TikTok is changing lives for influencers.
Clarke Peoples, a Columbia University student, recently gave a close look into how the social media giant changed her path for the better.
In an as-told-to essay with Business Insider, the content creator shared that initially she was working for a startup and interning for jewelry company David Yurman’s legal department while taking classes and hitting the books. But after her first viral TikTok, it was only the beginning of what was to come.
From Going Viral To Working With Brands
Back in May 2021, Peoples’ posted her first day-in-the-life video, which resulted in many users on the platform being intrigued by how she could afford her lavish living in New York City.
@claaaarke clean and go on a date with a millionaire with me #nyc #dayinmylife #dating #college #nycvlog #fypシ #nycrooftop ♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco
She went on to secure her first brand deal for $250. Nearly a year later, Peoples currently works with the likes of:
- JCPenney
- Walmart
- DSW
Raking In Six-Figures
Becoming a full-time influencer while being a full-time student is paying off for her. Peoples says she has made around $200,000 in the past five months.
“Although this is my new life, it all still feels a bit unreal,” Peoples said, according to the outlet. “I don’t come from money, so it’s still hard to wrap my head around the financial freedom and comfort I have now.”
Although she was apprehensive at first about the idea of being managed by an agency, Peoples credits signing with Digital Brand Architects for her evolution as an influencer.
“Having an agency backing me and sifting through 20-page contracts has helped me tremendously as a creator,” she said.
Prior to making six figures and attending Columbia, Peoples worked diligently to earn enough scholarships to attend the university. Currently, she is a senior pursuing a degree in American Studies. Amid creating content for TikTok, she hopes to graduate in May 2023 and attend law school after.
