While being a Black natural hair content creator can have its glamorous moments, there are many challenges that can arise. Based on my personal experience, here are the pros and cons of being a Black natural hair content creator.
The Pros
The digital landscape allows people to cultivate a community and a platform to creatively share topics. Being a content creator provides a sense of independence, flexible work hours, the opportunity to generate income, and the ability to work from anywhere (where there’s wifi, of course). Instead of higher education and other traditional prerequisites, all you need is a camera, a unique perspective, and the courage to hit “share.” Content creation can also be a fun way to develop writing skills, confidence, film editing, and other practical skills.
With various societal pressures to adapt to traditional beauty standards, being a Black natural hair content creator shows the world that you are not wrong in embracing your ancestry and how the universe divinely created you.
While each person’s natural hair journey is different, I am honored that so many people feel inspired by my personal buying decisions, wash day routines, and other content that I love to create. It’s mind-blowing to know that sharing my opinion on how I decide which products to buy can positively influence those who enjoy my content and empower them when making their own shopping decisions. The Black natural hair creator has the privilege of interacting with people looking for hope, confidence, and community.
The Cons
Being a Black natural hair content creator is by no means a breeze. Have you ever tried to film yourself washing your hair? There can be a longer turnaround time required when washing and styling natural hair. This means that the 12-second video that you liked may have taken the creator one to three days to develop.
Beyond the act of filming and styling natural hair, Black natural hair content creators deal with similar challenges as other Black creatives. Being Black means that you are part of a traditionally marginalized group. Furthermore, being a Black woman has an additional layer of historical trauma. Research has shown that algorithm biases do exist as many social media platforms were not originally constructed to favor Blackness. Oftentimes, it can feel that we are trying to break through a glass ceiling.
Other challenges worth noting are paid wage gaps, mental health hurdles, and the lack of recognition from some brands in comparison to caucasian creators. It can be labor-intensive to handle business behind the scenes and consistently create content, all while fighting for your place in these spaces. Despite the challenges, the ability to positively impact others and leave a legacy is worth it. If you are an aspiring Black natural hair content creator, I encourage you to get started with what you have, stay as consistent as your mental health allows, and embrace the journey. Always remember: Stay true to your values. Leave space for life off of the internet. And, most importantly, DREAM BIG!
xoxo
Kia Bell (@curlswithkia)
