Every content creator’s journey is unique—filled with both struggles and triumphs. For me, the path to becoming Girlfluent has been shaped by a blend of fandom, creativity, and a lot of trial and error. From humble beginnings as a shy gamer to eventually building a platform that blends streaming, cosplay, art, and more.

In today’s post, I’m going to share the behind-the-scenes story of how I got started, the challenges I faced, and how I turned my passions into the community-driven platform you see today. Whether you’re thinking of pursuing your own digital career or just curious about the journey, I hope my story can inspire you to follow your dreams and take those first steps towards your own creative path.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs.
Without love for what you’re creating, the work can easily feel like a burden. Loving what you do is what keeps you going, especially when things get tough.

The Early Days: Finding My Footing

It all started with gaming. As a kid, I spent hours getting lost in virtual worlds—whether it was catching Pokémon, building towns in Animal Crossing, or solving puzzles in the Legend of Zelda. Gaming was a way to escape, to experience new adventures, and most importantly, to feel like I was part of something larger than myself. But I didn’t know back then that my love for gaming would become the foundation of what is now Girlfluent.

My journey continued in high school when I attended my first convention—San Diego Comic-Con. The energy, creativity, and sense of community captivated me, and I knew I wanted to be more involved. Not long after, I started experimenting with cosplay, transforming my favorite characters into wearable art. This passion led me to form a cosplay group, which quickly became widely known in the local community. Together, we participated in numerous photoshoots, hosted events, and even performed at conventions.  

When the COVID shutdown put conventions on pause, I had to find another outlet for my creativity. That’s when I turned to streaming on Twitch. Streaming allowed me to connect with others, showcase my passion for gaming, and continue sharing my love for my favorite fandoms in a whole new way. From there, my community began to grow, and I expanded my presence to Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, keeping the spirit of cosplay alive even during the most challenging times.

At first, it wasn’t easy. I started with low viewership, small social media followings, and plenty of doubts. Would anyone really care about my content? Would I ever be able to build a community of like-minded people who also loved gaming, cosplay, and all things creative? 

I quickly realized that the secret to growing wasn’t in how many followers I had but in how engaged I was with my community. I took the time to respond to comments, engage in conversation, and build real relationships with my followers. And that was the turning point.

Creating My Own Space: From Cosplay to Design

As I grew as a creator, I started exploring other aspects of several different fandoms. Cosplay became a huge part of my journey, not just as a hobby, but as a way to bring my favorite characters to life in ways that were uniquely my own. It was through this creative outlet that I was able to connect more deeply with my community, while meeting more likeminded fans from all over the world.

But something was still missing. I wanted to do more. That’s when I decided to launch my Etsy shop, Girlfluent, where I could sell my own designs—ranging from digital art to custom items. That was a game-changer. It gave me a platform to express my creativity, not only in cosplay but through art as well. And the best part? It let me share something tangible with my community.

Challenges and Growth: Building a Brand

When you’re building something from the ground up, it’s never smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing everything—streaming, cosplaying, creating new designs, and keeping up with social media. There were days when I felt overwhelmed and burned out, questioning if I was doing enough or if my efforts were truly paying off.

But over time, I learned that growth comes with both successes and failures. I realized that failure wasn’t a sign of defeat, but rather an opportunity to learn and improve. Every mistake helped me refine my craft, whether it was a failed cosplay project or a stream that didn’t go quite as planned. Girlfluent grew not because I was perfect, but because I stayed consistent, embraced the ups and downs, and always kept my love for what I do at the heart of everything.

The Power of Community: A Support System That Matters

None of this would have been possible without the amazing community I’ve had the privilege of building. Whether it’s through Discord chats, Twitch streams, or direct messages on social media, the support I’ve received from my followers has been beyond words. From the people who drop by to say hello during a live stream to those who share their own cosplay designs, everyone has played a part in creating the Girlfluent community.

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter

As Girlfluent continues to grow, I’m excited to explore new creative avenues, share more content, and grow my community even further. There are so many new opportunities on the horizon, whether it’s exploring new platforms, launching new designs, or creating more collaborative events with fellow streamers and cosplayers.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s this: the journey doesn’t end. There will always be new challenges to face, new ideas to explore, and new people to connect with. But I’ll keep going, because I love what I do, and I know that as long as I stay true to myself and my community, the possibilities are endless.

Closing Thoughts: Take the Leap

If you’re reading this and wondering if you should start your own journey—whether it’s as a streamer, a cosplayer, or even a creator of your own—you can absolutely do it. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Start small, stay authentic, and embrace every challenge along the way. Your platform is waiting for you to create it.

No matter where you’re at, remember: everyone has a story, and yours is worth sharing. Just take that first step—because the journey is all about growth, creativity, and connection. 💖

Thank you for being part of my story, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you all.

Love,  Madie (streams) 💖