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.
He also noted that viral content alone does not guarantee long-term success, as strategic positioning and consistency are what ultimately sustain a creator’s career. Digital content creator. Bakes Bakes Bakes. echoed this sentiment, stating that while social media platforms provide opportunities for monetisation, creators need to be intentional about their content. He explained that understanding audience engagement, social media algorithms, and brand partnerships is essential for turning content creation into a profitable career. He also advised aspiring content creators to focus on one type of content instead of trying to do everything at once. “You need to find your niche and stick to it. If you’re all over the place with too much content, it becomes difficult for people to understand what you stand for,” he said.
The discussion also touched on handling criticism, with the panelists encouraging creators to acknowledge negative comments rather than ignore them. They noted that while criticism can be harsh, it is often an opportunity to improve. “Not every negative comment is hate. Sometimes, people are giving you feedback that can help you grow,” one panelist pointed out. Molefe also emphasised the importance of taking mental health seriously, especially in an industry where public scrutiny is constant. “As content creators, we put ourselves out there every day, and that comes with a lot of pressure. It’s important to take care of your mental health, take breaks when needed, and not let social media consume you,” she said.
A major take away from the discussion was the power of collaboration. The panelists agreed that content creation is no longer about working in isolation but about building a strong network. Missgeekays emphasised that creators should start working together, sharing resources, and supporting each other to build a sustainable industry. She encouraged attendees to engage with each other, exchange ideas, and seek out partnerships that could elevate their work. Beyond the discussion, the event provided a vibrant atmosphere with networking opportunities, entertainment, and meaningful conversations. The lineup of DJs Casper, Macx Wa Bana, Thuli Tools, and DJ Nendiyo added to the lively mood, making it not just an informative gathering but also an enjoyable one.
