Wife and mother of two, Kitt Kiarie is a 36 year old content creator, enjoying a massive audience on both YouTube and Instagram. In addition to content creation, she is a professional sleeping coach and home organizer/declutterer. She grew up in Kangemi area, having attended Kianda school for her primary education and later moving on to Nairobi Jaffery Academy. Kitt then went ahead to St Mary’s school for her International Baccalaureate (IB) and finally proceeded to to USIU-Africa where she majored in Psychology and minored in Gender studies. The YouTube sensation shares her journey in content creation.
Is Content Creation Your Full Time Job?
Yes it is! I am also a sleep trainer and home declutterer. I do those jobs full time too. The notion that most Kenyans have, is that when you have more than one job, the second one is automatically a side hustle or a part time gig. For me, that’s not true! I do all my jobs full time.
When and where were you happiest last?
Not really! I always wanted to be a social development consultant. Though currently, I still do some projects here and there in that space. In fact I just conducted a team building session two weeks ago for a certain organization. When it comes to content creation, I never thought that I would get into this industry. This was a path that I slowly and gradually grew into. I started off by blogging due to my love for telling stories. Then one day I picked up the camera and did a few videos. I loved everything about it; the shooting, the editing and eventually releasing it to the audience. So I said, “Why not make it a full time job!”
Are you a fan of TV or Books? Which of either are you currently binging on?
I’m a fan of both. However as opposed to movies, I enjoy watching YouTube videos and TV series. I recently finished watching Love is blind; a show that was practically forced on me by both my sister and best friend. Talk about bad TV! I still cannot believe I binged on it for a week haha! I also finished watching The Woman in the House across the Street from the Girl in the Window. Regarding books, I am currently hooked on Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi. This was actually a birthday gift from my best friend and so far so good! I’m loving it
Is this the career you always dreamed of?
Not really! I always wanted to be a social development consultant instead. Though currently, I still do some projects in that space. In fact I just did a team building session two weeks ago for a certain organization. Regarding content creation, I never thought that I would get into this industry. This was a path that I slowly and gradually grew into. I started off by blogging due to my love for telling stories. Then one day I picked up the camera and did a few videos. I loved everything about it; the shooting, the editing and eventually releasing it to the audience. So I said, “why not make it a full time job!”
What would you advise an upcoming content creator on whether to do content creation full time or part time?
Consistency is key! Whatever you put your mind to, is bound to give you results. Content creation right now, is where music used to be about 20 years ago i.e. at its infancy stage. Back then, a music group like Sauti sol chose to do music full time and look at where they are right now. Most of the people who chose to do it part time are not as far ahead. This just goes to show the importance of consistency and focus in this industry. If you want to make it big in content creation, then you should definitely do it full time. It might be hard especially in the beginning but keep at it and you will find your footing.
Who is your favorite content creator?
Maybe me!😁 I don’t think I have a favorite content creator. I consume very little content in general apart from my own; whether local or international.
How did you start it then? Was there nobody in the industry who inspired you to do so?
Not really. My audience has been my biggest catalyst. Once I started doing a bit here and there, I would always get feedback from my fans on how I should do more. Slowly, I started doing exactly that and that is how I have gotten this far.
Have you had your content rejected before? How did you handle the situation?
Yes! There was a certain brand that approached me to create content for them. I presented some work which they asked me to revise for some reason. I did exactly that but they ultimately decided to go a different direction. I didn’t take it personally. It was their prerogative to do so. I just asked them to pay me for the much I had done already and that was it. A few months later, they approached me to create more content for them and I gladly agreed. So in other words, rejection is not personal. For my case, whatever content I had created for them then was not what their brand needed at the time. It had nothing to do with me as a person.
What has been your biggest challenge as a content creator?
I’ve had a couple but I would say two have by far been the most annoying. Firstly, the fact that there are some brands that want me to work for them for free is just unacceptable. Content creation is hard work and deserves pay just like any other job. Then another thing is that, some of my audience keeps urging me to change my voice. They want to put me in a box somehow. Sometimes I get feedback about how some people are triggered by my sentiments and they end up calling me either too loud or rude. It gets frustrating to a point but ultimately I decide to just continue being myself.
What has been the one piece of content that you've enjoyed making so far?
Gosh! That is such a hard question. I have really enjoyed making all of my content. It’s difficult to choose. Probably, I could mention the most recent ones I have worked on. I really enjoyed the upcountry trip that I did with my family. That was very memorable.
What usually sparks your creativity?
So many things! It could be something about the society; it could me my kids or even based on some content I’ve consumed. Whatever I see that inspires me, I make sure I save it somewhere so that I can use it when the timing is right.
What would you tell your 25 year old self?
Nothing lasts forever! Whatever you’re crying about now will not last. You’ll soon be over it in a bit. Don’t you worry much about it!
Where do you see yourself in future?
I see myself having my very own TV show. You know “Oprah vibes”😎
Wholesome content…Kitt is a trendsetter indeed.
This speaks to me, consistency will always make your hustle grow and become something big in the long run. Kudo’s Archie. Good job.