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Photos Courtesy of @Siannaay
Meet Sian—an influencer, content creator, podcast host, and retreat organizer—currently living her best life in Bali, Indonesia. In an exclusive chat with Roe Magazine, Sian gives us a glimpse into her life as a creator, sharing valuable insights on staying authentic, building a brand, and thriving in the digital space.
Keeping It Real: Sian’s Approach to Brand Collaborations
Over the past five years, Sian has worked with numerous brands, but she’s deliberate about who she partners with. “I say no to 90% of the brands that approach me,” she reveals. Her key question: Can I defend this brand to someone who asks if I truly use it? If the answer is no, she walks away.
Sian also emphasizes researching brands. “If they work with people I don’t trust, I question whether they align with my values.” Authenticity is her cornerstone—she insists on using products long enough to form a genuine opinion before recommending them.
One standout collaboration for Sian has been with Open, a breathwork app. As a certified breathwork teacher, she brought personal knowledge and a transformational story to the partnership, making it a seamless match. “I was talking about wellness apps long before they reached out,” she notes, highlighting the importance of organic relationships with brands.
The Evolution of Sian’s Brand
Sian’s journey as a creator started long before her Instagram fame. She’s been in the digital space for over a decade, from running a YouTube channel as a teenager to managing a fitness blog in her late teens. However, her big break came during COVID-19 when she went viral on Instagram.
Despite the lack of an initial strategy, Sian attributes her success to her natural intuition about content creation. “I just knew what to post and how to engage with my audience.” But now, as a consultant for small businesses and influencers, she recognizes the importance of sharing personal stories and providing tangible value.
“I always ask my audience what they need help with,” she says. This dialogue, combined with consistent engagement in comments and DMs, has been crucial to her growth. “At the end of the day, without the audience, I couldn’t do any of this.”
The Power of Polarization and Authenticity
One of Sian’s strongest beliefs is the power of being polarizing—in an informed and genuine way. “Don’t just throw out opinions without knowledge to back them up,” she advises. By sharing her honest stance on topics like birth control, she has attracted an audience that deeply resonates with her values.
“When you’re lukewarm about everything, it’s harder to find your people. Authenticity and intuition are what make creators stand out,” she explains. Sian believes many creators fall into a “cookie-cutter” mold, but the ones who succeed long-term stay true to themselves.
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
Sian’s top advice? “Anything built on an inauthentic foundation will crumble eventually. Let that sink in.” While she acknowledges that some level of “faking it till you make it” may be necessary, longevity requires showing up as your true self.
“People will see through inauthenticity,” she warns. This honesty extends to her retreats, where she connects with her audience on a personal level. “If I were fake, people wouldn’t come. They’d figure it out.”
Sian also stresses the importance of humility. “Followers and views can go to people’s heads. Always thank your community. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to do this.”
Lastly, she encourages aspiring creators to redefine success. “It’s not just about followers. I know people with 2,000 followers making six figures and people with millions who don’t earn a penny.”
Wrapping Up in Bali
As Sian finishes her skincare routine and prepares for a day in the tropical Bali heat, she leaves us with one final thought: “Stay humble, stay true, and always focus on building a real connection with your audience.”
And with that, she’s off to grab a matcha, embodying the balance of work, life, and authenticity that has made her the creator she is today.
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