We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keighly Hart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Keighly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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’m thrilled to say that today, my creative work provides me with a full-time income. This journey, though, didn’t happen overnight—it began back in 2015 and took nearly a decade to reach this level. My path to independence wasn’t exactly linear.
In 2014, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in News Reporting from the University of Florida. Right out of college, I landed a job at a local news station in West Palm Beach, FL. But within a year, I realized the traditional newsroom environment wasn’t for me. It was a valuable revelation: I knew I wanted something different, something more aligned with my strengths and ambition. I craved a career where I could be my own boss.
Then, I stumbled upon an ad for a multi-level marketing (MLM) opportunity. This was my first exposure to the potential of using social media as a business tool rather than just for sharing daily life. Although I quickly realized MLM wasn’t the right fit, it sparked a curiosity that led me to start an Instagram page in 2016 focused on music festivals. Over time, I grew this page to 40,000+ followers, which led to my first collaborations with brands.
Between 2016 and 2023, I experimented with various ways to make money online, taking on roles as a social media manager, virtual assistant, video editor, user-generated content (UGC) creator, and more. When TikTok launched its Shop feature in 2023, it opened up new opportunities for creators like me. Although I’d been creating content for years, TikTok Shop required a new approach. By March 2024, my hard work paid off—I made my first five-figure month, earning $14,400 from just one of my TikTok Shop accounts. At that time, I was also working at a real estate company to cover my living expenses, earning only about $30,000 annually. Balancing multiple roles, from realtor to transaction coordinator to photographer, I felt stretched, yet determined.
Then, in March, I was invited to teach in a new TikTok Shop course, which I eagerly accepted. In April, I surpassed $14,000 again, prompting me to leave my other jobs and focus solely on my digital ventures. By June, I launched a digital product designed to help other creators succeed on TikTok Shop, which earned $30,000 in its first month alone.
To date, I’ve generated over $300,000 through TikTok Shop, my course I teach in, and my digital product. Reflecting on this journey, I wouldn’t change a thing—every step taught me something crucial. For others, though, I believe there are ways to accelerate the journey, and that’s why I now dedicate my time to helping others find the fast track to success.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a wife and mother of one son, with a 2nd child on the way, I’ve been on an incredible journey of growth and transformation. Since 2015, I’ve worked tirelessly to turn my dreams into reality, and today I run my business full-time while homeschooling my son. In the past year, I went from an annual $30,000 salary to generating over $300,000 in just ten months.
My passion for creating began in childhood. I loved making skits for my family, and if YouTube had existed then, I would have been uploading videos constantly. That creative spark led me to the University of Florida, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Television News Reporting, aiming to one day be a news anchor for the E! Channel.
After leaving my first job at a local news station, I continued pursuing content creation. By 2015, social media was booming with photo content, and in 2020, TikTok’s rise reignited the demand for video, pulling me back to my first love: creating videos.
Today, I’ve found success through TikTok Shop, where I promote products and coach other creators to do the same. The TikTok Shop course I teach in, Evolution Creator, is an extremely comprehensive course teaching all areas of TikTok Shop, and my own digital product, Hooks to Sales, provides customized hooks and scripts tailored to TikTok’s unique style. I update it weekly to help creators reduce the time and stress of video creation, allowing them to focus on what they do best.
In 2024 alone, I’ve earned over $120,000 in TikTok Shop commissions and over $200,000 in digital product sales. But my biggest pride lies in how these products have empowered others. Thanks to Hooks to Sales and Evolution Creator, many creators have been able to put more food on the table, spend extra time with family, and even leave their 9-to-5 jobs to follow their passions full-time.
What sets me apart as a creator coach is my commitment to authenticity and accessibility. I’m known for staying engaged and responsive with my communities, sharing what works in real time, and being available to answer questions. My followers often express gratitude for the support I provide, which motivates me to continue building a brand rooted in openness and genuine connection.
Ultimately, I’m grateful to be in a position where I can inspire and equip others to succeed, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
This version emphasizes your journey, achievements, and unique qualities as a coach, making it ideal for a magazine article that highlights personal growth, creativity, and business success.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I started my social media journey, my approach was clear: be transparent, stay authentic, and share every working strategy openly with my audience. I launched my account with a defined mission—showing people how to make money online—and I invited viewers to join me on that journey. From the outset, my niche was focused: a simple goal of earning $10,000 per month online. Fast-forward, my highest single month now stands at approximately $86,000.
Throughout each new venture, I took my audience along for the ride, offering real-time updates on what was and wasn’t working. Today, while my niche remains the same—helping others earn money online—my primary focus is on TikTok Shop. This page has become a trusted source for no-nonsense, actionable tips, with feedback from my community telling me that viewers are implementing my strategies and achieving real results.
For those just beginning, I highly recommend starting with a clear niche. Focusing your content allows you to become known for a specific topic, making it easier for people to see value in following your account. Start by delivering genuine value. Your page shouldn’t be about you at first; instead, center your content on helping your target audience achieve their goals. The more people see your content improving their lives, the faster your community will grow.
And remember, transparency and authenticity go a long way. Show up for your audience with a commitment to providing real, helpful insights, and they’ll follow you on the journey.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most fulfilling aspect of my work is the impact it has on others’ lives. From the start, I knew that if I ever found a clear path to financial freedom, I’d want to share it widely, helping as many people as possible realize their own potential. Today, I receive messages daily from people who have transformed their lives through the strategies and insights I share. Some have quit jobs they felt stuck in; others are now earning more in a challenging economy, putting more food on the table, and gaining precious time with their families.
Nothing compares to the joy of seeing others achieve the same freedoms I’ve found. It’s more than just financial success—it’s about providing the support and tools for people to create the lives they dream of. Knowing I’m helping others achieve these milestones is what drives me forward every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stan.store/khthreedigital
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khthreedigital
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562436987369
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Khthreedigital
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khthreedigital
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttshopcommunity
Image Credits
Sabrina W. Photography