My First Sponsored Video

Recently, I managed to get my first sponsored video.

As a content creator, one of the biggest struggles I currently face is understanding my value as one. For some reason, I have a real fear of... asking for things. To put it bluntly:

I struggle with defining my worth.

I realized this was an issue of mine way back when I met Dina Lu for the first time. At the time, I was going to start freelancing as a video editor, and since I was a total newbie with no real experience or clients to my name, I figured I should start my hourly wage at $7 an hour. Dina was mortified.

"That's way too low!"

And ever since then, I realized that I have a habit of undervaluing myself. And that it comes from a fear of disappointing people. I realize now, undercharging is a way to protect myself. For me, it feels better for me to undercharge and exceed expectations, as opposed to asking for more and potentially falling short of expectations. I don't want the pressure.

But how am I supposed to grow without pressure?

Fast forward to now, and I just completed my first sponsored video with Bozy Sportwear. I want to be active in my pursuit to become a full-time content creator, which is why I was the one who initially approached Bozy. Well, in truth, the owner of Azure, suggested that I ask them for a sponsorship (and even made the recommendation to them behind the scenes, bless him). Even still, I reached out and got the sponsorship.

This is a habit that I need to keep up. I need to keep going out there and asking for opportunities that will help me grow. I need to become the kind of person who is totally comfortable getting sponsorships and working with brands/companies. Eventually, there will come a time where I probably won't meet the expectations of a sponsor. And I need to be okay with that.

I need to be okay, with feeling not okay with something.

Because otherwise, I will keep myself stuck in the bottom brackets, in fear of disappointing people. I need to keep aiming higher. Keep being better. And above all, make steady improvements until I become the person who I want to be.