How to Become an Influencer and Get Paid: Real Advice from Fae

By Feyisola Ojo Daisy

Hello Thrivers,

Let’s start with something honest.

A lot of people want to become influencers today.
Not just for the aesthetics, and definitely not just for the soft life.

But for this major reason:
“How do I actually make money from this?”

Because posting content is one thing.
Turning your content into income, influence, and opportunities? That’s a completely different game.

And if we told you everything ourselves, you might not fully believe it.

So we went straight to the source.

We spoke to Fae, a content creator with over 8 years of experience in the Nigerian digital space, who has worked with brands like Vaseline, MTN, Wondershare Filmora, Darling Hair, and Shinecartel.

From starting out as a beginner to landing paid collaborations, building an audience, and navigating the business side of influencing, she has seen it all.

And trust us…

She had a lot to say.

“I Didn’t Plan It. I Grew Into It.”

Unlike many creators who start with a clear strategy, Fae’s journey into content creation was organic.

“I’ve always loved creativity, from painting to expressing myself, even as a child. I started posting on Instagram in 2019, makeup tutorials, random videos… I didn’t fully know what I was doing, but I believed I would be seen.”

That belief?

It matters more than most people think.

Because in the early stages of content creation, clarity doesn’t always come first.
Consistency does.

The Biggest Mistake Creators Make Early On

If you have ever looked at another creator and thought:

“Maybe I should just do what they’re doing…”

You are not alone.

“I struggled with comparing myself to others and trying to figure out what was working,” Fae admits. “But I had to check myself. I didn’t want to lose who I am just to follow trends.”

And that right there is where many creators get stuck.

1. They chase trends

2. They copy formats

3. They lose identity

“I always say I don’t want to become a brand billboard. I want to be my own person first, then let brands align with me.”

That mindset shift?

That’s what separates creators who grow… from those who plateau.

Growth Isn’t About Going Viral. It’s About Value

When asked what really helped her grow, Fae didn’t mention algorithms.

She said something simpler.

“Provide value.”

That value can be:

• Your art

• Your perspective

• Your personality

• Or something people can connect with

For Fae, art became her differentiator.

And that’s the real takeaway:

Growth happens when people have a reason to remember you.

“Your Personality Is the Brand.”

Let’s be clear.

Content might get attention.

But personality builds connection.

“What makes people stay is your personality. That’s honestly it.”

In a space where thousands of creators can post similar content, your personality becomes your competitive advantage.

Not your camera.
Not your edits.
Not even your niche.

You!

The Power of Showing Up (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

This part? Most people don’t talk about it enough.

“There were times I felt like I had lost my spark,” she shares. “I even told a friend I felt like I had fallen off.”

But instead of disappearing, she did something powerful.

She kept posting.

“I always say ‘show up ugly.’ Not literally, but show up even when you don’t feel confident.”

Because here’s the truth:

If you wait until everything is perfect, you will delay your growth.

Consistency is not about perfection.
It’s about presence.

Your First Brand Deal Will Teach You Everything

Fae landed her first collaboration with about 2,000 followers.

Yes. 2,000.

“I already knew my worth, so I made sure I was paid fairly.”

That confidence?

It matters.

But what stood out the most wasn’t just the payment.

“They gave me creative freedom. That made all the difference.”

And that leads to an important lesson for both creators and brands:

The best-performing content comes from trust, not control.

What Brands Get Wrong About Influencer Marketing

According to Fae, one of the biggest misconceptions is this:

“People think content creation is just for fun. But it’s actually work.”

And that misunderstanding shows up in different ways:

• No contracts

• Unclear expectations

• Confusion between PR and paid work

Let’s clarify it simply:

• PR = Gift. No obligation to post

• Paid Collaboration = Work. Deliverables required

Creators: know this.
Brands: respect this.

How to Protect Yourself as a Creator

If you want to grow in this space long-term, you need more than content skills.

You need standards.

“Don’t be scared to stand your ground. If something doesn’t align, give a counteroffer.”

Other key rules:

• Always read your contracts

• Be clear on deliverables and timelines

• Deliver your work on time

• Protect your reputation

Because in this industry?

Your reputation is your currency.

When Content Creation Becomes a Career

For many creators, there’s a moment when everything clicks.

For Fae, it was her first major payment.

“I realized what I earned from a brand deal could match what I made over a longer period at my 9–5.”

That’s when it stopped being a hobby.

And became a career.

How Influencers Actually Make Money (Beyond Brand Deals)

If you think influencing is only about brand collaborations, you’re leaving money on the table.

“You can create courses, sell e-books, build platforms, or start a business around your niche.”

The key?

Build trust first.

Because once people trust you, they will buy from you.

The Fear No One Talks About

Let’s address it.

Inconsistency.

“A big fear is not having stable income. And honestly, it’s valid.”

Some months are great.
Some are quiet.

That’s why diversification matters.

Don’t rely on one income stream
Build multiple revenue channels

And most importantly:

“Not everyone should rush to quit their 9–5. Build your foundation first.”

Final Lessons for Every Creator

If there’s anything to take away from Fae’s journey, it’s this:

• No risk, no reward

• Consistency beats perfection

• Personality builds connection

• And authenticity sustains growth

And her final advice?

“Be yourself. Don’t rely on trends. Trends fade, but being yourself is what keeps you relevant.”

Final Thoughts, Thrivers

If you are looking to start influencing or grow your platform, understand this: this is not just content creation. It is a business, a brand, and a long-term game.

The creators who truly win are not just the most talented. They are the most consistent, the most self-aware, and the most intentional about how they show up.

Because when done right, influencing doesn’t just give you views. It gives you real opportunities, real income, and real impact.

And if Fae’s journey inspired you or gave you clarity on your next steps, you can connect with her on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares more of her creative process, insights, and content.

And as always, Thrivers… build wisely.

Team Thrive

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