We recently connected with Hannah Schneider and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

After 5 amazing years as a content creator, I do finally earn a full time living from my creative work!

For five years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this craft. The first three years were a rollercoaster of learning curves and challenges. Making substantial income felt like a distant dream in the beginning, and I compensated by working full time jobs unrelated to my creative work. But I refused to let setbacks define my path. I hustled, I learned, and I evolved.

It took time to crack the code, to discover the right mix of content, audience engagement, and monetization strategies. Multiple revenue streams became my mantra as I explored diverse avenues within the industry. Creativity wasn’t just about content—it was about innovating on how to sustainably monetize that content.

Living in an expensive area, my perspective on what constitutes a ‘full-time living’ was certainly different. It required an extra layer of determination and adaptability. But it also opened my eyes to the diversity of financial landscapes and the unique challenges that come with it.

Reflecting on this journey, there are invaluable lessons I’ve gathered along the way. If I could turn back time, I’d tell myself to embrace failures as stepping stones and to seek mentorship earlier. But every stumble taught me resilience, and every pivot shaped my expertise.

To those starting in this space, I encourage you to embrace your unique journey. It won’t be easy, but your perseverance will be your greatest asset. Seek diverse revenue streams, don’t shy away from challenges, and above all, stay authentic to yourself and your audience.

Remember, success doesn’t have a fixed timeline. What matters is the progress you make and the lessons you learn along the way. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the journey to a fulfilling, sustainable career in the creative space is as much about the climb as it is about reaching the summit.

Keep hustling, keep creating, and never underestimate the power of your journey. It’s yours, and it’s uniquely beautiful.

Hannah, 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?

My journey began in corporate America. I remember my first day at Salesforce, working in the finance department. I thought to myself ‘if I have to do this everyday for the rest of my life, I simply won’t make it.’ I had no idea how people could feel happy and fulfilled going into an office 5 days per week, 8-9 hours/ day. What a waste of time, I thought.

A couple years later, I had a full on anxiety disorder, had been to the hospital several times for panic attacks, and experienced daily migraines due to stress. And that was when I got fired from a job that I hated, and yet it was all I knew.

I took a month off to travel and do some soul searching, and it was actually my now husband who told me to start blogging my life. We were actually at a winery in Napa after a 3 week trip to Australia when he told me that I had a pretty interesting life and should start sharing more of it online.

The next day, I started a blog and created a new Instagram account.

That was 5 years ago, and now I make more money than I ever made in corporate America, I am my own boss, I determine my own schedule, and I feel grateful every day getting to do this.

Then I somehow stumbled into the most incredible online community- the body positivity space. I had never met another person who could say that they genuinely loved themselves. I mean, what a concept!! I was born with more confidence in my little finger than most people have in their lives, so I knew I wanted to embark on this journey and help other women feel confident in their bodies.

And somehow, talking about feeling confident, made me feel even more confident! (minus the troll comments I started to get, which took me down a notch, but that’s a story for another day).

I started getting messages from women telling me that my content actually helped them. That they felt more confident simply because I was showing up online. Revolutionary!!

Then, I discovered I could actually make money doing this. I never in my life expected that this could become my full time job!! For years, even when I was making money, I told people this was just a hobby, a side hustle, a passion project. I continued looking for full time jobs, and I continued shedding tears and absolutely hating every part of that life.

When I finally quit my last job, the freedom I felt was unmatched. It was finally time for me to go out in the world and do that I do best- try on cute outfits and inspire a person or two ;)

And now, no part of me would change this journey. The lessons and experiences I had when working in corporate America changed my view of the world and really helped me approach my business as just that- a business. Even though I hated pretty much every day in that world, I learned sooo many valuable lessons that I now implement in my business and my every day life.

Everyone has a journey that molds and shapes them. Mine just happened to be traumatic, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, because where I am in life now is so, so good.

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

Building my social media audience has been a journey fueled by authenticity and a commitment to fostering genuine connections. When I started, I understood that transparency would be my greatest asset. Sharing my real story, passions, and vulnerabilities helped me resonate with others in a meaningful way.

Authenticity became the cornerstone of my social media presence. I made it a point to connect with people beyond the screen—responding genuinely to comments, engaging in conversations, and actively listening to my audience. Building a community wasn’t just about numbers; it was about nurturing relationships and creating a space where everyone felt valued.

Experimentation became my mantra. I was open to trying new things, exploring different content formats, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Not every experiment was a success, but each one taught me valuable lessons about my audience’s preferences and interests.

Learning from other creators online was instrumental in my growth. I studied successful campaigns, observed engagement strategies, and actively sought inspiration from diverse content creators. This not only broadened my perspectives but also allowed me to incorporate fresh ideas into my content.

Constantly pivoting and refining my content strategy became essential. I experimented tirelessly to understand what resonated most with my audience. Through this iterative process, I learned to adapt and evolve, ensuring that my content stayed relevant and engaging.

For those just starting their social media journey, my advice is simple: Authenticity is your superpower. Connect with people on a genuine level. Focus on building a community rather than just accumulating followers. Be open to trying new things and don’t be afraid to learn from others online. Remember, the social media landscape is ever-changing, so constantly pivot and experiment with your content to discover what truly resonates with your audience.

Your journey might not follow a straight path, but each twist and turn will teach you invaluable lessons. Embrace the process, stay true to yourself, and never stop learning from the incredible community you’ll build along the way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is the profound impact it can have on others’ lives. Receiving messages from individuals who share how my work has helped them feel more confident or inspired has been incredibly humbling and fulfilling. Knowing that something I’ve created has touched someone’s life in a positive way is beyond rewarding—it’s the essence of why I do what I do.

Moreover, collaborating with brands that I truly admire has been an enriching experience. Being able to merge my creativity with brands that share similar values and visions allows for authentic and meaningful partnerships. It’s immensely satisfying to work with companies whose missions align with my own, creating content that resonates with both our audiences and adds genuine value to their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: hannahleelifestyle.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/hannahleelifestyle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-lukenoff-99736a55/
• Other: Tiktok: @hannahleelifestyle

Image Credits
Oh baby I AM the photographer!