In a world where women are still fighting for equality in the workplace, there’s one industry where they dominate: Social media. According to a Collabstr 2023 Influencer Marketing Report, 77% of influencers actively monetizing their content are female. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have allowed women to showcase their talents, share their stories and create thriving businesses — all while making a pretty penny. 

One of these women is Lyla, a content creator, a single mother of three, and a shining example of women achieving financial independence through their online presence. Thanks to her unique blend of creativity, authenticity, and entrepreneurial spirit, she has created a successful business and paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

Lyla's journey began last October when one of her TikTok videos unexpectedly went viral, attracting hundreds of thousands of views. 

"I kept making TikToks, and then one morning I woke up, and I had 27,000 new followers," Lyla says.

This sudden rise in popularity encouraged Lyla to explore other platforms where she could expand her reach and monetize her content. As a former dancer, Lyla has previous experience in the business. She knows firsthand how to leverage her skills and capture her audience — except now it’s in front of the camera.   

"Working in the entertainment industry isn't new to me,” she says. “It's just different because it's digital." 

Despite her busy schedule and growing online business, Lyla's children are always her main priority. As a single mother, she understands the importance of providing her kids with a stable and nurturing environment. With her newfound financial success, she can invest in their education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities, ensuring their needs are met and their futures secure.

"I went from making, like, $13,000 a year to probably making about $400k this year," she says. “I took the opportunity because it looked like a brighter future than I have been living.”

Another aspect that sets Lyla's business apart is her ability to engage with her followers and clients. Her commitment and attentiveness have helped her gain a loyal following. She always responds to messages and makes sure her interactions are meaningful “unless they are rude,” she jokes. 

When it comes to content creation, Lyla has a very strategic approach. She meticulously plans her posts, sometimes creating content in bulk and keeping drafts ready for future use. Additionally, Lyla offers custom photos and videos to cater to clients’ specific requests — a prime example of her versatility and commitment to meeting her clients' desires. Her ability to balance creativity with practicality has undoubtedly contributed to her success.

"It's definitely trial and error,” she says. “I’ve observed certain things and trends but tweaked them to be my own."

Of course, it’s no secret that being an online content creator comes with challenges. Lyla has faced criticism and negativity, particularly from some family members who disapprove of her chosen path. However, she is not ashamed of her choices and refuses to let any stigma discourage her from building her thriving business and providing for her family.

Lyla's success as an online entrepreneur allows her to be a dedicated and loving mother, showing that it is possible to balance personal and professional aspirations while putting family first. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring content creators — specifically women — demonstrating the possibilities that lie within the digital realm.

‍