Creator Spotlight Series Introduction
Welcome to this week’s edition of Creator Spotlight, where we highlight the unique journeys and insights of top content creators on our roster!
Each week, we dive into the experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs that shape successful careers in the digital space. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer or an experienced creator, these stories are full of inspiration and practical advice.
Introducing Cora Shircel: From YouTube Beginnings to Full-Time Content Creator
This week, we’re excited to feature Cora Shircel (@corashircel on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok), a creator whose journey started with a passion for YouTube in 2018. As a freshman at UW-Whitewater, Cora began creating lifestyle and reality TV-style content, drawing inspiration from her favorite creators like Emma Chamberlain and Aspyn Ovard. Little did she know, her channel would go on to reach millions after a viral video in 2020 skyrocketed her following.
After graduating college, Cora pursued a career in PR, but it wasn’t long before she realized that her true passion lay in content creation. Leaving her PR job behind in 2023, Cora fully embraced social media and hasn’t looked back since. With her unique voice and authentic approach to content, Cora now works with major brands like SweetTarts and Waterboy, and enjoys a thriving, full-time career as a creator.
Join us as we dive into Cora’s inspiring journey, her creative process, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Explore Cora Shircel’s Journey, Creative Process, and Insights as a Full-Time Content Creator
How did you get started with social media? Was it a goal of yours or on a whim, and which platform?
I started my YouTube channel first back in 2018 when I was a freshman in college. I was bored and had always had a passion for YouTube and wanted to get into video creation.
I met one of my best friends, Kennedy, who also loved watching the same creators I did like Emma Chamberlain, Aspyn Ovard, etc. so she encouraged me to start my own channel.
What were you doing (or where were you in life) before you started on social media?
Before starting social media I had just graduated high school, I was 18, and I moved into college starting as a freshman at UW-Whitewater and was on the swim team there!
Who were some of the creators or influencers you looked up to when you first started posting on social media?
Emma Chamberlain was definitely my biggest inspiration for starting my channel but I also loved Aspyn Ovard, Hannah Meloche, Mya Benway, and Alisha Marie.
Was there a specific piece of content or instance in which you went viral or was it a slower build up over time? How did you feel and what did you do afterwards?
Overall, it has been a gradual growth, but I definitely had a huge viral moment back in 2020 when I made a video on YouTube with my guy friends titled “asking college boys questions girls are too afraid to ask” that reached over 12 million views.
I remember I had around 40k subscribers at the time and I jumped from 40k to 100k in a month because of the video.
And then I think I went from 100K-200K in one month as well. From there on out I had more of a gradual growth!
At what point did you decide to go “all-in” on social media? What were the factors that made you decide to pursue content creation full-time? Did you have a back-up plan?
I honestly did not pursue “full time” content creation until last fall of 2023.
I moved to Chicago after graduating college with a masters degree to start my full time PR job here in the city. I had a terrible experience with my job and felt like I had to leave because of the toxic work environment.
I didn’t have the energy to find another job before resigning because I was in such a mad mental state from the work environment so I quit and started pursuing content creation full time!
I always intended on finding another job, but my platform really started to thrive as I had so much more time and energy to put into the content I was making. I like to say I always have a backup plan because I do have a college degree and lots of job experience!
Every creator’s creation process is different. Take us through how you typically create content? Do you have a set process or how much of it is on the fly?
I really like to think most of my content is on the fly. That is kind of how my personality is haha.
I rarely ever plan anything out unless I am filming sponsored content then of course I want to make sure I am putting in 100% effort to make the video as best as possible for the brand.
However, other than that I almost always film videos as they pop in my head. I rarely have any equipment I use either haha.
I always tell people if you love to create you don’t need all this fancy equipment because your viewers will see the passion you have and the rest will work itself out.
(I have a Canon EOS M50 camera that I bought about a year into starting content creation and I still use the same one!)
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten for being a creator?
A piece of advice that I got that I love is that even when all you are doing is being yourself there are still people out there that won’t like that, but the right people will love you and the content you are putting out there and stick around because of it.
This job requires you to build a really thick skin I think. The average person does not have to read people’s opinions about them 24/7.
It can be tough sometimes when you try to put out content to entertain people or to inspire them and people still have something negative to say about it, but it’s important to remember why you started in the first place.
Is there a piece of content or story you’ve shared that is most memorable to you? Why is it meaningful?
When I was in college I started a reality TV show series on my YouTube channel where I filmed basically every second of me and my friends lives and edited it like a reality tv show.
I even sat people down and did one-on-one interviews like they do on reality TV. It was the most work I’ve ever put into a video but they are definitely the most memorable to look back on!
They are SO dramatic but it was all 100% raw and real which I love haha.
How did you hear about or get connected with The Sociable Society? In what ways have TSS helped you pursue your goals and aspirations?
My friend Hannah Elise, (who is another creator), had a friend, Amanda Pulitano, who was with TSS. They mentioned to me that Miranda Lese was looking for new talent and connected me to her.
I was at another agency previously and really did not feel valued as a creator there.
Switching to TSS was truly the best decision I could have made.
Miranda is an absolute gem of a person and the hardest worker I know. She has become a friend to me and also an amazing manager!
What’s been your biggest “win” with The Sociable Society?
At the old agency I was with they never valued me as a creator, especially at the end.
With TSS I have been able to make content creation a living!
I would have never thought that was possible before. TSS helps me stay SO consistent with brand deals. I never have to worry!
What do you value most in a Creator Manager?
Communication!
To date, what has been your favorite or most memorable brand partnership? Tell us why?
I have been working on a partnership with SweetTarts and I LOVE it because it is truly so authentic because it has been my favorite candy since as long as I can remember.
I also LOVE working with Waterboy because it is again a product I love AND they give me sooo much creative freedom with the content I film!
La Colombe was another favorite of mine because they again let me have all the freedom with my ideas and execution and it is a place I go to every single week for my morning coffee!
What’s one thing in 2024 that brands should know about working with creators, but don’t?
Sometimes brands really want you to stick to a script or have a lot of talking points that don’t really flow organically in a video.
I really value brands that let you have a lot of creative freedom and want the product to naturally be shown in a video.
I always think that less is more when it comes to brands.
I find that brands that have a more relaxed approach always are the videos that end up performing better.
Since you started, how has the social media and/or creator space changed?
WOW the space has changed immensely!
When I started there was no TikTok or really any short form video content.
I would say attention spans are really just a lot lower these days and short form content is taking over.
What are some of the biggest changes that have affected you personally?
I love both short and long form content so it’s really amazing I started on YouTube because I have the skillset to edit both long and short form.
Specifically, with brand partnerships, I find it hard to sometimes make an integration flow naturally when it’s short form because there’s a lot less time to get your point across and relate to your audience.
What’s one prediction you have for social media and being a creator in 2025?
Long form content, specifically on YouTube, is going to make a bigger comeback.
Any projects, news, or exciting details/sneak peaks you’d want to share?
Looking forward to my partnership with EF Ultimate Break coming up in mid November! I am going to Barcelona with my manager Miranda, Taylor Donoghue, and am bringing one of my best friends!
Any special shoutouts, mentions, thank you’s or anything else you’d want to share?
Shoutout to my manager Miranda Lese. Would NOT be able to do this without you!
Also shoutout to Taylor Donoghue because she is a creator who is also with TSS that I have gotten close with and really appreciate our open communication when it comes to influencer topics.
A lot of people in the influencer space can be intimidating and I find it hard to find people you can trust sometimes. She is someone who I fully trust and can ask her her opinion when it comes to things like brand partnerships or any content creation struggles!
Creator Spotlight Series Conclusion
As we close out this week’s Creator Spotlight, we hope you’ve found Cora Shircel’s journey both inspiring and insightful. From her early days on YouTube to her transition into full-time content creation, Cora’s story highlights the importance of authenticity, creativity, and staying true to yourself. Her willingness to take risks, like quitting her PR job to pursue her passion, serves as a powerful reminder that success in the creator world often requires bold moves and dedication.
We can’t wait to see where Cora’s journey takes her next, and we’re excited to continue bringing you more stories from creators who are shaping the digital landscape.
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