We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Newt Wesley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Newt, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
The short answer is no, I don’t wish I’d started my creative career sooner or later—I believe I started at the right time for me. My journey as a content creator officially began in June of 2023, while I was still working full-time as a fitness instructor. Every day after work, I dedicated time to creating content, consistently refining my craft.
Looking back, I realize that starting earlier wasn’t really an option for me. I needed all those seemingly unrelated experiences and steps to lead me here. Before this, I explored various creative paths—starting brick-and-mortar businesses with my wife, DJing at weddings, designing fitness plans etc..Each of those ventures might have seemed disconnected, but they were all preparing me for what I’m doing now. Every one of them taught me valuable lessons, building a foundation for this moment in my career.
And honestly, I think that’s key: I’m not done yet. What I’m doing now is just another stepping stone, preparing me for what’s to come. This isn’t the endgame—it’s a process. Each past experience, each creative endeavor, has shaped my approach to content creation today.
When I finally committed to content creation for six months, things started to take off. But even before that, I pivoted a lot. And I wouldn’t change that journey, because what I knew at 18 is nothing compared to what I know at 27. I’ve grown so much, not just as a creator but as a person.
If I had started sooner, my content would have been a lot more self-serving. Back then, I was in a different headspace. Now, I genuinely enjoy making content for others—engaging with other creators, promoting them, and building connections. My platform has become a way to learn, encourage, and lift up other people.
Sure, some of my content is silly, but I go to great lengths to show that a faith-led guy like me can have fun, be relatable, and still maintain strong values. I want to show people that I’m just like them, and I’m here to build a community, not just an audience.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I initally got into content creation because people kept asking if I had ever considered becoming an influencer. After hearing it enough times, I decided to give it an honest shot. Sometimes, if enough people recognize something you excel in, it might be a sign to explore it.
Over the years, I had unknowingly been sharpening my editing skills while growing a love for content creation. Those two things—creating and entertaining—go hand in hand.
My content is a mix of thoughtful humor, faith-filled conversations, and, more recently, collaborations with other amazing creators and influencers.
What I want people to know about me is that I tried 100 different things before I found this path. I pivoted a lot. If you haven’t found something you love yet, keep your full-time job ( you don’t need that added stress) and use your off time to try different things until you discover what truly excites you. It might take years, but that’s okay. Consistency and patience are key to seeing results.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My best advice for building your social media is to do it in a way that you enjoy. If you’re not enjoying it, you won’t stick with it. There are a lot of voices out there giving tips on how to grow, but before I listened to any of that, I was simply posting consistently and doing what felt right for me. That’s when my social media grew. Then, I started following other people’s advice, and honestly, my growth stalled. What worked for them didn’t work for my type of content.
So, stop trying to find the “perfect” formula. Focus on what works for you and what you actually enjoy. Stay consistent. You can experiment and pivot along the way, but consistency is key. If showing up twice a week feels right, that’s great—just keep doing it at the same time every week.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I’ve been hired several times to create content, and people often think it’s as simple as pressing record. But in reality, there’s so much more that goes into it. Each video can take hours, even days, to perfect, depending on its length, complexity, and the message it needs to convey. From brainstorming ideas and scripting, to filming, editing, and refining every little detail, it’s a long and involved process.
What many people don’t realize is that the creative process isn’t just about the final product. It’s about the time and energy spent making sure everything aligns with the vision, from pacing to transitions, sound quality, and even color grading. It’s easy to overlook the work behind the scenes—like dealing with technical issues, re-shoots, or scrapping entire concepts that just don’t work. If you know, you know!
So, for non-creatives, understanding that what you see as a short, polished video often represents hours of work, countless revisions, and a deep commitment to the craft. That behind-the-scenes effort is what separates a quick post from meaningful content.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newtwesley/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@newtwes
Image Credits
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