Before I share what The Creator Income Collective is, I do want to reflect on something really important. That is the idea of getting started. I know, you perfectionists probably hate hearing this. Here’s the thing…some projects won’t come into being until you start. That awkward post, the staticky podcast episode, the confusing product that you’ve designed-those are the first building blocks and foundation of something beautiful that you’re going to build further down the road. Your mistakes, those stutter steps are so important because you won’t stumble upon the beautiful work and spaces that you’re supposed be a part of, build and share without taking those first steps. The Creator Income Collective would not exist if I hadn’t started my Creators Getting Paid newsletter and added to the Substack platform. What is The Creator Income Collective? It’s a community, it’s a membership, it’s a welcoming space. But there’s more to the story so continue listening on.
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Show Notes (Continued)
When I started Creators Getting Paid the idea that I had was that the newsletter would be “the” product. The problem with that idea was that as time went on, I’m talking a couple of years-it was clear that Creators Getting Paid was the communication piece to a product that hadn’t been built out yet. And also that what I wanted to do: be in community, feel like I was curating a safe space and sharing monetization ideas and strategies had to be hosted elsewhere. I’m a huge fan of the Substack platform but I feel in the times that we’re in, you have to be extremely thoughtful about over-reliance on platforms, the agendas of the owners of platforms your using and also being thoughtful about and respectful of the platform’s terms of service.
What is The Creator Income Collective
- It is a membership community for online brand builders and other creatives leveraging the internet to build their brands.
- You are a person who is thoughtfully monetizing your work and working through questions such as:
- What is equitable access to my work and for my work?
- How does accessibility influence my product pricing models?
- How can I to the best of my ability serve my audience as I stated?
- What is the best way for me to expand my vision, reach, community and impact without causing harm to myself or others and that includes financial harm.
- The Creator Income Collective is a space for creators to hang out in, meet other creators and collaborate.
- Those social gatherings that you no longer have because you might not be working a 9-5, we’re hosting them inside the collective.
- Do you want to ask questions about monetizing your work while being in a community of people who will uplift you and thoughtfully answer your questions, connect you with resources and are just great people to be around. And most importantly are respectful and excited about the journey you’re on with your business and brand.
- Are you needing encouragement and support as you build your email list-the most important foundational piece to your brand?
This is why I’ve created this space.
Where is The Creator Income Collective Hosted
I’m glad that you asked! I decided to host it on Circle.SO it’s an expensive platform that does everything that I want it to do. I spent quite a bit of time testing out platforms to host this community in and this was the best one. I also found out that a friend of mine hosted their community using Circle as well. I was a member of that community and I enjoyed the experience.
What About the Price
I’ve purposely made the membership accessible. I’m pretty sure that I will price it at $8 or $9 a month, with the goal of encouraging members to opt for the annual membership. The annual membership is the best deal.
Why did I decide to price this so affordably?
- Accessiblity is a core value for me-I have a product suite that ranges from free to high-ticket products. The ultimate goal of the membership is to connect my community members with other community members. It is a networking space with monetization resources.
- Who my community is-A very large percentage of the people that I serve are Black women. There are other marginalized people represented in my community and I want for them to have a professional space and development tool that is easy to say “yes” to during uncertain economic times. Again, let’s be clear-I have other products that cost more than this one. I have a range of product tiers in terms of pricing. This product I wanted to be simple. Meet new people, be supported, learn some things and keep it moving.
- The #1 way I’ve gotten in front of amazing experiences, high paying leads and opportunities was through the people that I know. This a non-negotiable truth. There’s a reason why fraternities and sororities exist. That conferences have become such an important way to share your expertise, meet and connect with other. Other people know the gatekeepers of an organization, the best way to approach a collaboration conversation and how to negotiate for something better. I would be so much further behind in my growth without people. Such as Danielle Desir Corbette founder of Grants for Creators-she has been a wonderful supporter of my work and just very open about the work that she’s doing. Paulette Erato founder of Latinas in Podcasting who has no idea how much her support has meant to me throughout the years. And, of course, Corey Gumbs founder of The Black Podcasters Association and Angela Hollowell founder of Melanin MVP and Please Hustle Responsibly-who said “yes” to a collaboration that we had no idea would go as well as it did.
- In 2026, it’s my view that thoughtfully curated digital communities and “in real life” connections will be the key to growth because of all of the headwinds happening right now, in particular, in the US. Collaborative communication and opportunity curation will be an important part of growing online brands next year. Basically, it’s who you know and we’re really going to need people to support us during challenging times.
The lower ticket price doesn’t mean the value is less, the lower ticket price is a reflection of my core values and mission as well as something else. Finally, I decided to price this membership affordably because I wanted to.
A Conversation About Product Design
I think it is important to reflect on how we design our products and the demands that content design places on the content creator. I’m a huge fan of a creator named Liz Wilcox. She’s built a massive, useful membership focused on email marketing. She sends two email templates a week to her members. There are a few more things included in the membership-but, it’s pretty straightforward. Liz often will share something personal in podcast interviews about what has impacted her product design. Her life! Her life has impacted her product design. Like many people she has a lot of responsibilities.
So do I. But, that doesn’t mean that the inexpensive membership that she’s designed hasn’t been helpful to the people she serves. Why am I sharing this? You can build simple tools to help the people you want to help and they don’t have to be expensive if you don’t want them to be and it could be everything to do with designing a great lifestyle for you while serving others. Most people building online brands are building them with their lifestyle in mind.
Angela made a really point during a recent “Shh, We’re Talking” livestream recording we did about low-ticket products. She said that low-ticket products are focused on getting you from A to B. Typically, moving you towards a quick result. Higher ticket products need more of the content creator’s time and guidance. These conversations may take longer because they’re focused on a longer term strategy.
When Do Doors Open?
Starting on Monday, October 20th, 2025 doors will open. My goal is to hit 100 founding members by the end of this year. If you’re not currently following me on Threads or subscribed to my newsletter you can sign up for the waitlist at: https://creatorsgettingpaid.com/membership
