The Business of Being A Creator: How To Make Money Online | Charlotte Stavrou

The creator economy is projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, but how do you actually get paid as a creator?

In this episode, we speak to Charlotte Stavrou, creator and founder of SevenSix Agency, to discuss some of the biggest challenges in the influencer world today. From the racial pay gap affecting Black and brown creators to creators making too much money, Charlotte gives us an insight into the evolving world of social media, brand deals, and digital entrepreneurship.

Charlotte is also the brains behind the Influencer Pricing Report, a unique report that aims to bring transparency to the creator-pay economy.


⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:09 - Quick-fire question game
01:48 - The birth of the OG content creators
02:36 - Loneliness & finding community online
04:24 - Creators that are driven by money vs purpose
05:54 - Is monetisation killing the fun in social media?
07:21 - Can full-time creators take a break?
08:08 - Why is the 1976 Race Relations Act so important?
09:28 - Being intentional in business is powerful
11:20 - Black creators not getting opportunities
12:21 - Can social media really change your life?
12:55 - Finding your people on social media
14:36 - Why Black women raised in white areas are not making friends
15:55 - The reality of building a successful business
18:16 - Should you start a business in your 30s?
19:42 - Dealing with accountants in business
21:21 - Understanding your business finances
22:03 - Growth in business after 5-6 years
22:13 - Why you shouldn’t regret anything
22:31 - Financial education is so important
23:06 - What is the most you’ve ever paid a creator?
23:52 - How to actually make money as a creator
24:17 - What is The Influencer Pricing Report?
26:48 - Pay transparency in the creator industry
27:32 - Pay gaps based on race within the creator industry
28:20 - White creators get paid more than Black creators
29:56 - How to get brand deals as a creator
30:38 - Light-skinned creators get paid more than dark skin creators
31:06 - How we're using data to revolutionise the industry
32:05 - How to charge brands as a creator
34:17 - Do you need followers to make money?
36:31 - Tips for aspiring creators
36:43 - When do you need management as a creator?
40:05 - Why having a personal brand is so important
42:30 - Opportunities a personal brand can give you
44:35 - Charlotte reflects on her journey