Chelsea Wornham has transformed her lifelong passion for performing arts into a career as a digital content creator. 

Her interest in digital content was sparked during her teenage years when the concept of internet fame was still nascent. 

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“When nobody understood Internet fame and what Internet fame was, I was watching all of these creators and [thought] ‘I want to do this,’” Chelsea says.

This early exposure to online personalities ultimately inspired her to start her content creation journey.

While Chelase initially found content creation isolating, she soon sought out opportunities for collaboration and networking. She joined a creator program at PingFluence, which opened doors to events and connections with fellow creators. 

“Being able to [attend events] and film it and post it is amazing,” Chelsea enthuses. “That’s where I have the most fun.”

At just 21, this Hertfordshire native has already established a foothold in social media influencing. Her approach to content creation is as dynamic as her personality. She seamlessly adapts to the distinct demands of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. 

Chelsea reveals her creative process, discusses the intricacies of brand partnerships, and opens up about personal challenges, including anxiety and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sintillate Talent Partnership Propels Chelsea’s Digital Presence

Chelsea’s career in content creation recently received a boost through a partnership with Sintillate Talent. 

She describes the collaboration as “very new,” and it came about after she applied online. “They got back to me and said, ‘We love you. We [want] you to be a part of it,'” Chelsea recounts.

The young creator was impressed by the management company’s approach to talent care. “They have so many things put in place, like mental health encouragement,” she notes. “That’s so welcoming.”

Chelsea’s content strategy primarily revolves around fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. “I’ve always just worn what I want,” she explains, crediting her mother. This personal style became a staple of her TikTok presence, which she later expanded to include makeup tutorials and lifestyle content.

While TikTok remains Chelsea’s primary platform regarding followers, she notes a growing presence on Instagram. “The engagement on Instagram is much nicer than TikTok,” Chelsea observes. However, she acknowledges each platform’s distinct characteristics, making prioritizing one over the other challenging.

Despite feeling “more comfortable posting on TikTok,” Chelsea enjoys creating content for Instagram. “I love going out and taking photos to post on my Instagram,” she admits. “I love doing that as a day out.”

Overcoming Anxiety and Building Connections

Chelsea’s journey into the creator economy was not without its hurdles. 

Initially, she grappled with anxiety about posting on social media, particularly on Instagram. Her concerns stemmed from fear of judgment by people who knew her. Chelsea initially found it easier to post on TikTok, as fewer people from her personal life were aware of her account. 

“I felt more comfortable because not many people from real life knew I had TikTok,” she explains.

Despite these challenges, Chelsea pushed through her apprehensions. She has since found that sharing her experiences with anxiety has helped her connect with her audience on a deeper level. “I recently made a video about a thing for me: just getting out of the house, like going outside on my own,” Chelsea says.

Creating content about her anxiety serves a dual purpose for Chelsea. “When filming something like that, I’m kind of forcing myself to get over that anxiety to make the content,” she notes. “It’s kind of like free therapy in a way.”

Chelsea hopes her openness about mental health challenges will inspire others. “I hope somebody watching this can see this and take that as ‘I can do that, too,'” she says, highlighting the potential for content creators to make a positive impact through authentic sharing.

Balancing Content Creation with Chronic Fatigue and Mental Well-Being

Chelsea manages chronic fatigue syndrome while maintaining an active online presence. Diagnosed at 16, she explains, “It’s not just physical tiredness. It’s also the mental side of it.”

To manage her condition, Chelsea adopts a strategic approach to her schedule. “If I know I have a busy day, I make sure I don’t have a busy day tomorrow so that I don’t burn out for the weekend,” she says. 

This careful planning extends to her content creation, with Chelsea dedicating specific days to building a content buffer.

Another challenge is facing online negativity. 

Chelsea’s approach is rooted in self-acceptance: “You are who you are. You can’t please everybody,” she states, echoing advice from her parents. When faced with negative comments, Chelsea deletes them, focusing instead on her supportive audience.

She also acknowledges the potential pitfalls of comparison on social media. “It’s very easy to dip into that ‘I’m not as good as the other creators’ because social media is fake,” she admits. However, she reminds herself that most creators only showcase their best moments.

Spontaneity Meets Strategy

Chelsea’s content creation is spontaneous and unique, tailored to the unique characteristics of each social media platform. 

“I think my favorite place to make content for is TikTok because I can be more myself,” Chelsea says, highlighting her preference for casual, conversational content on the platform.

Her content ideation process is organic. She draws inspiration from her daily life and other creators. “I like to see what other people are doing and how I can spin it for myself,” she explains.

Despite her preference for spontaneity, Chelsea maintains organization through digital note-taking. “I will always write content notes on my phone,” she says, ensuring a reservoir of ideas for future content creation.

The influencer’s strategy differs between platforms. “On my Instagram, it’s more reserved,” she notes, contrasting it with her TikTok approach: “I’m very more open and very more relaxed and not as professional on my TikTok.”

When it comes to trends, Chelsea is selective, prioritizing authentic content over popularity. “If I see a trend that’s [not me], I’m not going to jump on it,” she states.

Chelsea also acknowledges the challenges of keeping up with platform algorithms, particularly on TikTok. To address this, she adapts her content style when necessary, balancing her preferred content with algorithm-friendly formats to maintain engagement.

Brand Partnerships

While aspiring to work with big brands, Chelsea recognizes the value of partnerships with smaller, niche companies.

One of Chelsea’s favorite collaborations is with HiCCUP, a smaller brand that offers her creative freedom and personal connection. “They send me clothes every month. I get to pick them out myself, and they’re the loveliest people ever,” Chelsea shares.

However, Chelsea has also experienced larger collaborations with brands like Peppermayo, noting the differences in the collaborative process. “You don’t get the more intimate business side of it with them because they are a bigger brand,” she observes.

As a micro-influencer, Chelsea takes a proactive approach to securing brand deals. “You kind of just have to shoot your shot,” she says, stressing the importance of reaching out to brands directly.

Her dream collaboration is with Ohpolly, a brand she’s admired since she was 15. Chelsea consistently tags them in her posts, hoping to catch their attention. 

However, she maintains a strict policy regarding collaborations. “I’d never collaborate with a brand that I don’t think matches me,” Chelsea points out.

From Aspiring to Inspiring

“The only way you’re going to know if your content is good is if you’re posting constantly,” Chelsea states, highlighting the importance of learning from audience engagement.

Chelsea also stresses the value of community in the influencer world. “Having mutual influencer friends you can go to and help get advice on, ask questions you wouldn’t be able to normally ask someone who’s not an influencer,” she says.

Looking ahead, Chelsea aims to diversify her content. “I’m looking to get more into lifestyle things,” she reveals, wanting to share her personal experiences, including her mental struggles.

She also wants to grow an audience of people who love her personality, not just what she wears.

The creator also harbors ambitions for YouTube, viewing it as a natural progression once she established her brand.

For Chelsea, the most rewarding aspect of content creation is the personal growth and real-world impact. 

“Knowing that my 16-year-old self would be so proud right now. That’s what’s rewarding,” she reflects, celebrating her journey of overcoming anxiety and pursuing her passion. 

Chelsea credits her father as her biggest supporter, always supporting her in chasing her dreams and motivating her to continue working hard.