Meet Rachel K. | Digital Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel K. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what makes you happy? Why?
One thing that makes me truely happy is creating!

For as long as I can remember I have always loved to make things. Wether it was building a treehouse from scratch, crocheting a scarf for the winter, or filming an online video. Those things have always brought me the most joy.

There is just something so satisfying about having a new idea, planning it out, sticking with it and watching it come to life before my eyes. Then after I finish I get to tell everyone “hey, look what I made!”. It’s always fun to see their reactions!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am probably the most proud of my YouTube channel: @dearfriendlies. I started it back in 2015, right before my 16th birthday as a hobby but have since turned it into my brand. I will admit, the very beginning was quite difficult. I had no idea how to use a camera, let alone how to edit the footage from it! Thanks to my parents, however, they encouraged me to “stick with it” and learn all the valueable skills I needed to grow my channel. After I finally got the hang of things, making videos was my favorite thing to do! I loved setting up colorful video backgrounds, writing down scripts in my notebook, and editing videos while adding in cute background music. It was so much fun!

Being a digital creator does have it’s low points though. Last year I got very “burnt out” from YouTube and was feeling very unmotivated and uninspired. I knew I needed a break. After some thinking, I decided that the best thing to do was to take a year off to focus on my mental health. During that time, I rediscovered my love of “making things” and since then have reignited my passion for online creation.

Since then, I have diversified my brand to include Instagram and TikTok which has been a lot of fun! Currently I am working on revamping my YouTube channel, as well as, starting a website (which will hopefully be up and running this coming year).

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: Don’t let your passion turn into work.
Let me explain what I mean by that. I started my brand because I was passionate about creating. In the beginning it was the most fun I had ever had! However, as time went on I started to see it more as something that I “had to do” rather than something I “wanted to do”. Because of that, it sucked the motivation and inspiration right out of me. My passion had turned into work. When that happens, I find that the best thing to do is to take a break a rediscover what makes you happy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite spots that I had the pleasure of visiting is the town of Telluride. It is such a calm area and truely a great place to relax and unwind.

If I had a friend travel there for the week we would definately go explore the local hiking trails in the mornings, my favorite one is probably Bear Creek Falls trail. It will wear you out if you’re not careful but the amazing views are worth it!

As for restaurants, an amazing one that I really enjoyed was the Smuggler-Union Brewery. I suggest taking advantage of their outside seating as it is very relaxing while enjoying their delicious food!

Like many women, one of my favorite parts of any trip is shopping! During the evening would be the best time to explore the town and browse through the various shops. They have a little bit of everything ther! From consignment and apparel, to leather goods and decor!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has definitely been my biggest supporters and inspiration.

They are all very hard workers and really know how to get things done, which inspired me to do the same. They are also the ones that really pushed me towards persuing my interests; and whenever tough times came they were there to listen to me vent, offer good advice and inspire me to keep chasing after my dreams.

Instagram: @dearfriendlies

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dearfriendlies

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearfriendlies