If you’re wondering how content creators turn social media into a job — look no further than Tara Chandra‘s inspiring story.
She was just like us, surfing Tumblr late at night for posts about One Direction (I was a Zayn girlie myself). Little did Tara’s teenage self know that she’d become a full-time content creator, just like those talented makeup artists she watched on YouTube.
@tarachandra_ POV u design a collection with @CASETiFY and it's out now 🥹🥹🥹💞💞💞 online + Sydney & Melbourne CASETiFY stores!!!
♬ original sound – Keshia❤
Please don’t think Tara rose to fame magically overnight, though. She started her own YouTube and Instagram channel in 2012, and what an era that was. Tara posted on social media for four years before she got her first paid job, and it was only in 2021 / 2022 that she turned it into a full-time carer. That’s about 10 years of of hustling, so I don’t want to hear you complaining that the TikTok channel you just started isn’t trending yet.
If you’re looking for some inspo, checkout Tara’s first YouTube video below.
If you could take anything from Tara’s interview, it’s that this is your sign to start content creation. There won’t be a magical fairy godmother that randomly boops you on the nose, and you become viral (for long, that is). YOU are the magical fairy godmother, and you’ve got to work hard to turn social media into a full-time job. Who knows, we could be interviewing you next on Insider Trading — we’re rooting for you, bestie.
Hint: if you’re looking to break into the creative industry, check out our newly relaunched Pedestrian JOBS and craft your next move.
Insider Trading: Tara Chandra
Hi Tara! Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
Hi! I was born and raised in Sydney, and I’m a creator and artist. I use the word ‘creator’ loosely because my work constantly evolves, but it’s almost always centred around creating something.
I create social media content about fashion, hair, eczema, and lifestyle. I also delve into digital art here and there, and I’m starting a beauty business for sensitive skin with my sister.
@tarachandra_ 2024 fave hairstyles I did!! hny!! 🦋🎆🌟💞 #hairstyle #hairtok ♬ Pop Muzik – M & Robin Scott
Describe your typical day.
Every day is different, and I don’t have a set routine! Despite being an extremely Type A person, each day depends on what I feel like doing and what I need to get done at the time. I’m currently answering this interview on a plane as I’m on holiday in Indonesia (yes, I’m still doing work while on holiday… I fear I’m always switched on, haha).
When I’m in Sydney, I prefer to work from home predominantly. A majority of my job consists of admin work (i.e. emails), but there are more fun aspects, such as shooting content for social media jobs / for fun and going to events.
I recently created a collection with CASETiFY, which was such a fun project to work on, and I switched the pace with my normal type of work. It also reignited my COVID-19 hobby, digital drawing. I haven’t touched digital drawing in around two years, but I’ve been drawing non-stop since working on the collection!
What’s your favourite part about what you do?
The flexibility! As a freelancer, I’m lucky to set my own hours and work whenever I want. This means I can hang out with my other freelance friends during the week, take a chill day whenever I want, and travel without approval.
What was the biggest learning curve so far?
The social media landscape has changed a lot over the years, and the burnout from trying to stay active on all platforms is very real.
I think the biggest learning curve that has helped me keep my peace is remembering that I don’t have to be on every platform. Do what you can and do what you love.
@tarachandra_ thank you to all the brands!! so excited and grateful always 😭💕
♬ original sound – tarachandra_
When you were starting out, what was your ‘dream career’?
As a kid, I wanted to be an artist and a model (lol). As a teen, my dream job was to have my own business.
If content creation was a job at that time, it probably would have been content creation. It’s pretty cool that all of these ‘dream careers’ pretty much came true over time.
And how did you end up where you are today?
I was an avid Tumblr user and Directioner in my early teens, and this definitely played a part in my early love for social media and aesthetically pleasing pictures! I was also a big consumer of vloggers and fashion / makeup YouTube videos. I’ve always loved fashion, but I started developing my personal style in 2012.
@tarachandra_ Replying to @cebraaa part 1 of my spontaneous interview/ conversation with #troyesivan ♬ original sound – tarachandra_
In 2013, I started a fashion, DIY, and lifestyle channel on YouTube and Blogspot. Later that year, I started an Instagram for my fit pics and haven’t stopped since. At the time, social media wasn’t really a job. Only the huge YouTubers or Bloggers were getting paid, so it didn’t feel feasible to make a career out of this.
I posted on social media as a hobby for around four years before I got my first paid job. Over time, I got more sponsorships but still maintained social media as a hobby / side gig till 2021 / 2022, when I realised I was making more money than I would be making if I worked full-time somewhere else.
Was there a moment where you felt like you’d ‘made it’?
I think I’ve had many ‘I made it’ moments because my goals have constantly shifted as I achieved bigger and better milestones.
My first ‘I made it’ moment was probably hitting 1k subscribers on YouTube, then 1k on Instagram. I also distinctly remember receiving my first gifted product for free, doing my first photoshoot and creating my first sponsored post. Plus, I pitched a business idea to my sister and won a business investment.
Then, I modelled for my first designer brand (Gucci, 2017), went on brand trips, and combined the two when I modelled for a designer brand on a brand trip (Jean Paul Gaultier, Tokyo)
I think it’s so easy to feel desensitised to all these things when you’ve been working in the industry for so long. Thinking back, I’ve had some crazy experiences for which I’m so grateful for, and I hope to continue having them!
How do you balance being a digital creator with other pursuits?
Honestly, I do it with the privilege of being a freelancer who doesn’t have to work insane hours all the time. Every freelancer is different, but my work hours and amounts fluctuate greatly depending on how many jobs I have. This means I go through periods that are extremely busy, morning to night, and others where I have multiple days off in a week.
I also have jobs that don’t feel like jobs at all. My recent co-lab with CASETiFY was such a fun and creatively broad brief, and I felt like I was drawing and designing for myself. The creative flexibility they gave me really allowed me to harness my individuality, self-expression, and personal style. While supporting me in bringing my vision to life whenever I got stuck with its technicalities. This collaboration was super exciting because, as a small artist, it allowed me to showcase one of my hobbies globally with a huge brand.
If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?
I studied a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing Communications, so I would probably do something related to marketing or social media management! I also worked as a disability companionship and care worker for a few years during university, which I loved. I still look after one of my clients to this day, so that could have been a potential career route, too.
Do you have a work uniform?
My pyjamas… I love staying in my PJs all day. I know everyone preaches about making sure you get changed and get ready for the day — even when you’re WFH, but I love oscillating between my desk and bed.
Wearing outside clothes on the bed is a no, though, haha.
@tarachandra_ A slower start to Fashion Week this year, but I’ll be here everyday 🧡 #aafw ♬ original sound – tarachandra_
You have such a unique style — how did you find your personal style? And how do you approach putting together a fit?
Thank you!! I’ve always been into fashion and art since I was a kid… whether my style was actually good or not is questionable. In high school, I started getting more into fashion because I was on Tumblr and YouTube a lot. Many of my close friends were also into fashion / personal style.
I started out by trying to recreate outfits I saw online with the clothes I already had. I got into shopping second-hand at the markets and op shops to source cool vintage pieces for affordable prices. I didn’t have a job during school, so I could only afford to buy pieces with Christmas / birthday / Chinese New Year money I would save throughout the year. This was also 10 years ago, so the second-hand shopping scene was very different and a lot more affordable.
@tarachandra_ Reply to @jessicaafish ♬ original sound – tarachandra_
Over time, I accumulated more pieces and developed my style through DIY alterations and mixing and matching what I already had. My style is constantly changing, and I love so many different aesthetics, but I think the one thing that has stayed consistent throughout the years is my love for accessorising. I genuinely don’t think an outfit is complete without accessories.
Another big part of my personal style is my personality. I’m a reserved and shy person, which may not be apparent since I take up a lot of space online and in my style. But fashion and art have always been a way to fully express myself without having to say too much.
When putting together a fit, I usually focus on one piece I definitely want to wear and work around it. This is one less thing you have to think about; all you have to do is find pieces that suit the item.
@tarachandra_ fave fits over the past year 🎆🌷
♬ Nothing s new by Rio Romeo – 𝐈ѕaᯓ★
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve seen at work we can legally publish?
I really tried to think of something, but I can’t think of anything!! I’m a very drama-avoidant person, haha.
Who do you admire in your industry?
There are so many people that it’s hard to pinpoint a specific handful. I admire so many creators, especially my friends, small businesses that have made it big, and all the amazing clients, agencies, and behind-the-scenes people who work their backs off to make campaigns happen.
@tarachandra_ (rare occurrence)
♬ sonido original – ozu ♚
Describe your inbox in three words.
Organised, flagged, and a mess.
How do you sign off your emails?
Thank you,
Tara.
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