This was the central theme at the Content Creators Brunch, held this past Saturday at Kana Kgang, where a panel of industry experts unpacked the business side of digital creativity. Featuring Jessica Molefe, Theo Mojumi, Re Mmogo Visuals, and Bakes Bakes Bakes, the discussion provided valuable insights for both established and aspiring creators. Event organizer, Missgeekays, opened the session by stressing the need for creators to move beyond passion and start treating content creation as a business. She emphasised that content creation is no longer a solo effort but thrives on partnerships and teamwork. She urged creatives to unite, share knowledge, and demand fair compensation to grow the industry collectively. One of the most debated topics was whether content creators should work for free when starting. Jessica Molefe, a well-known make-up artist and digital creator, acknowledged that while exposure has its place, creators must set clear financial goals.
She noted that while beginners may sometimes need to take unpaid opportunities, they must eventually transition into a business mindset. “Yes, sometimes, when you’re new, you may need to do things for exposure. But at some point, you must start charging. You can’t always be creating for free,” she said. Theo Mojumi, who has recently made a name for himself, reinforced this point by sharing his journey. He explained that when he started, he was simply doing what he loved but later realised the importance of personal branding and marketing himself as a professional. “If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one else will,” he said, urging creators to know their worth and confidently charge for their work. Re Mmogo Visuals, a film director, highlighted the increasing demand for high-quality content and stressed that creators must invest in their craft. He pointed out that a creator’s work serves as their portfolio, making it crucial to maintain a standard that attracts brands and clients.
