We were lucky to catch up with Harper He recently and have shared our conversation below.

Harper, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Right now, I have an interesting combination of roles. I’m a part-time content creator, while also being a full-time PhD student.

My academic life can be intense and stressful. Research requires a serious mindset and commitment to the scientific process, which doesn’t always leave much room for flexibility or creativity. On the flip side, as a content creator, mainly posting videos on Xiaohongshu, I get to explore a different side of myself.

When I was interviewed by Voyage LA earlier this year for my paintings (yes that was my side hobby), I was just getting started as a content creator while also applying to PhD programs. Since then, so much has changed as I’ve really gotten into this content creator role alongside my academic work. This dual path lets me experience what it might be like to pursue content creation full-time while also exploring a more traditional academic or nine-to-five career.

If I were only a content creator, I don’t think I’d be happier because I genuinely enjoy my PhD work. At the same time, if I didn’t have this creative outlet, the stress of just being a PhD student would probably get overwhelming. I’m grateful for the balance that having both identities gives me—they really complement each other and help me stay grounded.

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

For those who may not know me yet, hello, my name is Harper. As I mentioned before, I’m balancing two very different worlds: being a PhD student and a content creator.

My journey into content creation began as a way to vent online about my life… haha…

And honestly, I don’t know how to define my type of content. I don’t aim to just be a “funny video creator” or a “life coach” (I think it’s a bit too bold to call myself a life coach when, honestly, I can’t even decide what to have for breakfast most mornings! )

My goal is to be real and relatable, presenting myself as someone who’s juggling these two different lives. I want to show people that it’s possible to be serious about your academic or professional pursuits while also carving out space for creativity, fun, and even making a bit of extra income on the side—especially when everyone knows how tight a PhD stipend can be.

My content is meant to inspire people to pursue their passions without feeling like they have to give up their stability or seriousness. I want to provide a sense of balance—showing that you can commit to something demanding while still enjoying yourself and prioritizing joy. My audience, many of whom are younger than me, often face uncertainty, and I hope my journey can offer them some inspiration or even a bit of guidance.

What I’m most proud of is being able to connect with people and offer them a sense of support or even just a reason to laugh. I’m not trying to present myself as having all the answers, but rather as someone who’s navigating life and trying to strike a balance between ambition and happiness. If there’s one thing I want my followers to take away, it’s that life doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing—you can have serious goals while still creating space for joy and growth.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being creative is getting to connect with people. When I was interviewed by Voyage LA, I was primarily an artist who painted. Painting has always been something I love, but it can feel a bit isolating at times. As a painter, the most fulfilling moments came when people shared their unique interpretations of my work. Each person would see something different in a piece, and those conversations gave me new insights and perspectives that I hadn’t even considered while creating it.

Now, as a content creator, my work has shifted in an interesting way. Unlike painting, where the connection is more indirect through the art, being a content creator involves a lot of direct interaction. I talk in almost every video, and that has opened up a whole new world of connection. Hearing people’s stories, listening to how they feel, and finding out how something I casually shared—a joke or a simple moment like getting a compliment from my supervisor—made someone’s day a little brighter is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing how even small things can resonate with people and bring them some comfort or joy.

In these times, where everyone’s dealing with stress and trying to get by, I think people crave reminders that there’s beauty in everyday life. When someone tells me that my content helped them in some unexpected way, it reminds me why I do this. My goal now is to spread that spirit—showing people that there’s always something worth appreciating and that even in the little things, life can be meaningful. That’s what I find most fulfilling about this journey as a creator.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Honestly, when it comes to building my audience on social media, I feel like a lot of it came down to luck. There are so many talented people out there who create amazing content, and they’re probably more skilled than I am in many ways. But the thing about social media these days is that you don’t have to be the best—you just have to be authentic and show people who you really are.

For me, it was about finding what felt natural and enjoyable. There are so many different types of content out there, but the key is to find what you’re good at and what you can do consistently without burning out. For me, that’s talking and connecting with people. I’ve always loved chatting and making people laugh—actually, I used to do stand-up with my friends for fun. So, in my videos, I don’t try to be anything other than myself. I’m not putting on a character or a performance; what you see is who I am. It’s funny when people meet me in person, and they say, “You’re exactly the same as in your videos!” That’s really the goal—to be genuine.

If I were to give advice to someone just starting out, I’d say it all depends on the kind of content you want to create and the goals you have in mind. But if your goal is to create authentic, conversational content like mine, the main advice is simple: just be yourself. Consistency comes from doing something you love, and authenticity is what people connect with. Don’t overthink trying to fit into an image or style; focus on what feels most natural and enjoyable for you, and your audience will find you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpipapi/profilecard/?igsh=bHdxdjFnejR1eXRo
• Other: Xiaohongshu: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5b09fd304eacab500f9a31ae?xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=5b09fd304eacab500f9a31ae&apptime=1729356869&share_id=6974c1a22fe348cca63b7315f1deed5c

Image Credits

Harper He