We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qualin Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Qualin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I’ve been fortunate to make a full-time living from content creation and social media management since 2021, but the journey wasn’t an overnight success—it took about three years to get there. When I first started, I worked full-time at two restaurants as a server and bartender. My days were carefully structured: I dedicated the hours before my shifts to creating memes and editing videos, and the evenings after work were spent shooting new content.

When 2020 brought the challenges of COVID and stay-at-home orders, I had a wake-up call. It became clear how unpredictable life could be, and I realized that to create stability, I needed to carve out a path where I had more control over my income and future.

Looking back, could I have sped up the process? Perhaps—but I genuinely believe every step happened for a reason. Each challenge and milestone along the way has taught me something valuable. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, as they’ve shaped me into the creator I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began my journey in content creation in 2017 with my page, Confession of a Server, which focused on building a community for those in the restaurant industry. Using short videos and memes, I created a space where people could laugh and relate to shared experiences. Some of my work went viral, gaining features on platforms like Buzzfeed and The Chive. When the stay-at-home orders began, I joined TikTok, which was rapidly rising in popularity. On TikTok, I wanted to connect authentically with a broader audience, not just as a restaurant personality, but as myself. Since then, I’ve grown my platforms organically, achieved over 30 videos with more than a million views, and collaborated with brands like Hertz, Disney, FOX, and Beard Club. My focus as a creator is crafting relatable, trend-savvy, and impactful content that helps brands engage meaningfully with their audiences.

In 2021, I discovered two key things about myself: I had a natural knack for social media, and I wanted to build a career out of it. I began teaching myself the ins and outs of social media management, realizing I could combine my experience as a content creator with a strategic approach to help businesses thrive online. Many companies struggle to find their voice on social media or replicate the success of others without understanding what makes their brand unique. I take pride in helping businesses discover their own voice, build authentic connections with their audience, and foster trust that drives real results, whether that’s increasing engagement, boosting sales, or encouraging participation in their offerings.

What I’m most proud of is my growth, both as a creator and as a person. Since starting in 2017, my skills, ideas, and passion for creating have evolved immensely. I’ve gone from just a few hundred views to over 150 million combined views across platforms in 2024. As a social media manager, looking back at my earlier work reminds me of how far I’ve come. I can confidently say my understanding of audience connection and my ability to deliver impactful results have grown significantly. Lastly, I’m proud of the confidence I’ve developed. I used to second-guess my work, but now I trust in the value I bring to clients and viewers alike. Whether it’s a trending video for a brand or a social media post for a client, I know it will resonate and make a positive impact.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives may struggle to understand is what success in this field truly looks like. Many assume it’s all about having a massive following, but that’s not necessarily the case. Success as a creator is less about the numbers and more about the quality of engagement and impact. For example, on most platforms, your reach and engagement aren’t strictly tied to your follower count. You can have around 10,000 followers on Instagram and still average a million views a month.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When it comes to building my audience on social media, there isn’t just one defining story. It’s been a journey of years spent experimenting with different techniques and learning from the process. Two practices that have consistently contributed to my growth are being responsive and staying visible.

There’s something uniquely exciting about being acknowledged, whether it’s by a favorite singer, actor, or even an internet personality. While I don’t consider myself a celebrity, I understand the value of taking the time to engage with people who comment on or DM me because they enjoy my content. Responding to them not only creates a moment of excitement but also encourages further interaction and can lead to building a loyal following.

Staying visible, or “being seen,” is another strategy I’ve embraced. Growth isn’t just about posting videos; it’s also about actively engaging with others. For instance, leaving thoughtful or relatable comments on videos by other creators often sparks connections. If my comment resonates with someone, whether it makes them laugh or feel understood, hey might click on my profile, check out my content, and potentially become a follower.

For those just starting out, my advice is to be consistent, engage meaningfully with your audience and community, and focus on building genuine connections. Social media is a two-way street. The more you put into connecting with others, the more you’ll see that connection reflected in your own growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.social326.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qharris8
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qualin-harris
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/qharris8
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@qharris8