In this exclusive interview, Sofie Dossi shares her inspiring journey from contortionist to content creator, discussing her challenges, rewards, and aspirations. She reveals the importance of authenticity, consistency, and staying true to oneself in the crowded digital landscape. Sofie also provides valuable insights into the creator economy and offers essential tips for aspiring creators to thrive and build a sustainable career.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started as a content creator?

Sofie Dossi started young — she was only 12 years old when she first discovered a YouTube video of a contortionist and thought it was cool. She tried it for the first time and realized she could put her feet over her head. Since then, she started training at home because she loved it and thought it was “cool.” 

She started doing small performances at home in front of the mirror with her parents and their friends as her audience. It wasn’t long before she auditioned for America’s Got Talent and got the golden buzzer. She recalls, “It was such an incredible experience. That was like one of the most memorable things in my life.”

After Sofie’s stint on America’s Got Talent, she started her YouTube channel. She always loved making videos and was a fan of many YouTubers. She wanted to do what her idols were doing, and over time, her channel became bigger. 

When she started her own YouTube channel, she was only making videos just for fun. But eventually, she started putting more of her story into her videos and spending more time making them. 

It’s been six years since Sofie Dossi started her YouTube channel, and she has become one of the most popular creators in her niche. She even had the chance to collaborate with some of the biggest creators today, like Mr. Beast. 

What challenges did you face along the way?

Sofie’s journey as a content creator was like an accident — she never thought she would become one long-term when she posted a video on YouTube for the first time. But she always knew she loved performing and worked hard at it. 

One challenge Sofie Dossi cites is being herself and ensuring she’s not putting on a persona that isn’t hers. “Not only does that resonate with your audience, but if you’re faking it, it’s never going to be fun in the long run; it’s exhausting,” she adds. It’s very important for Sofie to be herself. 

As someone who has achieved great success as a content creator, what would you say has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far?

Sofie Dossi finds it very rewarding to hear her audience being inspired by her. Her journey as a contortionist, which eventually led to her success as a content creator, started when she saw a contortionist on YouTube — and she’s very happy to have the same impact on her audience.  

VidCon 2023 is a significant event for creators. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s VidCon?

Sofie Dossi is really excited about performing a contortion routine and singing live (for the first time) during Night of Impact at VidCon. ICYDN, Sofie released two songs in the past year. 

How has VidCon influenced your career and helped you connect with your audience in the past?

One thing Sofie Dossi loves about VidCon is it allows her to meet and connect with her audience. She also loves the event because it serves as an opportunity for her audience to watch her perform live, “which I always love to do,” she says. 

VidCon has become a hub for discussions and insights into the creator economy. How do you envision VidCon 2023 contributing to the ongoing dialogue and growth of the creator economy, and what are your personal goals for this aspect of the event?

“I think it’s incredible because it’s a place where many creators can come and tell their fans to come and meet them,” Sofie says. The event also enables fans not only to see one or two of their favorite content creators but a lot of them. 

Sofie recommends fans to check out all of the booths in the event and have fun. She also encourages fans to listen to some panels, especially if they have plans of becoming a YouTuber, videographer, or contortionist. For Sofie, the event is a great place to get inspired. 

What advice would you give to aspiring creators who are just starting their journey in the digital space?

Sofie advises staying consistent and true to oneself, as these will resonate with the audience. In addition, creators will be happier in the long if they’re consistent and authentic from the very beginning. 

Could you share any memorable or interesting experiences you’ve had as a content creator that has shaped your perspective on the industry?

Sofie’s best experience as a content creator is being able to meet a lot of creators who she only watched online before. “Seeing how they work and pick their brain on things, and being able to talk to them — that’s one of the most incredible things about this industry,” she adds.

As an influencer, you have a significant impact on your audience. How do you ensure that the content you create aligns with your values and resonates with your followers?

For Sofie, it’s highly important to love what she does and to love the content she’s putting out. “I think that means that even when you grow, and your content changes, your personality is still evident,” she explains. 

Sofie admits that her content is different now from when she started when she was still 15 years old, but says her personality stayed the same. She’s a firm believer in keeping everything authentic. 

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions or myths about being a content creator, and how would you address them?

A lot of people think that being a content creator is easy after seeing the pictures and videos uploaded. Although being a content creator is fun, Sofie wants the audience to understand that being one requires a lot of hard work. 

Personally, Sofie feels that being a content creator is like having a 24/7 job because she’s constantly thinking about new content and working on different things all the time. She feels that people don’t see what’s happening behind the content they post because all they see are content creators just chilling and having fun. 

Sofie addresses these challenges by setting days where she comes up with ideas for her content. She also tries to be as flexible as possible when it comes to her schedule because the content creation industry is very last minute. 

Lastly, what are three essential tips you would give to creators who want to thrive in the creator economy and build a sustainable career in this field?

Sofie gives three pieces of advice: One, consistency is key; two, keep a loyal friend group or a loyal team because having loyal friends outweighs having great friends; and three, don’t change yourself for the internet.