Kgaugelo Mamabolo is proof that you do not need expensive equipment or a huge budget to make it in the content creation space. She built a loyal audience through consistency and a love for creativity. Starting at just 15 years old, the now 23 year old has gone on to secure major collaborations with brands including Coca-Cola, Garnier, Mr Price and Playgirl, to name a few.
From understanding what equipment is actually worth investing in to knowing the biggest mistakes aspiring creators make, Kgaugelo has mastered the art of building a social media career from the ground up.
GLAMOUR caught up with Kgaugelo Mamabolo to learn more about her career and get advice for aspiring content creators.
GLAMOUR: What inspired you to start creating content, and what advice would you give to someone who wants to get started but feels intimidated
Kgaugelo: I started content at the ripe age of 15, and truly, all it was to me was an outlet for my creative mind. I’ve always loved putting looks together, whether it’s fashion, makeup, or aesthetic boards, so I started documenting it.
I think that’s the perfect way to start. Content at its core is all about documenting anything you’re passionate about in a way that feels authentic to you. It can seem intimidating because some people have found their voice and mastered their niche, but like you, we all started with just a passion and a low-quality phone camera.
Your audience will fall in love with your journey and growth, so there’s no need to come polished. What you need is just to start.
GLAMOUR: What are the top three pieces of equipment every beginner content creator should invest in first?
Kgaugelo: Lighting and quality is everything! So, I would first suggest a good LED light. Good lighting can make your phone quality look even better so I’d say this is a must. Secondly, I’d say a good phone that has average to excellent camera quality. This is important because this is what will be capturing all your content and a blurry camera can have people skip your content just based off of that. Third is a tripod stand.
This should probably be at the top of the list. Tripods are everything to because I can take content anywhere and not have to worry about asking people to take my pictures only to be disappointed sometimes. With a tripod, you are in control of angles and they usually come with a remote so you are in control of how much content you want too.
GLAMOUR: Should creators need expensive equipment to produce good content?
Kgaugelo: No, this is a myth and I feel it causes intimidation and procrastination within the community of aspiring content creators. All you have is all you need, especially in the beginning. I started with an iPhone 5 camera and cheap ring light. As you continue to grow as a creator and start to earn, you will start to expand your inventory little by little and you will be more grateful for each purchase.
GLAMOUR: When should content creators invest in lighting?
Kgaugelo: I think once a creator can afford it. At first, you can use natural lighting. I used to put my phone up near a window or shoot outside before I got my first ring light. After some time, I got a new professional light for only R300 on Takealot and it’s carried me for years.
GLAMOUR: Are there any free apps or tools you think beginner creators should take advantage of before investing in paid software?
Kgaugelo: Unfortunately we are now living in a time where almost everything has a subscription attached to it so it is quite difficult to find a free app. For photos, I have used VSCO for a long time.
The free features on the app can still give you a good edit and the same goes for CapCut video editor. I swear by these two apps. If you’re looking for a free video editor, Canva is also an excellent option. It has a lot of free features and templates that are of great use and quality.
GLAMOUR: Besides equipment, what skills do you think every aspiring content creator should focus on developing early on?
Kgaugelo: I’d go with patience, resilience and discipline. The numbers, engagement and collaborations won’t always be the same. You have to be able to be consistent regardless of views and criticism.
These are skills I still tend to battle with as well, at the end of the day we are all human and disappointment is inevitable. However the most successful creators pushed through all the adversity and that is why they are where they are today.
GLAMOUR: What daily habits or routines helped stay consistent while building your platform?
Kgaugelo: My mornings really do determine my mood and therefore determine my day. So to keep myself in the right energy to be creative and curious, I start my mornings slowly. Intentional time for my skin care routine with music that feeds my confidence, quite breakfast outside, yoga (even if it’s a 5 minute session) and journaling my feelings as well as planning out my day.
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