Kenyan Thinkfluencer Just Ivy recently took a reflective dive into her relationship with social media, revealing a struggle that many influencers and individuals alike can relate to.
The mother of two, through a video she shared via her social media pages, said that she has observed an unhealthy pattern she has with social media, which is something she plans on working on in 2024.
“I have been thinking about my relationship with social media, and it’s weird. I am starting to see that it’s becoming a bit unhealthy,” Just Ivy shared
The Thinkfluencer acknowledged the shift in her behavior, stating, “I am on my phone more, I am comparing more, it’s even evoking feelings of jealousy. I constantly have this fear of missing out. It feels like if I don’t see who has posted what, it’s like I am not in tune with current affairs,” Just Ivy continued, expressing a common concern about staying connected and informed through social media channels.
The fear of missing out on updates and events can be a powerful driver to remain glued to the screen.
Moreover, the Thinkfluencer shared her realisation that the pressure to be visible on social media has taken a toll on her perception of success. “I feel like if I am not visible enough on social media, then I am not successful. It feels like you have to be seen for your work to be equated to success,” said Just Ivy.
The former ‘Over 25’ host also expressed admiration for those who have successfully managed to detach themselves from the constant influx of social media stimuli. “I admire people who switch off. I think this year, I will try and do that a little bit more this year.”
Vastly known for her money content creation, Just Ivy shared a few tips with her followers a few months ago on balancing the earnings from their creativity.
The financial literacy enthusiast, who at the time caused a buzz on social media when demanding Sh5,000 for an hour to pick her brains on money matters said that its important for content creators to understand their spending habits.
“Content creators need to understand that we have a different type of currency, it’s called trust. If people who come to your platform don’t trust what you saying, if they feel whatever you are selling is contrived, you aren’t authentic, they will not buy,” Ivy said.
Ivy said when she quit her job to venture into content creation, she had a three-year plan with the first being about building trust with audience and clients to build a notable brand.
“I would encourage anyone to figure out what you are authentically, don’t copy other people. Once I built the brand and clients started coming I ensured I delivered my best so that they keep coming back. We are in what is called a passion economy and you only get one chance to make that impression so that they do not only come back but endorse you to the next person,” she said.
Once she had achieved this, she moved into the next step which was balancing her money to ensure she is always sustainable.
“With that I moved to negotiations for long-term partnerships. We are in a gig economy and to balance my money, I do not work for less than three months otherwise I won’t have money to balance,”
Ivy has also learnt to say no if they don’t agree on longer contractual agreements and it’s not because she doesn’t want the jobs.
“I have said no to so many clients and it’s painful but I need to be able to balance my money for the long term,” the content creator said.
But most importantly Ivy said she pays herself first.
“I have goals, so I invest towards those goals. My intention is to retire at 45 and if I will be doing content then, then it will be out of passion not because I need the job,” she said.
