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Dear Cultivators.

This past week, I was in the aft galley on a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico chopping it up with a new flight attendant. If you did not know, these conversation in the galley get really personal really quick. Flight attendants, by default are dreamers… visionaries and come from all walks of life. This actually makes them the best types of entrepreneurs. They are detailed, resilient and can adapt quickly to change.

It did not take long for me to notice that look in her eye—the one you get when your dreams start to feel too big for your current title.

She told me,

SoI hit her with a question:

She got real quiet.
And so did I.

Because I realized something:
Clarity isn’t enough.
You can know what you want, but if your actions don’t align… you’re still off your flight path. Last week we audited for clarity but today we need to recognize that;

It’s not just about having a vision.
It’s about living it.
Breathing it.
Building it.

That’s what we’re talking about next time: Alignment
The bridge between knowing who you are and actually moving like it.

It's one we all need.

let’s keep growing…

Today, I will share the following;

• A quick 15 minute reflection to evaluate how you are showing up today to see if it is aligned with who you want to be online and in real life.

• I will introduce you to my friend / colleague Kety Esquivel who is unstoppable.

• My blue print for starting and growing your business with almost no money.

I also have a great selection of Mental Health Resources, Growth Opportunities and Upcoming Events.

Here is a deeper dive to being a nomadic creator …

If you read this newsletter “I kindly request that from this point forward, all creators refrain from hustling backwards, chasing clout, or undervaluing their worth.” and be ready to learn from real world experience… I been at this for a minute.

🧭 Siembra Lesson: The Creator Alignment Audit

Take 15 quiet minutes for this reflection:

1. What are my top 3 values as a creator or brand?

2. Do my last 9 posts reflect those values?

3. Where in my business or content am I out of alignment?

4. What is one thing I need to let go of?

5. What is one thing I need to do more of starting now?

6. What would it look like if I moved like someone who believes in their vision?

Use your answers to identify your next move—not your next post, your next realignment.

This is the work.

On the topics of Clarity and Alignment….Today,I thought it would be great to introduce you to Kety Esquivel…

She has spent her life proving that unstoppable isn't just a mindset…it’s a mission.

A very aligned mission.

Kety Esquivel is a writer, global strategist, and award-winning communications executive whose work has crossed borders, industries, and expectations. With a career that spans five continents and more than two decades, Kety has advised Fortune 100 executives, shaped digital campaigns for global agencies like Ogilvy and Edelman, and championed equity across government, tech, and philanthropy.

She’s not only led digital teams for iconic organizations like UnidosUS and AnitaB.org—she’s helped shape the narrative around what it means to lead as a Latina at the highest levels of influence. Her commentary has been featured in CNN, PBS Televisa, and the Wall Street Journal. She’s been a voice for justice, innovation, and visibility, from the United Nations in Ethiopia to stages like SXSW and Social Media Week.

A proud graduate of Cornell University, Kety continues to lead from every seat she holds—whether as a strategist, board member, or coach. Her life’s work? Opening doors. Shattering ceilings. And building tables where more voices are heard. Just the kind of people we love to be connected to here at Siembra Connect.

I first met Kety back when I was doing a huge social media activation at UnidosUS when it was still known as NCLR — the National Council of La Raza. Our paths crossed in the early days of digital organizing, and it was her vision and leadership that helped spark something bigger. That connection led to a brief but powerful collaboration on the early foundation of LATISM (Latinos In Social Media) — a movement that gave so many of us, including me, our first real taste of what it meant to build community and career online.

Watch her Ted Talk, connect with her on LinkedIn and see what makes her Unstoppable.

Most of our features come from creators I have met in real life or that I come across on my timeline daily—but I know YOU are connected to some amazing talent I may not have discovered yet. That’s why I’m opening up the door…

Are you or do you know a creator who deserves to be featured?

We’re looking for creators, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making waves and have a story to tell. Whether you’re building a brand, leading a movement, or creating game-changing content, we want to highlight your journey!

📩 Send your submissions to [email protected]

Let’s kill the myth that you need thousands of dollars to start a business.

You don’t.

In fact, in 2025, you can build a fully functioning business for $0 if you know where to look—and I’m about to drop the blueprint.

This blue print is for you if you want to start or grow your existing business. This is also for the few that already have been in business but have not taken the steps to legitimize your business to have all the access to the right growth tools.

These are the exact tools and resources that help you get legit, build a brand, and make money… without asking your friends and family for a loan.

Start Your Business for Free in 2025

Here’s how to go from idea to income using all free tools:

✅ Legal Setup

• Free LLC – zenbusiness.com*

• Free EIN – irs.gov

• DUNS Number – dnb.com

• No Docs Business Funding Options – bizifunds.com

*Zen Business does not charge to register your LLC, you will only have to pay state fees.

✅ Name & Branding

• Business Name Generator – namelix.com

• Logo & Branding Kit – canva.com

✅ Online Presence

• Link in Bio – rebrandly.com

• Website Builder – typedream.com

• Email List Starter – mailerlite.com

• Social Media Scheduler – hypefury.com

✅ Monetize Your Idea

• Sell Digital Products – gumroad.com

• Automations – zanier.com

• Scheduling Tool – calendly.com

I will add what I use which is Stan Store… only because it actually combines all three of these features in one tool for a very affordable fee. Get a free 14 day test drive by clicking here.

✅ Content Creation

• Copywriting – copy.ai

• Proofreading – hemingwayapp.com

Why This Matters

Gatekeeping ends here. Most of these platforms have free tiers that are perfect for creators and side hustlers just getting started.

So instead of saying “I can’t afford to start,” try saying:

👉 “I’m starting with what I have—right now.”

📩 Want help putting it all together?
Let’s jump on a Cultivation Call where I walk you through how to:

• Pick your niche

• Validate your offer

• Launch with purpose

➡️ DM me or sign up

And remember…

You’re not too late. You’re right on time.

Let’s keep growing.

— George

The creator economy is evolving with mental health, legal wins, revenue independence, and platform competition all shaping its next chapter. Keep your strategy adaptable—this moment is moving fast.

Quick Hits

💼 LinkedIn Doubling Down on Video Creators

LinkedIn Launches Five Original Creator Shows in New BrandLink Push
The revamped "BrandLink" now includes new video shows featuring creators like Steven Bartlett and Rebecca Minkoff, with monetization via pre-roll ads into LinkedIn’s ad system.

Why it matters: Linkedin is briding the gap—offering creators access to professional audiences and new income streams outside Facebook/YouTube/TikTok.

🔗 Read More: https://www.businessinsider.com/linkedin-courts-creators-with-new-slate-of-video-shows-2025-4 instagram.com

📚 Data Ownership Dispute: Reddit Sues Anthropic

Content karma catches up to Reddit in its fight with Anthropic
Reddit has sued Anthropic for scraping its user-generated content to train the Claude AI, pushing questions around rights and compensation for creator-generated data.

Why it matters: If Reddit wins, it could empower creators and platforms to assert control—and profits—over their content.

🔗 Read More: https://www.businessinsider.com/content-karma-catches-up-reddit-in-fight-with-anthropic-2025-6

📲 Regulatory Win: Creator Platforms Gain Ground

Apple’s legal setback could be a big win for the creator economy
A judge ruled Apple must allow creator platforms like Patreon, Passes, Kajabi, and Mighty Networks to direct users to external payment options—bypassing the 30% App Store fee.

Why it matters: A game-changer for creator revenue—letting them keep more of what they earn.

🔗 Read More: https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-app-store-legal-setback-big-win-creator-economy-2025-5

💸 OnlyFans Eyed for $8B Sale

OnlyFans set for $8 B exit, pushing creator economy’s limits
With revenue rising from $375M (2020) to $6.6B (2023), OnlyFans is being valued at around $8 billion in a potential exit—a milestone for creator-owned revenue models.

Why it matters: Signals big investor confidence in subscription-based creator platforms beyond traditional social media.

🔗 Read More: https://techfundingnews.com/onlyfans-exit-valuation-8-billion-creator-economy-growth/

🎥 Streaming Rival Gains Traction

Kick.com hits record viewership with looser moderation and better splits
Kick, a livestreaming site with a 95% revenue share, notched a record 317 million hours watched in March 2025 with nearly 444K average concurrent viewers.

Why it matters: Shows creators are flocking to platforms that offer fairer monetization—even if moderation is looser.

🔗 Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick_(streaming_platform)

💸 NYSCA Reserve Fund & LGBTQ+ Writing Grant (NY State)

What it is:

• NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants (deadline June 17, 2025) supporting community and visual arts

• Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award (also June 17 deadline)

• 
  Why it matters: Open to New York‑based creators; great for funding creative projects or hiring collaborators.

• 
  🔗 Learn More: https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/

🌐 Black Immersive Creators Grant – $10,000

What it is: $10 K grant for Black immersive artists (AR/VR/game designers, etc.), open now for 2025.

Why it matters: Covers early production costs and helps amplify underrepresented voices in emerging media.

🔗 Learn More: https://roomescapeartist.com/2024/06/05/black-immersive-creators-grant-2025/

🧑‍💻 Remote Content Creator Positions (New York + Global)

What it is:

• Hundreds of remote and hybrid roles paying $50 K–$140 K+ across industries

• Listings include part-time, contract, and senior positions in video, social, and educational content

• 
  Why it matters: Stable income opportunities while deepening your portfolio and professional network.

• 
  🔗 Learn More (ZipRecruiter): https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Remote-Creator

• 
  🔗 Learn More (Indeed): https://www.indeed.com/q-Content-Creator-Remote-jobs.html

🚀 Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator

What it is: Free eight-week virtual accelerator for 100 creative entrepreneurs—includes mentorship, tools, and training.

Why it matters: Gain business skills to scale your brand, negotiate with sponsors, and level up monetization.

🔗 Learn More: https://aofund.org/program/creators-momentum-business-accelerator/

🌱 Bonus: ArtFund.ME Quarterly Grant

What it is: $1,000 unrestricted grant for visual artists and photographers worldwide — no complex application required.

Why it matters: Great for adding to your toolkit—perfect for covering part of a shoot, gear, or editing software.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/complete-guide-to-artist-grants-in-2024

Featured Event

What it is: June 19–21, 2025 in Anaheim—one of the world's largest conventions for video creators, featuring platform updates, collabs, and live interactive content.

Why it matters: Dive into audience-building tools, meet major influencers, and stay ahead of platform trends (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram).

🔗 Learn More: https://vidcon.com/

📺 Creator Economy Live East (NYC In‑Person)

What it is: Two days (August 5–6, 2025) at NYC’s Marriott Marquis packed with influencer-marketing keynotes, panels, and ROI-focused networking.

Why it matters: Ideal for forging brand/creator partnerships and gaining cutting-edge campaign insights in a major media hub.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.creatoreconomylive.com/

🎬 Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX)

What it is: In-person conference August 24–26, 2025 with keynotes, workshops, and panels for serious bloggers, podcasters, and freelance creators.

Why it matters: Focused on scaling content-based businesses—perfect for creators aiming for sustainable income and collaboration.

🔗 Learn More: https://cex.events/

🤝 TwitchCon North America (San Diego)

What it is: October 17–19, 2025 in San Diego—Twitch’s in-person industry celebration with community panels, esports, and networking content.

Why it matters: Great for livestream creators, especially focusing on engagement strategies and brand integrations in esports and entertainment.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.twitchcon.com/

🎤 CreatorConf (Virtual Creator Summit)

What it is: A two‑day virtual event (December 13–14, 2025) featuring 30+ focused talks, panels, and Q&As with top creators on content strategy, audience scaling, and monetization.

Why it matters: Learn from creators who have built large, engaged audiences—perfect for creators seeking growth tactics without travel.

🔗 Learn More: https://creatorconf.com/

Influencer Burnout Is on the Rise. A New Mental Health Service Wants to Help

CreatorCare is a telehealth platform offering sliding‑scale therapy ($60–$180/session) to address anxiety, identity stress, harassment, and career instability among creators.

Why it matters: Finally, a mental‑health solution built for creators—acknowledging emotional tolls and income unpredictability.

🔗 Read More: https://www.wired.com/story/influencer-burnout-mental-health-service-creativecare

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