Every successful content creator has one thing in common. They all started at zero. Zero followers. Zero brand deals. Zero comments. Zero views.
Yet, while many people see the polished videos, viral moments and brand collaborations, very few understand what it actually takes to build a personal brand from the ground up.
On the latest episode of the Youth Empowered Podcast by the Nigerian Bottling Company, digital creators Mercy the Influencer and DarkSkinned Ella pulled back the curtain on what it really means to create content online. From overcoming self-doubt and social anxiety to developing a content strategy that drives growth, the conversation offered practical lessons for anyone looking to build a presence in today’s digital economy.
Everyone starts at zero
For both creators, the journey wasn’t as glamorous as social media often makes it seem.
Before the followers came, there were moments of uncertainty, inconsistency and questioning whether content creation was even worth pursuing.
“I kept trying. I kept learning. I kept believing in myself,” DarkSkinned Ella shared while reflecting on her early days as a creator.
Mercy admitted that her own breakthrough didn’t come from chasing followers but from solving a problem she personally experienced.
After struggling with severe skin issues and feeling misled by skincare recommendations online, she decided to create honest content documenting her own experiences.
“I wasn’t thinking about followers,” she explained. “I just wanted to tell the truth.”
Ironically, that authenticity became the turning point for her brand.
Consistency isn’t just posting every day
One of the
