting what financial success can look like.
Anela Malik, who used to be a U.S. diplomat, started her Instagram account as a hobby but eventually turned it into a platform to share stories of Black-owned businesses. Her growth allowed her to crowdfund $55,000 for the launch of Our Block, a travel documentary series showcasing Black communities and their culinary traditions.
Karen Sevillano began sharing beauty tips in an effort to create a sense of community and support. As she gained more followers, it became easier to find brands that aligned with her values and created content for a new audience. By consistently creating valuable content and engaging with the audience, Sevillano is now on the verge of launching her skincare line tailored to different skin tones.
Joanna Franco started her journey with years of behind-the-scenes work without financial reward. When she quit her job at the State Department, she used social media platforms to share stories that mattered to her and her community. She turned her story into a docuseries by using the visibility and support she received from her audience as a catalyst for creating sustainable projects or businesses.
Their experiences demonstrate that representation, courage, and growth in company with others remain crucial for shaping their financial futures, but also for opening doors for many more to follow their path.
Source: www.forbes.com
