Creator Spotlight Series Introduction
Welcome to Creator Spotlight, a new series dedicated to shining a light on the exceptional creators who make The Sociable Society the dynamic force it is today.
In this series, we delve into the inspiring journeys of our talent — uncovering their beginnings, exploring their creative processes, and highlighting the milestones that have shaped their careers.
Whether you’re an emerging influencer seeking guidance or an established creator looking for representation, join us as we celebrate authentic voices and empower creators to reach new heights.
Interview Introduction: Spotlight on Ebony Bradley
In our inaugural Creator Spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature the remarkable journey of Ebony Bradley — a content creator who transformed an unexpected career setback into a thriving digital presence.
After being laid off from her government job, Ebony turned to social media on a whim, launching a YouTube channel and Instagram page that quickly resonated with audiences. Nearly a decade later, she’s not only built a significant source of income but also a community that values authenticity and connection.
Ebony’s path hasn’t been a straight line. From going viral with a hair growth post that sparked both skepticism and admiration, to juggling content creation with traditional employment, she embodies resilience and innovation.
Her journey has also been shaped by her role as a mother. After going through IVF and experiencing pregnancy loss, Ebony welcomed her daughter, Lennox, in February 2023. Balancing motherhood with her creator career has given her a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability, which informs her content and connects her even more deeply with her audience.
Navigating the evolving landscapes of Instagram and TikTok, Ebony has learned the importance of adaptability, authenticity, and just posting the content — even when overthinking threatens to stall creativity. Her partnership with The Sociable Society has amplified her success, culminating in her biggest campaign to date and opportunities she once thought unattainable.
Join us as we explore Ebony’s insights on personal growth, the ever-changing creator space, and her advice to both brands and fellow influencers. Her story is a testament to the power of trusting oneself, embracing change, and the incredible things that can happen when you take a leap of faith.
How did you get started with social media? Was it a goal of yours or on a whim, and which platform?
Getting started with social media was pretty much a whim. I was laid off from my government job and as a way to bide my time as I looked for a new position, I started my YouTube channel and Instagram page. The ball got rolling pretty quickly and almost 10 years later, it’s a huge source of income for me.
What were you doing (or where were you in life) before you started on social media?
I was about 28-29 when I started and I was working as a Program Assistant for the Department of State. In that position, I facilitated the required testing for individuals who wanted to work overseas in U.S. embassies.
Who were some of the creators or influencers you looked up to when you first started posting on social media?
Taren Guy, The GlamTwinz, Tiffany Darlyn, It’s Judy’s Life.
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?
There was a before and after pic I posted of myself that showed my hair growth in about 4 years. People thought it was fake because I had the same robe on in both pics: “Who keeps a robe that long??” (I still don’t know how that makes sense lol). They also couldn’t believe someone’s hair could grow that much in such a “short” amount of time.
Luckily, there were several thousand people who believed the picture and followed me as a result. My Instagram grew rather quickly after that. It felt great to have so much support but I didn’t know how all of that would actually turn into real money for me. So, I continued to work a traditional job while still creating content on my off days.
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?
In 2018, I had been working as a police dispatcher for almost 3 years. I hated it! It made me physically ill to go to work sometimes so I took that as a sign that I needed to quit.
Once I did, my husband and I moved out of state and I pursued content creation full time. I didn’t really have a back-up plan but I did have a very supportive family who made sure that we were always ok. So grateful for that!
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?
Until recent years (maybe even months), my content creation has been pretty much on the fly but not in the way you’d think — I may go two or three days without creating content, and then for the next two or three days, I do nothing but film and edit.
Since having my daughter, I’ve learned that method is impossible to sustain so I am much more scheduled and structured.
Most of my inspiration comes from curiosity of how a product or style will work for my hair, experimenting with content that I think my audience will find valuable and interesting, or creating content that *I* think is fun and entertaining.
If you could go back to when you started your journey as a creator and give yourself two pieces of advice, things to keep in mind, or things you’ve learned — what would you say to yourself?
I would tell myself to stop overthinking. I’ve spent so much time, and still do sometimes, overworking an idea until it feels irrelevant or pointless. So many missed opportunities there.
I’d also say to myself to let more of your personality come through. That’s how people will connect with you and stay loyal.
Don’t only do what the social media world feels is “correct.” You have great ideas too! As my husband would say, “People like you, Ebony!” lol.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten for being a creator?
Bank on yourself and take those risks. You’re worth it! And for goodness sakes, JUST POST THE CONTENT!
Is there a piece of content or story you’ve shared that is most memorable to you? Why is it meaningful?
My journey with IVF and pregnancy loss is most memorable to me.
Having shared that, I’m always reminded by my audience of how much it has helped them. I recently had someone reach out to me to share how much it helped them while they dealt with almost the exact same situation. It makes my heart melt.
How did you hear about or get connected with The Sociable Society? In what ways have TSS helped you pursue your goals and aspirations?
I was first introduced to The Sociable Society (TSS) through Tangle Teezer sponsorship opportunities that Emily facilitated. After the campaigns were over, Emily offered representation through TSS. Because I had such a great experience working with her, it was literally a no brainer. That’s huge for a big overthinker like me!
Since then, TSS has helped me bring in more money than I could have ever brought in on my own. They showed me I was severely underpitching myself and that my content was worth the higher asking prices. I am so grateful!
What’s been your biggest “win” with The Sociable Society?
My biggest campaign to date: $20,000!!!
What do you value most in a Creator manager?
Communication, understanding what would align best for my brand, providing resources/advice that can help improve my content/numbers when necessary.
To date, what has been your favorite or most memorable brand partnership? Tell us why?
The contract I had with MAM Baby. It was my first campaign after giving birth and I was able to include my daughter in a really organic way. And it had pretty big fee!
What’s one thing in 2024 that brands should know about working with creators, but don’t?
Please give us time to concept and create.
I know sometimes campaigns have to move really fast but it would be great if the norm had a little longer of a timeline. This works for both creator and brand. And it can cut down on re-shoots!
Since you started, how has the social media and/or creator space changed?
When I started, Instagram was a large part of campaigns, but so was YouTube. All of the requirements were pretty straightforward and simple.
Now, many brands have moved largely to Instagram or TikTok only and require many more detailed requests for the content.
And they want videos to be pretty quick. Not to mention, the Instagram algorithm changes constantly along with new features popping up all time forcing creators to pivot and adjust.
What are some of the biggest changes that have affected you personally?
Probably the shift in Instagram and learning to build on TikTok as well. TikTok, luckily, is pretty easy to use, but it’s still quite an effort to adjust to and implement the style of content that performs well on that app.
What are some trends of shifts you did not expect coming?
At one point, it became quite difficult to grow on Instagram. I thought maybe it was just me, but I quickly learned that many other creators were experiencing the same thing. Instagram had become a pretty consistent place of growth for me for many years and then it just abruptly stopped. I knew the season would pass and it did.
I also didn’t expect seconds long content to perform the best on social media. I’m from the school of longform on YouTube, which many people, including myself, enjoyed for a long time. It was so strange to see it all shift to the opposite end of the spectrum.
What’s one prediction you have for social media and being a creator in 2025?
Many people seem to “hate watch” content that feels unrelatable to them. I believe that’s why TikTok is performing so well. Many of those videos are candid, to camera, and just relatable.
Creators will need to be more open about the “flawed” parts of their life or just include content that isn’t so polished all the time.
Any projects, news, or exciting details/sneak peaks you’d want to share?
As I’m writing this, I just got news that my husband and I will be moving into a beautiful new home — something that wouldn’t be possible without my TSS family. I am truly thankful and excited about the future.
Any special shoutouts, mentions, thank you’s or anything else you’d want to share?
First, I’d like to thank God for setting me on the path that led me exactly where I am today.
I’d love to shout out Emily for offering me representation with TSS. I worked with her on two Tangle Teezer campaigns before signing with TSS and even with all our correspondence, I had no clue she owned her own talent agency.
She doesn’t know it (or maybe she does), but bringing me those two campaigns out of thin air (I’m still not sure how she found me) created trust in her and what she was offering me. I felt comfortable and didn’t overthink myself (out of an opportunity). It helped build my self-confidence in this field and brought me sponsorships I wouldn’t have been able to bring myself. Thank you!
I’d also LOVE to shout out my Talent Manager, Morgan! She is such a hard worker and communicates with me consistently. I don’t have to worry about whether or not she’s working in my favor because the work speaks for itself! Thank you, Morgan!
I’d also love to thank my loyal audience. I have some of the best supporters on the internet and I’m so grateful for them. Anytime I’m feeling discouraged about my career, I get a DM, comment, etc. from them reminding me how much they appreciate my work.
Also, thank you to my family. They’ve supported me through all the ups and downs of this career. I celebrate with them and they encourage and support me when things are rough.
Lastly, My husband (and sometimes cameraman). He pushed me to fight through my fear and do just one youtube video. My very first one. He has continued to support me from day one, no questions asked. I can’t believe how far I’ve come.
