Using your passions to create meaningful connections

By: Shia Surani

Hey everyone, it's Shia! I like to introduce myself as a creative, highly emotional person who loves to document her life and capture memories. I want to share my journey into the wonderful world of Substack and why I'm so passionate about it.

I enjoy creating all sorts of things – blog posts, Instagram snaps, websites, and cozy Pinterest vision boards. It's my way of capturing life's little moments because I believe these are the times we'll treasure more when we're older. Last Christmas, I stumbled upon Substack, and it felt like finding the missing piece of my creative puzzle. Much like those positive affirmations that brighten your day, I thought, why not spread that same happiness?

One thing I'm super passionate about is mental health and self-care. If we're not taking care of ourselves, how can we take care of the people and the world around us? Substack gives me a space to share my thoughts on these important topics. But it's not just about me – it's about building a community. Through Substack, I've connected with writers and creators from all corners of the world. It's like having a global conversation right from my laptop.

What motivates me?

Whenever I embark on creating content or writing an article, I ensure I'm in the right mindset. To me, it's all about internal motivation and genuine interest. If I'm not feeling it, how can it be authentic? The heart and soul you pour into your work make it uniquely yours. When it comes to what I share, I write about things that I really care about, like mental health, self-care, and empowerment.

Every post I write is like a little nugget of positivity, a tiny cheer to, hopefully, make someone’s day brighter. Sharing bits of my life through Substack is like letting the world peek into my diary. It's not just about sharing – it's about spreading good vibes like confetti. I chose these topics because spreading positivity and emphasizing self-care brings me joy. I want this space to be like a friendly digital hug – a reminder that good things happening and you're a part of them.

I love creating content. It's my way of connecting with like-minded souls in this vast digital landscape. I want to hear stories from people around the globe with different lives and perspectives, and this is a virtual bridge where thoughts are exchanged, ideas spark, and conversations flow. That connection is what keeps my creative engine running.

Why Substack?

Now, let's talk about Substack. It's not just a platform; it's your digital canvas. When you're starting, make sure to introduce yourself to the world. Who are you? What do you want to convey? Why should people connect with you? Substack's "About” section is your playground. Get creative! Throw in visuals, maybe a snapshot or two of yourself, and let a paragraph sing your story.

This space serves as a personalized introduction, enabling you to articulate your identity as a content creator and establish a connection with your audience. Customizing the layout and design of this section allows you to present a visually appealing and informative snapshot of your content philosophy.

For those new to Substack, a crucial insight is the potential transformation of subscribers into paid supporters. Substack provides a unique opportunity for content creators to monetize their work if it resonates with their audience. Recognizing this early on can shape one's approach to content creation and subscriber interactions, adding a financial dimension to the creative endeavour.

Design your Substack in a way that mirrors your aesthetics. Follow artists, mingle with those who share your passions, and start weaving connections. It's surprisingly easy to connect online – just a click away. And speaking of that magical click, don't underestimate the thrill of hitting "post" on your first-ever piece of content. Trust me, that feeling of accomplishment is amazing!

As you continue your Substack journey, let your themes and content evolve organically. Your space is a living, breathing entity that should grow with you. Seek inspiration from the artists that resonate with you, and don't be afraid to sprinkle in a bit of your unique flavour.

Creating your dream digital space

My journey in Substack's navigation was largely self-directed, involving extensive exploration through various resources, such as tutorials and YouTube videos. Notably, the tutorials by Zulie Rane, a proficient content creator utilizing Substack and Medium, were particularly enlightening. Through these resources, I gained a comprehensive understanding of Substack's functionalities, from content creation to community engagement.

When it comes to building an online presence, I hope that it doesn't just grow but evolves into a vibrant community that spreads joy, connects people, and brings fulfilment. I envision my online space as a cozy digital hangout where I meet new folks, learn about their stories, and share a piece of my world. Substack and other writing apps, for me, are not just platforms; they're happiness hubs. Creating content isn't about joining the 9-5 race for me. It's about doing what I love, sharing it with the world, and maybe one day turning that passion into a source of income.

If you're someone who loves to create, this is your sign. The world is ready to hear your voice, and it's calling you to go on this incredible journey. So create that content, share your story, and make this digital world a brighter, more connected place.

We believe that there are a variety of ways to improve your #SheridanLife.

Whether it’s creating a budget, practicing mindfulness, or building healthy relationships, every aspect of wellness comes together and affects your well-being. The Sheridan Student Union provides resources, so students can take steps to manage their wellness.