For You Podcast I Episode 15 with The Crib Around the Corner

Introduction

Welcome back to TikTok's 4U Podcast, powered by Truth, helping hundreds of thousands of people stop vaping with This Is Quitting. I'm your host, Brittany Broski, and today we are joined by guests who are changing the narrative around the predominantly white influencer culture. They’re calling out brands and industry affiliates for the pay and opportunity gaps for people of color while creating their own diverse content house—the Crib Around the Corner. Please welcome Dan De Rey, Laila Qasim, and Stacey (who unfortunately couldn't join us).

The Birth of a Diverse Collective

The Crib Around the Corner emerged from conversations among friends about the need for a Black creative house, as they saw a void in heavily supported, diverse content creation. After brainstorming, they connected with a company called Whaler that shared their vision, and from there, they took off to create a space that uplifts their stories and talents.

Staying Motivated in a Chaotic Space

Social media can be overwhelming for creators, both in terms of audience engagement and personal motivation. Dan shared that he had faced a period where social media wasn't fun anymore due to external judgments, but he found renewed enjoyment by creating content that resonated with him personally rather than merely what he believed the audience wanted. Staying true to oneself allowed him to reconnect with his passion.

Dealing with Criticism

While Dan experienced little negativity, Laila and Shaolin reported receiving hate comments, which they often turned into motivation. Laila humorously mentioned creating content specifically to push back against critics. They emphasized that being authentic and doing what you love often leads to surprising support from followers.

Output vs. Authenticity

The conversation took a turn toward how creators are often branded as "unproblematic" or pushed to speak on pressing social issues. Dan noted that this labeling can be flawed and creates expectations for creators to maintain a perfect persona. This pressure often interferes with their genuine engagement and creative expression, making it difficult to be individuals instead of just figures in a narrative.

Laila added that the rush to post timely statements on social media can lead to misinformation and could be harmful if creators aren’t careful to research the subjects they discuss. The expectation to respond instantly often overshadows the understanding of complex issues, making it hard for creators to navigate their identities publically.

Industry Realities for Creators of Color

They also discussed some unsettling realities regarding pay disparities among creators. De Rey shared an experience where a brand undervalued his work compared to his peers, emphasizing that brands often advocate for equity while failing to offer it in practice. He called attention to the need for true representation both behind and in front of the camera.

Looking Ahead

As creators, each member of The Crib Around the Corner is aspiring to leverage their platforms for broader opportunities. De Rey spoke passionately about his plans to create a media platform focused on inclusion and representation. Laila is keen on exploring acting as her next step, something she’s been passionate about since her school days. Dan is excited about continuing to expand his creative reach across various mediums.

Conclusion

The conversation concluded with gratitude for the chance to share their experiences and insights. Their journey emphasizes the importance of authenticity, representation, and solidarity in the influencer space.

You can find The Crib Around the Corner on all social media platforms, and the individual handles are as follows:

• Dan: @strawhatdan
• Laila: @laylaqasim
• De Rey: @captain_dare

Thank you for tuning in—be on the lookout for amazing things from these talented creators!

Keywords

• TikTok
• Influencer culture
• Diversity
• The Crib Around the Corner
• Motivation
• Authenticity
• Pay disparities
• Representation
• Media platform
• Creators of color

FAQ

Q1: What is The Crib Around the Corner?
A1: The Crib Around the Corner is a diverse content house created to support Black creators and address the lack of representation in the influencer space.

Q2: How did the idea for this creative house come about?
A2: It originated from discussions among friends who wanted to establish a supportive environment for Black creatives after noticing a lack of heavily supported creative houses in the industry.

Q3: What challenges do the creators face in social media?
A3: Creators often deal with overwhelming pressures, including negative comments, the need to respond to current events, and the fear of being branded as 'unproblematic' or 'problematic.'

Q4: How do they handle criticism?
A4: Many find ways to turn criticism into motivation and create content that speaks to their true selves rather than merely responding to audience expectations.

Q5: What are the future ambitions of The Crib Around the Corner creators?
A5: Creators aim to explore acting, establish their own media platforms, and continue promoting diversity and inclusion in the content they produce.