Life as a Low-Income Content Creator: My Truth About Backlash, Harassment, and Valuing Myself

I Scammed Myself for Years - Afrinubi Solutions - Stephanie McClain

I’ve been a content creator for years, and honestly, it hasn’t been easy.

There’s this idea that being online is glamorous, that you post and people watch—but if you’re speaking your truth, advocating for yourself, or sharing your real life, it’s anything but that.

I want to get real about what it’s like for me as a low-income creator trying to navigate this space while staying true to myself.

I Scammed Myself for Years

For five or six years, I didn’t recognize my own value. I gave away too much content, too much of my time, and honestly, too much of myself for free. I was “scamming myself” without even realizing it. But I’m done with that. My time, my knowledge, my creativity—they’re worth far more than minimum wage, and I refuse to settle for less. I deserve respect, and I deserve compensation.

Speaking Truth Comes with Risks

Being a content creator who speaks honestly is not always welcomed. I’ve dealt with people trying to silence me, hacking attempts, and online backlash. Sometimes I feel afraid to post certain videos or advocate alone because I know there will be pushback. But I also know that my voice matters, and sharing my story could help someone else feel empowered to speak theirs.

Harassment Is Real

This isn’t just online drama—it’s real life, too. I’ve experienced identity theft, online stalking, and harassment. I’ve even been followed in stores and banks. Living like this takes a toll on your mental health, and it makes advocating for yourself feel scary at times. But I’m learning to set boundaries and protect myself while still showing up.

Life in Atlanta and America Feels Controlled

Sometimes, living in America, especially Atlanta, feels like “hell.” There’s constant tracking, monitoring, and control over finances—things that disproportionately affect Black people. Government assistance and housing support feel inconsistent, and sometimes it seems like help is only given to those who “fit the mold.” It’s exhausting, but it’s reality.

Food Banks and Systemic Failures

I’ve seen firsthand how government and non-profit systems fail people. I’ve received expired food from food banks—food meant to help people survive, but that actually makes them sicker. I’ve realized that these systems often prioritize appearances over actual care, and that breaks my heart.

Mental Health Struggles

All of this affects my mental health. Living with mental illness, health challenges, and disabilities while dealing with harassment, systemic inequities, and people trying to mislabel me has been extremely stressful. I’ve been in a mental hospital due to the pressure, and I’ve been labeled things like “racist” or a “Black supremacist” just for speaking my truth. It’s hard, but I refuse to be silenced.

I’m Done Giving Away Free Labor

Let me be clear: I am done giving away my labor for free. My time and expertise are valuable. I’ve learned the hard way that setting boundaries and expecting fair compensation is not just necessary—it’s survival.

Why I Keep Making Videos

Despite all the risks, I keep creating content. I do it because I want to speak my truth and raise awareness about the issues I face. I want my videos to inspire people, to make them “get up and do something about their lives.” If my story can motivate just one person to take action, advocate for themselves, or value their own worth, then it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts

Being a low-income content creator is tough. It’s scary, it’s stressful, and it’s sometimes lonely. But it’s also empowering. I’m learning to value myself, speak my truth, and demand respect. And I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others realize that their voices, their work, and their lives matter too.