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Dopamine, Deadlines, and Disconnection.
The Creator Economy’s Silent Crisis
George Torres
May 10, 2025
In partnership with
Sending this out on today… because Moms get all the love tomorrow.
Dear Cultivators…
A few days back, when I read Jayde Powell’s story, I felt seen. Not just as someone who moves heavy in the creator economy, but as someone who has wrestled with the weight of visibility—the kind that comes with constantly showing up online, building community, and trying to make a living while also protecting your peace. Jayde’s honesty hit me like a truth I’ve known but haven’t consistently said out loud: being a creator is beautiful and brutal. It’s connection and clout, but also migraines, burnout, and emotional landmines that don’t get addressed nearly enough.
The part that stuck with me most wasn’t her impressive $50K quarter or the brand name events—it was her saying, “It’s embarrassing to say, but also it’s true.” That kind of vulnerability, especially in a space that rewards perfection and performative success, is what makes her a real leader in this space.
This article reminded me why I started Siembra Connect in the first place. Because we need safe spaces, sustainable income, and systems of care that don’t treat mental health like a luxury. Jayde isn’t planning to stay an influencer forever, and I get it. But until we build more off-ramps, rest stops, and repair stations along the way, we’re going to keep losing people to the grind. And that’s not the legacy we want to leave behind.
Read the article for even a greater sense of context on why we need to consistently need to be loud about a Mental Health no matter what community you are in.
I choose to do it here… for you.
George Torres
Read Jayde Powell’s Story on Wired.com
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Siembra Lessons is where we break down key takeaways from the creator journey: hard-earned wisdom, business insights, and real-life strategies to help you grow. Whether it’s a personal story, a case study, or a lesson learned the hard way, this section is all about planting seeds of knowledge so you can cultivate success.
In the creator economy, attention is currency.
And just like currency, the value changes depending on demand, trends, and how many people are chasing the same thing.
That’s why one of the most powerful tools in your strategy as a creator, coach, or community builder is this:
Creator Spotlight showcases a standout creative who is making waves in their industry. Learn about their journey, projects, and insights, and get inspired by how they’re building their brand and impact.
In honor of Mother’s Day, I want to introduce you to an incredible mom who’s not just a content creator—she’s a force. She’s moved beyond the typical “influencer” lane to build a lasting legacy, using her platform to fiercely advocate for causes that uplift families across the country via a platform called Moms Rising.
She is also a dear friend for many years.
Diana Limongi is a Latina mom from Queens, NY with proud Ecuadorian roots. She is an award-winning bilingual blogger, writer and activist. At MomsRising she leads the RISERS National Parent Fellowship where she helps moms develop their leadership skills and be an advocate for families in their communities. Diana is also the host of a podcast, Parenting and Politics, where she looks at parenting through at political lens. Diana's writing has appeared in Baby Center, Hispana Global, NBC News, Today Show Parenting and Cosmopolitan, among others.
Diana has a Masters degree in Migration Studies and an MPA in Nonprofit Management. She is fluent in Spanish and French. Diana lives in NYC. She loves to travel, eat, dance and sometimes she runs and hikes.
You can follow her on Instagram where she shares her adventures of multicultural parenting, life in NYC and travel.
Most of our features come from creators 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 floor…
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]
My Creator Toolkit is your go-to resource for the best apps, platforms, and strategies to streamline your workflow and level up your content game. From AI tools to social media hacks, this section equips you with everything you need to create smarter, not harder.
The tools we use to send emails, schedule posts, and manage memberships are also quietly becoming some of the most consistent educators in the creator space. In fact, they’re doing more to equip creators for long-term success than the platforms profiting off our content.
Kit: Teaching Creators to Lead with Integrity
Kit may have started as an email tool, but its mission is bigger than open rates. Through their Creator Sessions, podcast, and in-depth guides, they’ve built a media arm that’s all about helping creators grow without selling out.
Recent content includes:
How to build trust instead of chasing virality
What sustainable income looks like in 2025
Mental health tips for full-time creatives
They also launched the Creator Network, a collaboration tool that lets creators uplift each other instead of compete. That’s not something Instagram’s Explore page will ever teach you.
Kit is doing what the algorithms won’t—building an actual ecosystem of support.
Later: Giving Creators the Playbook, Not Just the Platform
Later could’ve stopped at scheduling—but they didn’t. Their blog reads like a free masterclass on visual strategy, audience growth, and creator entrepreneurship. Their Instagram trends reports are more useful than anything coming from Meta’s PR team.
You’ll find:
Smart breakdowns of platform updates
Influencer pricing guides
Real case studies with diverse creators
They go beyond the hype, offering creators a roadmap instead of just a reach count.
Later is investing in your knowledge, not just your next post.
Patreon: Prioritizing People Over Performance
Patreon isn’t trying to get you viral. They’re trying to get you paid—on your terms.
Through their blog and Backstage podcast, they unpack what it means to be a working creative today. It’s not about likes—it’s about liberation.
Their content covers:
Transitioning from free to paid content
Pricing with confidence
Building true community around your work
Unlike TikTok or YouTube, which tweak monetization every other month, Patreon is building real creator wealth—with full transparency.
While platforms chase ad revenue, Patreon is helping creators build legacy income.
In the News keeps you updated on the latest trends, headlines, and industry shifts affecting creators and entrepreneurs. From platform updates to funding opportunities, this section highlights what’s happening now and why it matters to you.
📈 Digital Creator Job Growth
Exclusive: Digital creator jobs jump 7.5x since pandemic
Read this @ Axios
AI-Powered Content Creation
Generative AI has become integral to social media strategies. Marketers are leveraging AI tools to produce engaging content, automate responses, and analyze audience behavior, enhancing efficiency and personalization.
Read this onEmpathy First Media
Short-Form Video Dominance
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to prioritize short-form videos. These bite-sized contents are favored for their high engagement rates and shareability.
Read this onSendible
🎥 Content Creator Economy Trends
Surge in Creator Roles
The number of digital creators has skyrocketed, with full-time creator roles in the U.S. increasing from 200,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million in 2024. This growth underscores the expanding opportunities within the creator economy.
Read this onBusiness Insider
Emergence of 'Subs' Platform
Tim Stokely, founder of OnlyFans, has launched 'Subs,' a new platform catering to both safe-for-work and adult content creators. 'Subs' offers features like an "explore" feed and "shows" component, aiming to provide creators with diversified monetization avenues.
Read this onBusiness Insider
Mental Health Support Initiatives
Recognizing the pressures faced by creators, services like CreatorCare have emerged, offering affordable therapy options tailored for influencers dealing with burnout, anxiety, and other challenges.
Read this onWIRED
Rise of Niche and Mid-Tier Creators
Brands are increasingly collaborating with niche and mid-tier creators who boast dedicated audiences. This shift allows for more authentic engagements and targeted marketing strategies.
Read this onEMARKETER
#ChromebookChallenge Alert
A hazardous trend on TikTok, dubbed the #ChromebookChallenge, involves students inserting metal objects into laptop charging ports, causing fires and injuries. Authorities are urging parents and educators to address this issue promptly.
Read this onNew York Post
Growth Opportunities is where you’ll find grants, brand deals, job openings, and other ways to expand your reach and income. Whether you're looking for funding, collaborations, or new platforms to showcase your work, this section helps you tap into opportunities that move your creator journey forward.
🎙️ Podcasting & Audio Grants
NEH Media Projects Grants
Supports the development and production of podcasts and other media projects that engage general audiences with humanities ideas.
Deadline: Varies by funding cycle.
More Info: National Endowment for the Arts
Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund
Provides micro-grants to BIPOC, queer, and trans audio producers to cover submission fees for media/journalism awards and audio training programs.
More Info: Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund
STORYHIVE Video Podcast 2025
Offers $12,000 grants to produce locally reflective nonfiction video podcasts in Western Canada.
Application Period: Closed December 12, 2024; recipients announced April 16, 2025.
More Info: 2025storyhive.com
📝 Content Creator & Blogger Grants
Grants For Creators – May 2025 List
A curated list featuring over 100 grants totaling approximately $1 million for writers, artists, and small businesses.
More Info: Grants For Creators
Teachable’s Creator Grant List
Highlights various grants for content creators, including platform-specific funds from TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
More Info: Teachable Grants for Content Creators
💼 Small Business & Coaching Grants
Amazon Business Small Business Grants
Awards over $250,000 in grants to support the growth of 15 small businesses.
Application Period: May 1–23, 2025.
More Info: Amazon Business Grants
Amber Grant for Women
Provides $10,000 monthly grants to women-owned businesses, with an annual $25,000 grant awarded to one of the monthly recipients.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
More Info: Amber Grant
Dream Makers Founders Grant
Offers $25,000 grants to five female small-business owners who are members of the Fifteen Percent Pledge's Business Equity Community.
Application Deadline: May 30, 2025.
More Info: Dream Makers Founders Grant
Fund Her Future Grant
Provides up to $50,000 in funding and a year of small business services and expertise from Block Advisors.
Application Period: April 28–May 30, 2025.
More Info: Fund Her Future GrantHello Alice
Faire Small Business Grant
Awards $5,000 to eligible independent retail businesses in the U.S. or Canada that opened their first stores in 2024 or plan to open soon.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025.
More Info: Faire Small Business Grant
LegalZoom Small Business Grants: Provides information on various grants offered by private companies and organizations available in 2025.
More Info: LegalZoom GrantsLegalZoom
Upcoming Events highlights must-attend conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs. Whether virtual or in-person, these events are designed to help you learn, connect, and grow your brand.
🎤 Creator Economy Live – New York
Dates: August 5–6, 2025
Location: New York Marriott Marquis
Overview: A premier influencer marketing event featuring industry leaders, cutting-edge strategies, and networking opportunities.
📝 Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX)
Dates: August 24–26, 2025
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Overview: Focused on helping content creators build audiences and drive revenue, with sessions on AI, monetization, and community building.
🎬 VidCon Anaheim
Dates: June 19–21, 2025
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, California
Overview: A flagship event for online video creators, fans, and industry professionals, featuring panels, workshops, and networking.
Mental Health Resources is your space for tools, tips, and support to help you navigate the ups and downs of the creator journey. From managing burnout to setting boundaries, this section provides practical strategies to protect your well-being while building your brand.
Designed by creators, for creators.
This is a space for us to nurture our well-being, enhance our abilities as mental health storytellers, and support our communities.
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