I loved this. Thank you. I had far fewer followers than you (around 8k at my peak) but I treated social media like a job and felt the same way toward the end. Switching my account from business to personal last year was so freeing.
I loved this read. And honestly it isn’t just you — I’m also seeing a significant slowdown after the frenzy of 2020-2022. Unfortunately, it seems that hiring Black influencers was a trend that has since passed.
Thank you for sharing, Ayana. It’s hard to have a healthy relationship with social media as a regular person. I love the dose of reality and your perspective!
I really always wish the best for you and your family. I found you after that video but stayed for you, your relationship with your darling parents and of course Monday tweets 😂 Hopefully you have found the place you're meant to be.
"Writing made me a lot less money, but it felt right." So much truth, so much authenticity in this! If you're writing from the heart, your work (your art!) will find it's audience.
unfortunately your "hot take" seems to be true... i've seen so many bipoc brands closing recently which is so so sad. but I'm glad you have found a good balance/relationship with social media! wishing the best for you and your family!
After almost ten years of full-time influencing off and on, it's over for me. I just saved this post to read it again, and it feels so relatable but for different reasons. I wanted to just thank you for this post! I worked for two different influencer agencies as well, and you're right, it's still thriving right now. I'm however older, don't have young children, didn't really do well on TikTok. I just cannot. I'm ready to bow out. <3
The jump (off a cliff) from 2020 income as an influencer to 2025 income has been a hard pill to swallow on my end. It’s been so hard to figure out how to navigate. But a girl is tired.
I would be curious to know how many followers you’ve lost are from people deactivating their accts vs people actively unfollowing specific creators. I deactivated my account after the inauguration and I mostly don’t miss it (I miss your tweet round up!).
This was such a good read. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for taking the time, Grace!
I loved this. Thank you. I had far fewer followers than you (around 8k at my peak) but I treated social media like a job and felt the same way toward the end. Switching my account from business to personal last year was so freeing.
It's so good to hear you can relate! I know it's sustainable for a lot of people, but I don't think I'm one of them.
I loved this read. And honestly it isn’t just you — I’m also seeing a significant slowdown after the frenzy of 2020-2022. Unfortunately, it seems that hiring Black influencers was a trend that has since passed.
It's such a bummer. Feeling relieved that others can relate
Thank you for sharing, Ayana. It’s hard to have a healthy relationship with social media as a regular person. I love the dose of reality and your perspective!
Thank you, Veronica!
Such a good essay.
Learned essay writing from the best (you!)
I really always wish the best for you and your family. I found you after that video but stayed for you, your relationship with your darling parents and of course Monday tweets 😂 Hopefully you have found the place you're meant to be.
"Writing made me a lot less money, but it felt right." So much truth, so much authenticity in this! If you're writing from the heart, your work (your art!) will find it's audience.
I appreciate your honesty and candor! And I love that you feel freer now and less frenzied.
unfortunately your "hot take" seems to be true... i've seen so many bipoc brands closing recently which is so so sad. but I'm glad you have found a good balance/relationship with social media! wishing the best for you and your family!
After almost ten years of full-time influencing off and on, it's over for me. I just saved this post to read it again, and it feels so relatable but for different reasons. I wanted to just thank you for this post! I worked for two different influencer agencies as well, and you're right, it's still thriving right now. I'm however older, don't have young children, didn't really do well on TikTok. I just cannot. I'm ready to bow out. <3
I get it — it gets so exhausting! Thank you for taking the time to read and share your perspective.
Thank you for this, Ayana. Your candor is inspiring and a needed, frank look at what this industry entails.
The jump (off a cliff) from 2020 income as an influencer to 2025 income has been a hard pill to swallow on my end. It’s been so hard to figure out how to navigate. But a girl is tired.
I would be curious to know how many followers you’ve lost are from people deactivating their accts vs people actively unfollowing specific creators. I deactivated my account after the inauguration and I mostly don’t miss it (I miss your tweet round up!).