We were lucky to catch up with Mishana Malahoo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mishana , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

This is funny story. Before I know the whole works of being a content creator, I was doing it and not knowing. I used to get approached by persons from China promoting protective hairs, from crochet hairs to wigs. Because I had started by youtube channel, I thought why not do tutorials on how to install and style these hairs.

For an entire year, I dedicated my time and effort to these tutorials, but the financial rewards were elusive. I found myself at a crossroads, questioning the sustainability of my content creation endeavor.

It was during this time that I stumbled upon an Instagram page known as “CurlBox.” 2021, if you know, you know. I have natural hair and I was intrigued by their affordable hair care products so I decided to try a few of their boxes. By January 2022, I created a new IG page just for hair-related content. Still in the early stages of my content creation journey, I lacked formal training and a clear direction.

I began sharing videos on both my IG and Youtube using the products. Surprisingly, Imy follower count started to climb, and I even gained the attention of some notable brands. You can imagine my excitement when verified accounts began following me—it felt like a significant milestone.

The first breakthrough occurred when a brand approached me with a partnership opportunity that included an affiliate program. Eager to explore new possibilities, I eagerly joined the program. However, the initial months yielded no financial gains.

I ended up joining three other affiliate programs with different brands and I only made $5. It may have been a modest sum, but it marked the beginning of something special.

As I continued to produce consistent, high-quality content, another brand reached out, inquiring about my rates for a collaboration. At this point, my Instagram following had surpassed 700 followers by March, yet I was still uncertain about how to structure my offers. Looking back, I realize that my biggest mistake was not seeking guidance.

I ended up charging this brand who was new, a fee of $75 for 2 IG reels. I was excited about it to be honest. In my mind, I was screaming, a brand is paying me to create content for them, WOW! It was a significant milestone in my journey.

As I grew in the natural hair community and meeting new naturalistas who generously shared their experiences. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, I created my first media kit.
Since then, my journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, having collaborated with over 24 brands and counting.

The income generated from my content creation endeavors has not only been a source of personal fulfillment but has also played a pivotal role in elevating my brand to new heights.

Mishana , 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 into the world of curly hair care began as a hobby and just wanting to have healthy hair which inspired me to dive into this niche. As I embarked on my own curly hair journey, I realized that there was a lack of comprehensive guidance and resources for individuals looking to embrace and care for their curls, just like me. This realization fueled my determination to become a trusted resource for the curly hair community.

My Instagram page, @itscurlygirlmish, serves as a vibrant platform where I share my experiences and insights into curly hair care and styling. Through a blend of informative posts, engaging content, and authentic storytelling, I strive to empower individuals to embrace their natural curls with confidence.

My brand revolves around providing valuable content and resources to my followers, ranging from product recommendations to step-by-step tutorials on achieving stunning curly hairstyles.

I understand that navigating the world of curly hair can be overwhelming, with numerous products and techniques available. Therefore, my mission is to simplify this journey and equip my audience with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their hair goals.

The problems I aim to solve for my clients and followers are multifaceted. I seek to demystify curly hair care, making it accessible to all. Many individuals struggle with understanding their unique curl patterns, finding the right products, and managing common challenges like frizz and dryness. Through my content and guidance, I aim to provide clarity and actionable solutions.

Curly hair is a beautiful and diverse canvas, and I believe that embracing one’s natural curls is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I aim to instill a sense of pride and confidence in my followers, helping them celebrate their curls as a unique and integral part of their identity.

What sets me apart in this industry is my genuine passion and dedication to the curly hair community. I’m not just a content creator; I’m a curly hair enthusiast who has walked this journey personally.

I take pride in fostering an inclusive and supportive community on my platform. It’s a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds and curl types come together to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. This sense of community is at the heart of what I do, and I’m immensely proud of the connections and friendships that have flourished as a result.

In summary, my brand, is all about celebrating the beauty of natural curls, providing valuable guidance, and nurturing a sense of empowerment within the curly hair community. I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on the lives of those I’ve reached, helping them embark on their own curly hair journeys with confidence and joy.

To potential brands and followers, I want you to know that my brand is more than just hair—it’s a celebration of individuality, self-love, and embracing your natural beauty. I’m here to support you every step of the way on your curly hair journey, and I’m excited to continue this incredible adventure together.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My audience growth didn’t come easy. I grew the followers by being consistent. To get to my first 1000, I posted 5x a week. ensured that my content was of quality and relatable. My advice is that you need to stop being afraid, take the risk and post. Yes, other creators may have similar content, but your post may just be that one that connects with the audience.

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

Building a relationship with brands. This can result into short or long term collaborations which is good for both you and your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/MishanaM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscurlygirlmish/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itscurlygirlmish
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/MishanaM
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsme_mishana Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mishanam/