We were lucky to catch up with Capri Artis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Capri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started creating content on YouTube at 6. It was mostly my mom wanting to provide me with an extracurricular activity. At the time I was the only child. In filming YouTube videos, I was able to find my voice and I gained the ability to try out things that I am really passionate about.

That is also where tennis comes into play. I started playing tennis at the age of 11 and immediately fell in love with it.

Of course, I shared my love of tennis with my social media following and I’ve received a great response especially being a person of color.

To speed up the learning curve of social media, I think you have to approach it as a business right from the start. Having a marketing budget, running ads, and maybe even hiring a social media manager to handle all of the comments, emails, and feedback from followers.

In the beginning, social media was just a hobby for me. It has grown into something that I can actually earn money from so I take my social media projects a lot more seriously now.

I think discipline is the most essential skill. To be a great tennis player or social media influencer you have to push yourself daily to go to the court or practice footwork when you’re not on the court or to come up with content ideas and actually film them.

The obstacle that has stood in my way of learning more is financing. Tennis is a very expensive sport.

I try to manage my expectations and learn to enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Capri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Sure, my name is Capri Joelle and my brand is also Capri Joelle. My brand embodies the spirit of a Rebel girl. I believe that when girls engage in sports, art, or content creation, it challenges stereotypes. I aspire to be a tribute to the women who paved the way for me to pursue my passions.

What sets me apart is the inception of my social media journey and starting YouTube at the age of 6, which offers a distinctive perspective on personal growth and development. My content is a genuine reflection of my experiences, successes, and challenges, establishing an authentic and relatable bond with my audience.

I began my tennis journey by joining the Hidden Hills Country Club and quickly realized my love and proficiency for the sport, I explored various coaches, even having the privilege of rallying with mentors who coached the Williams Sisters.

As a content creator, I aim to deliver inspirational content, motivating both aspiring tennis players and budding content creators. With an educational focus, I provide valuable insights into tennis techniques and the life of a young athlete.

Also important to me is the creation of a supportive community, especially for tennis enthusiasts, particularly people of color (POC), to connect and learn together.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My journey into social media began at the age of 6, initially filming trends on YouTube, like making slime and taking on various challenges.

As time progressed, we made the strategic decision to narrow down our focus to fun foods. However, this niche didn’t quite align with me, as I don’t have a very big appetite.

It took a few years to pinpoint my genuine interests, leading to a shift in content that revolved around my true passions: art and tennis. Finding my authentic niche was a gradual process that unfolded over time.

To cultivate an audience on social media, consistency became my guiding principle. I made a commitment to a regular content upload schedule. This consistency played a pivotal role in keeping my audience engaged and eagerly anticipating each new piece of content.

Prioritizing engagement with my audience was essential. Responding to comments, seeking feedback, and incorporating audience suggestions created a sense of value and connection for my followers.

Knowing when and how to pivot and diversify proved instrumental. As the social media landscape evolved, platforms like TikTok and Reels emerged, prompting me to adapt to new avenues while maintaining my existing audience.

For those wanting to get started in social media, here are my pieces of advice:
Identify a niche that resonates with you and is sustainable over the long term. Choose something you’ll enjoy filming for the next decade, not just the next few months.

Create a consistent posting schedule that aligns with your availability. Be honest about your capacity. Don’t promise daily content when you can only manage twice a month. Although, posting twice a month may result in slow growth. Be prepared for this reality.

Don’t spread yourself thin across every social media platform. Instead, focus on 1-2 platforms where you can concentrate your efforts on content creation and community building.

Building a social media presence requires patience and time. Stay dedicated to your passion and remain true to yourself.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One significant pivot in my social media journey occurred with the emergence of reels and short-form videos. As a content creator navigating the dynamic world of social media, it became evident that my audience, primarily comprised of Generation Z, was shifting their watch time from YouTube to TikTok.

Recognizing this shift, I faced the challenge of adapting to the changing preferences of my audience. To stay relevant and engaged with my followers, I had to pivot towards building a presence on TikTok. This involved learning the unique language and trends of the platform, understanding what captivates viewers in short bursts, and tailoring my content accordingly.

As short-form videos gained prominence on various platforms, including YouTube, I had to pivot once more. Learning to convey my message in one minute or less on YouTube meant mastering the art of stopping the scroll and instantly capturing the audience’s attention.

This pivot demanded a steep learning curve — understanding the nuances of different platforms, adapting content strategies, and refining storytelling techniques.

It also required me to embrace the challenge of expressing my ideas concisely while maintaining the essence of my message.

While I am still in the process of honing these skills, this pivot has opened up new avenues for creativity and engagement.

It’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the digital landscape and the importance of staying agile in the face of change.

Adapting to the preferences of my audience has only expanded my reach.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/caprijoelle
• Facebook: facebook.com/capri.joelle
• Youtube: youtube.com/caprijoelle
• Other: tiktok.com/@caprijoelleofficial