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7 Things Nobody Teaches You About Being a Creator (and Who to Learn From)
Siembra Connect: Issue 203
George Torres
September 10, 2025
In partnership with
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Back in the early days of blogging, I thought being a creator was all about publishing the perfect post and hoping it got noticed. I want you to know that I thought that what I was doing the most important thing in the world. I remember spending hours tweaking fonts, fixing typos, and refreshing the page to see if anyone left a comment.
Spoiler: I was disappointed more times than I can remember, I am still surprised I didnt quit. I am glad I stayed the course…
What I really wish is that someone would have told me then is that the creator journey isn’t about perfection, virality, or chasing algorithms… it’s about showing up, telling your story, and building real connections.
Most of the lessons that matter don’t come from marketing gurus; they come from trial, error, and the creators who are already living it.
That’s why I put this list together.
These are the things nobody teaches you about being a creator…and a few people you can study to see how it’s really done.
1. Your first audience is not strangers—it’s your circle
Most people think growth starts with going viral. In reality, your first 100 supporters usually come from people who already know and trust you. Nurture those roots before reaching for the masses…
Learn from: Pam Covarrubias (Café con Pam), who grew her podcast by leaning on her existing community before expanding outward.
2. Content consistency matters more than perfection
Creators waste time chasing the “perfect” post when showing up consistently builds more trust than polish.
Learn from: Julio Ricardo Varela, who has shown up for years with timely commentary, even when production wasn’t flashy. He build more than one institution of journalistic excellence for us.
Here is his latest project… The Latino Newsletter (subscribe now)
3. You need multiple revenue stream.
No one platform payout will pay your bills or support the lifestyle you dream of. Sponsorships, digital products, speaking, and community offerings diversify your income.
Learn from: Giovanna “The First Gen Mentor” Gonzalez who mixes brand partnerships, a book, coaching, and speaking.
4. Virality without ownership is dangerous
If all your energy goes into TikTok or Instagram, you don’t own your relationships. Algorithms change, platforms disappear. Build a newsletter, a website, or a podcast to protect your connection.
Learn from: Ada Rojas (All Things Ada), who built her own digital hub after years of brand collaborations, ensuring her audience could always find her.
5. Rest is part of the job
Burnout kills creativity. Big opportunities often show up when you’re refreshed, not when you’re grinding nonstop.
Learn from: Rosanna Rodriguez (Yogiando NYC), who built a community around wellness and rest while still growing her platform.
6. Storytelling > strategy hacks
Tricks and algorithms change daily. Stories cut through and keep people listening. Your lived experiences are your most valuable currency.
Learn from: Yesika Salgado (poet and author), who has built a loyal audience by blending poetry, vulnerability, and cultural truth-telling.
7. You are the brand
The niche matters less than the person. People buy into your vibe, values, and journey.
Learn from: Ayala, who infuses every painting and piece of content with her personal narrative of resilience and culture.
👉 Reflection for Cultivators
Which of these lessons hits closest to where you are right now? And which creator will you study this week to sharpen your own path?
“Creators don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because no one taught them the unspoken rules.”
All that said…here are three things for you to consider as you create content for the next season of your journey…
1. Real Over Polished
Audiences want raw, unfiltered moments. Over-produced content feels distant, while vulnerable, everyday moments feel human.
UGC is proof of trust, not just another tactic.
“Messy” often means “relatable”—and that’s what sparks conversation.
Action: Share a behind-the-scenes clip, a thought in progress, or an honest reflection. See how your audience responds when you lead with real.
2. Community Spaces as Your Stage
The future isn’t about followers—it’s about where people gather and stay.
Discord servers, IG broadcast channels, and WhatsApp groups are where belonging is built.
These smaller spaces turn casual viewers into invested community.
Action: Create a private “backstage” space for your most engaged people. Share early access, updates, or simply give them room to connect with each other.
3. Story Arcs Win Attention
Random posts are easy to scroll past. Episodic storytelling keeps people hooked.
Mini-series, character-driven content, and story arcs make your audience want to return.
Consistency creates anticipation, not just impressions.
Action: Build a three-part series around a single theme. Close each piece with a reason for your audience to come back for the next “episode.”
One Last Thought…
The creators who grow in 2025 won’t be the ones chasing trends or polishing every frame. They’ll be the ones who:
Show up real enough to be trusted
Build community that feels like home
Tell stories that invite people back
So ask yourself: What’s one way you can show up more honestly this week?
Here are a few ways you can start your day from a physical perspective that may actually help you be in a space to get more creative.
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down and ensure a restful slumber.
Hydration is Key: Our bodies are mostly water, so staying hydrated is crucial for optimal function. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
Move Your Body: Even moderate exercise can significantly boost your energy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week. Take a brisk walk outside, try a new fitness class, or dust off your bike for a ride in the spring sunshine!
I cannot wait to see how this helps you grow,
Read More: https://avanceproximo.com/about/
Film Festival & Creator Conference (NYC)
Get Tickets to The New York Latino Festival & The Futuro Digital Conference now at https://nylatinofilmfestival.com/2025/ (FYI The Futuro Conference Tix are FREE)
I will see you there…
Creator News Drop
⚖️ Legal Insights for Podcasters
Apple’s Legal Setback = More Revenue for Creators
Courts ruled Apple must allow in-app alternatives to its 30% fee. Platforms like Patreon and Kajabi stand to benefit.
Why it matters: More freedom for podcasters to monetize without losing a chunk of revenue to Apple.
Copyright and Music in Podcasts
AI tools are blurring lines on music licensing. Epidemic Sound and other libraries are expanding creator-safe catalogs.
Why it matters: Play it safe. Avoid DMCA strikes by using cleared music in intros, transitions, and background tracks.
📈 Trends & Insights
Podcasters Are Media Brands, Not Hobbyists
Digiday reports that creators are now being treated as strategic partners. Engagement > downloads.
Why it matters: Your podcast is more than content—it’s IP, brand equity, and community glue.
AI in Podcast Production
91% of creators use AI: for editing, ideation, or music adaptation. Epidemic Sound found 72% of podcasters lean on AI to streamline workflow.
Why it matters: This can help you ship more content without burnout—freeing time for storytelling and interviews.
🚨 Platform Updates
Legacy Media Joins the Podcast Gold Rush
Fox News acquired Ruthless, The Athletic picked up Pablo Torre Finds Out, and Vox Media partnered with Hacks on Tap. Podcast listening has hit 773 million weekly hours in 2025.
Why it matters: Independent creators are proving their value. If you own your IP and build a loyal audience, major players will come knocking.
👉 https://www.wsj.com/business/media/podcast-creators-goldrush-b948a175
YouTube Doubles Down on Podcasts
YouTube is testing podcast-first layouts and offering new ad options, betting that video-pod hybrids are the future.
Why it matters: If you’re not repurposing your audio into video clips, you’re leaving growth on the table.
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🍂 Share Siembra Connect This Fall
Siembra Connect is about cultivating ideas, stories, and community. And the best way to grow is by inviting others into the conversation.
If you know a friend who’s building their voice, starting their business, or just looking for inspiration, forward them this newsletter or share your referral link below.
Together, we can make this season one of growth and connection.
This newsletter is a harvest of ideas to carry you through the fall season. Remember, the seeds you plant now shape the growth ahead.
Keep cultivating, keep connecting, and let this season be one of grounding and abundance.
See you on Wednesday!
George Torres, Founder - Siembra Connect
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