Digest

Siv Heider, host of The Dream Bigger Podcast, welcomes Claudia Saluski, founder of Cyclore, to the show. Claudia shares her story of starting her YouTube channel at the young age of 13, navigating the evolving landscape of social media, and building a loyal audience. She discusses the challenges and rewards of early success, the importance of finding a balance between work and life, and the decision to self-fund her brand, Cyclore. Claudia also offers advice for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of consistency, finding your voice, and starting small. The episode concludes with a discussion about Claudia's relationship with Phineas, a famous musician, and how she manages their public life while maintaining privacy. The conversation touches on the importance of finding joy and connection in life, even amidst the pressures of success. Claudia shares her tips for staying in shape, including walking, hiking, and Pilates, and offers insights into her approach to dating and finding a partner. The episode is filled with valuable advice and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, social media, and personal growth.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast, The Dream Bigger Podcast, hosted by Siv Heider, a wellness entrepreneur and digital creator. The podcast aims to provide resources and insights from experts on achieving big dreams, whether they involve personal growth, business ventures, or spiritual exploration.

00:00:42

Claudia Saluski: Founder of Cyclore

This Chapter introduces Claudia Saluski, founder of Cyclore, as the guest for the episode. Siv shares her personal experience meeting Claudia at a creative event and expresses her admiration for Claudia's vulnerability, openness, and entrepreneurial spirit.

00:03:14

Claudia's Early YouTube Journey

This Chapter delves into Claudia's early YouTube journey, starting at the age of 13. Claudia discusses the unique landscape of YouTube at that time, the lack of pressure to go viral, and her early fascination with video editing and filming. She shares her experiences with building an audience slowly and the importance of finding a balance between sharing her life online and maintaining privacy.

00:07:48

Navigating Early Success

This Chapter explores Claudia's experience with navigating early success on YouTube. She discusses how she took her channel seriously from a young age, the shift in her life when companies started sending products and ad revenue began to grow, and her decision to switch to online schooling to accommodate her growing career. Claudia reflects on the feeling of being driven by an internal force to pursue her passion and the importance of listening to that inner voice.

00:10:04

Maintaining Authenticity

This Chapter focuses on Claudia's ability to maintain authenticity and down-to-earthness despite achieving success at a young age. She attributes this to the natural filters she developed through sharing her life online and the lessons learned about what to share and what to keep private. Claudia emphasizes the importance of showing vulnerability and sharing life's tribulations, which she believes has helped her to be more graceful in navigating challenges.

00:12:14

Dating Phineas and Public Life

This Chapter explores Claudia's relationship with Phineas, a famous musician, and how she navigates their public life. Claudia emphasizes her desire to avoid shoving a camera in anyone's face and her appreciation for Phineas' willingness to be part of her vlogs. She shares her approach to vlogging, focusing on capturing genuine moments without feeling forced or intrusive.

00:15:06

Finding Balance as a Creator

This Chapter delves into the challenges of managing multiple platforms and finding a balance as a creator. Claudia discusses the pressure to constantly post content and the importance of finding your own rhythm. She shares her experience with taking a break from YouTube to prioritize privacy and the importance of having other hobbies and interests outside of social media.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did you start your YouTube channel at such a young age, and what gave you the confidence to do so?

  Claudia started her YouTube channel at 13, a time when the platform was still relatively new and less competitive. She was drawn to video editing and filming and found it a way to connect with others. The lack of pressure to go viral and the slow growth of her audience made it less intimidating.

• How did you manage to stay grounded and authentic despite achieving success at a young age?

  Claudia believes that sharing her life online, including both the good and the bad, helped her develop natural filters and learn what she was comfortable sharing. She also emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication, which she sees as a grounding force.

• What advice would you give to aspiring creators who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly post content?

  Claudia recommends diversifying your interests and hobbies outside of social media to create a more balanced life. She also encourages creators to take breaks when needed and to trust their instincts in navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media.

• Why did you decide to self-fund Cyclore, and what advice would you give to other founders who are considering this approach?

  Claudia chose to self-fund Cyclore to maintain creative control and build credibility before seeking investment. She believes that self-funding empowers entrepreneurs to make decisions that align with their vision and to build a strong foundation for their brand.

• What are your tips for finding work-life balance as a creator and entrepreneur?

  Claudia emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, scheduling social plans in advance, and using timers to create focused work sessions. She believes that prioritizing social connections and making time for joy and connection is essential for maintaining well-being.

• How do you find your voice on different social media platforms?

  Claudia believes that understanding the purpose and audience of each platform is key to finding your voice. She suggests tailoring your content to the specific platform and being realistic about expectations.

• What are your tips for getting started on social media today?

  Claudia recommends securing all your handles across different platforms and focusing on consistency and finding a fresh take on content. She believes that TikTok is a great platform for new creators to grow their audience.

• How did you meet your boyfriend, and what advice would you give for navigating dating in the digital age?

  Claudia met her boyfriend on Raya, a dating app, but their first date was a low-pressure group outing with mutual friends. She suggests using group dates to take the pressure off and create a more relaxed environment.

• What are your tips for staying in shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

  Claudia emphasizes the importance of movement and stretching, including walking, hiking, and Pilates. She also suggests incorporating physical activity into social outings, such as bike riding, rock climbing, or pickleball.

• What are your thoughts on the importance of friendship and maintaining strong connections in life?

  Claudia believes that friendship is a high priority and that it's essential to make time for loved ones, even amidst the demands of work and career. She emphasizes the importance of being present for both the mundane and the celebratory moments in life.

Show Notes