We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stevie Jae Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stevie Jae below.

Stevie Jae, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As a trans artist and content creator, my mission is deeply rooted in my identity. I am driven to challenge stereotypes through creative expression and fashion, aiming to increase visibility, promote inclusivity, and advocate for a future where trans individuals are uplifted and embraced as part of the norm.

For me, the cost of posting even the most average, seemingly unremarkable video, is having hundreds of people tune in to gawk or leave hurtful comments. But if getting dressed on the internet and sharing my story helps people see a successful, happy, and healthy trans adult thriving, then it is all worth it.

The hope is that every video, every outfit, and every piece of content I create contributes to a larger narrative that helps reshape perceptions and foster understanding. The impact of visibility can’t be understated; it can provide hope and a sense of possibility for those who might be struggling. It can be the reason someone like me sees a future for themselves, a light at the end of the tunnel, y’know? I’m aiming to be a part of that light.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Stevie! My pronouns are they/he, and I’m based in NYC as both an actor and content creator. Since 2020, I’ve been actively creating on TikTok, exploring a wide range of niches along the way. From fundraising for top surgery—both my own and for others—to producing queer and trans educational content, participating in silly dance trends, and sharing comedic videos, I’ve found myself settling into the worlds of fashion, lifestyle, and vlogging, all through an LGBTQ+ perspective.

Beyond my social media career, my longtime passion is theatre, film, and TV acting! When the chance to act arises, I am truly in my element and my heart is never happier. However, given the challenges the theater industry poses for trans individuals, I have recently dedicated more of my time to content creation, and am building successful relationships with brands by staying authentic, reliable, and committed to being at the top of my game.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I’ve been working at a coffee shop in Manhattan for over two years, and during that time, I started seriously exploring the business side of social media influencing. While I found the specialty coffee scene interesting and fun at times, it eventually started to take a toll on my mental health. The pressures of working in such a high-energy, customer-facing job were becoming increasingly overwhelming. For neurodivergent individuals like myself, navigating the demands of capitalism can be especially draining, and I was feeling that burnout more deeply over the summer.

This fall, things really came to a head, and by the end of September, I made the difficult decision to leave my job at the coffee shop and take the leap into content creation full-time. It felt like the right moment to focus on building something of my own, especially after realizing how much the demands of the coffee shop had pulled me away from pursuing my real passions—like theatre—which were the very reasons I moved to the city in the first place. I know I’m taking a huge risk, but I’m having a blast, loving the freedom and I’m so excited to see where it all leads!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a self-employed creative is the freedom to dictate how I spend my time. Having the autonomy to shape my schedule, focus on projects that truly inspire me, and prioritize my well-being is the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself. Being my own boss means I can choose when to push forward and when to take a step back, allowing me to find balance without burning myself out just to survive. It’s allowed me to unsubscribe from “the typical grind”.

That said, working for yourself takes more than just passion! It requires self-motivation, resilience, financial savvy, and a rock-solid work ethic—because when the challenges arise, no one is coming to save you or hand you a paycheck. Now that I’m building my platform on my own terms and timeline, it’s become so much easier to tap into what drives me.

I feel grateful and lucky to be where I am. I recognize that so few artists can take this kind of chance to find balance and creative fulfillment in their careers, so for me, the reward is a calendar that’s all mine—one that allows for a healthy, sustainable creative journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://steviejaedavis.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviegayparade/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Steviegayparade
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@steviegayparade?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StevieJaeDavis