STORYTIME: how I fell into doing youtube full-time (and how it has shifted over 8 years!)

[@mae.c7]

I discovered you shortly after we were married and had our first apartment.. we were young and broke and I was trying to make our apartment feel more cozy on a tiny budget. I remember finding the video of you going through your little Pasadena studio apartment and sharing where you got everything and tips to make everything look more expensive but stay on a budget. I wasn’t a big KZbin watcher at that point and would occasionally jump on to see how you were doing, and then I remember seeing your video about your divorce.. it broke my heart. I remember wishing I could just jump through the screen and give you a big hug. I became a regular viewer after that, and it’s been such a beautiful honor to watch you heal, grow, and learn to truly thrive! Now, watching you in a healthy, safe relationship with Jordy has brought me so much joy and is a testament to God’s perfect timing and plan, even through we don’t always understand it in the moment. I am so blessed to have witnessed it all and wish you so much love and joy! ❤

[@jillmarie4155]

I started watching during the subscription box unboxing era.... I love how your content has evolved and I'm so glad you found happiness with Jordy.

[@MichelJanse]

Thank you sweet Jill!!🤍🤍

[@DuchessofDavey]

I’ve been here since early 2019 (studio apartment era - but had a bit of a hiatus when I had a child and went through some trauma 2020-2021). I remember when you released the merch line and had the meet up with Jamie. I bought a mug because I couldn't fit into the t-shirts but was so excited that I had a piece of youtube merch! I miss the interactiveness of when you were smaller, but I love being able to watch you grow and thrive as you’ve gotten older. It's weird, because I feel like we’ve gone through a lot of milestones around the same time, so I feel a lot of kindred-ness towards you, even though you don't know me. Looking forward to seeing where married life with Jordyn takes you, and where youtube for you goes in the long run!

[@laiaandjo]

i started following you when you were trying to quit your serving job! i remember sending your youtube channel to my friends and telling them your story and asking them to subscribe so you could do this full time!! 😂❤ it’s been a huge privilege to watch your channel grow and to watch you grow too! always rooting for you girl!!

[@zinzimashibini2949]

Congratulations! I've been around since the studio apartment timeframe. I always look forward to your posts.

[@melodyabbee5325]

I found you several years ago during your Subscription Box days because I was interested in creating a box. I love your personality and content, so I am still here following your journey through life and your new wedding bliss with Jordy! I am your Mom's age but I really enjoy how you fit in to just about any generation!

[@elecops9825]

It's so cool to hear the back story behind Sip and Thrift! That's how I found you, I searched thrifting challenge and found you. I also remember when I first subscribed, seeing your videos grow to getting 10k views every time you post. And now look!

[@MichelJanse]

No way!!! How fun!! I love knowing this Ele!!🤍🤍

[@bee.bishay]

Honestly this video was so encouraging to me! I started youtube last year and am doing my absolute best to stay consistent. And just seeing how long it took you and your journey…thank you! Im so inspired, and i’ve been a longtime follower and lover of your journey ❤️❤️❤️

[@angiebechaz4648]

Wow Michel. I think I've been here for most of it. The subscription boxes got me in and I stayed for the rollercoaster ride. You really are inspirational, young lady. I too was divorced at a young age. You definitely held it together better than I did and then you went on to continue to flourish. I took a while longer lol. I'm flourishing in my 50's ;). Stay well xx

[@CamrynCarter-wx2es]

I’m so glad you are here on KZbin!! you are truly amazing and I’m so glad I found your channel! love you and your channel!💗💗

[@MichelJanse]

Awee thank you so much Camryn!!🥹🤍

[@DonnasWonderland]

Arh congratulations on 9 years I wish someone has told me 4 years before I started. I did over 100 videos in a year I did Vlogmas in that and totally burnt myself out now struggling to get back into it after about 9 months off essentially. All the gurus seem to think a year of consistency will do it but that not the case for everyone to get monetised. Thank you for sharing your eras with us ❤❤❤

[@MichelJanse]

Of course Donna! Thank you for being here friend!!🤍🤍 you’re doing amazing!🥰

[@ChristineS-sf3rc]

Thanks Michel for taking the time to explain your job journey! So glad your making videos!🎉 God bless you❤

[@MichelJanse]

🤍🤍🥰🥰

[@julieheth2475]

My how you've grown, I think I started watching you when I randomly clicked on one of your subscription box hauls before you got Max . I've enjoyed your content since. You have had quite the journey, Bravo🎉

[@MichelJanse]

Awee thank you sweet Julie!🤍🤍

[@MATTHEWPRATER-up1sp]

Michel! So happy to hear the kind words about the "Sip & Thrift" creation/concept. I'm so proud of you and all that you have accomplished in both your professional and personal life over the years. Congratulations on your wedding and all of your continued success! Sending hugs from Hollywood. ♥

[@mandycarwardine9864]

Congrats - Ive been around about 6 years I think and have loved all your eras but most of all really love all you dhare and feel part of your life in a some what small part and love introducing you to other friends who i think would get so much from you. I also started watching Chloe Wen because of you so love watching to modern christian woman who are in the world and not holyer than thou but real - couldnt be prouder not to mention i feel like as im a fair bit older and have a mobility impairment i can live vicariously through you and all your adventures ❤ Here is to the next 8 🎉❤

[@mansoor3159]

Yayyy!!! Finally Michel you came with this video and I was eagerly eagerly waiting for this video you are my inspiration and I wish you have a blessed week ahead💕💕💕💕

[@MichelJanse]

Awee🥹🥹Yay I am so glad you enjoyed it friend!!🤍🤍

[@TruckDriver2005]

I watched a video about your celiac diagnosis when they were testing my daughter for celiac. Then one of your videos popped up in my feed with Jordy in it, and I've been watching ever since. I know some of Jordy's extended family members, and they're the sweetest people.

[@amydeaver6997]

I found your channel because of the subscription boxes. Now, I enjoy all of your content.

[@meganerwin9464]

The first video I saw of yours was about your jewelry collection. I discovered Mejuri and have loved your content ever since!

[@vanessaestrada1307]

Congrats! I started watching when you moved back to Texas.

[@andreas_adventures]

I always kind of wondered about your beginning on youtube. I started watching around the time of your subscription boxes. I remember I had just moved to LA and then I found your channel. You had a meet up at a cafe or something and I really wanted to go but I was too scared to drive in LA alone, lol.

[@kdallosnc]

Really enjoyed this video!!! ❤

[@briewilenius7845]

This was so cute to watch and relive the eras. I started watching in 2019 and I found you when searching for meal box reviews! Maybe I missed it, but it sounded like you missed the Pasadena studio era before the 1bd? Or maybe just combined the 2

[@apriltimmer893]

Such a fun video! I’ve been here quite a while. I’m here for pretty much whatever you do❤️❤️❤️

[@_britparks]

I have been here since your Pasadena studio sip & thrifts lol love them!!

[@tatymac21]

Loved this video! Congrats on all your success. And thanks for the encouragement to start a channel in this day and age of like you said low attn span!

[@erinharris7663]

I actually listened to longer videos while I am doing chores around the house. Kind of like a podcast. So I like the longer videos

[@spencerkeaton8234]

Loved hearing your story and seeing the old videos! Please do a video with old pics and videos from childhood! I want to see baby through teenage Michel!

[@libbymorehouse4466]

Four years will pass regardless. If someone's interested in starting, put in that time because the time will come and go no matter what. Also, I definitely found you from that first big subscription box video

[@MichelJanse]

So true Libby! 🫶🏼 Awee yay!! Thanks for being here friend! 🤍🤍

[@jillianharrisdesigne]

I don't remember the exact year I started watching, but I clearly remember Sip and Thrift and when the subscription boxes were a new thing on your channel. I can honestly say that your channel is one of the few that I have consistently watched through most of your eras!

[@starlabolling5600]

HAPP KZbin ANNIVERSARY!!!!

[@MichelJanse]

🎉🎉🎉Thank you friend

[@donnamallard1962]

Your channel was introduced to me by a wonderful friend a couple of years ago and I've been watching you ever since! I may be one of your "older" subscribers in years, but the young-at-heart spirit I have truly enjoys your content- from your car chats to thrift shopping to watching you swing in your living room! You've come such a long way and to see you so happy now, married to Jordy (who is THE best!) and enjoying your wonderful new home has just been wonderful! May you always be this happy, Michel! 💗💗🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MichelJanse]

Donna!! This is so so sweet friend!!🤍🤍Thank you for being here!! P.s. I also think Jordy is the best 🥰🤍

[@maebenson6596]

I loved the videos of little Michel. So cute!

[@rebeccazahn5299]

Excited about the food coming more into this. Nope, not wanting shorter videos.

[@plushieangela]

I've worked up the courage myself to just like dabble in trying to make some easy things. LIke I love this udon restaurant in Sydney, so I've been trying to make my own at home. Its siting in front of me atm and I'm quite happy with it. Could use a boiled egg and maybe a sprinkling of sesame seeds, but am enjoying

[@CassandraJoyOfficial]

It's interesting to me that it only took you 4 years! (So beyond happy for you, btw!) 💛I've been doing YT for 10 years total, four years consistently, annnnd I still have yet to even be monetized. 🤪 I love filming, and love my little community, so I won't stop, but it's defeating some days. Ah, well! I'm sure glad it didn't take you that long!!

[@MichelJanse]

You’re doing great Cassandra! I am rooting for you! I agree the community is the best part!🤍🤍

[@aracelis_gonzalez]

I loved and enjoyed so much the subscription boxes videos

[@tinamontevecchi223]

Really enjoyed this video!

[@kelseywinterhalt6468]

This story time is so interesting, how you started KZbin!

[@chrissiedcohen]

This was a great video! Thanks for sharing all of that background (& those clips) of how it all began. I was one of those who was “targeted” with your big subscription box unboxings & have been here ever since. Congrats!

[@MichelJanse]

Aweee heheh yay!! I am so glad you are here Chrissie!!🥰🫶🏼🤍

[@leonietabea1801]

Love your Videos!! Greetings from Germany ❤

[@MichelJanse]

Hiii Germany, greetings from California !! Thanks for being here! 🫶🏼🤍

[@sheilafarley7120]

This lays the foundation for MichelPossible!! I’ve always thought a lifestyle content creator is your jam. An iteration of Joanna Gaines. The foundation for future

[@MichelJanse]

Wow I love this thank you Sheila!!🤍🤍

[@LisaEicholtz]

Why did u stop doing the subscription box reviews?

[@amyhendricks3627]

Hmmm...you were still working as a server, and attending auditions. You were still in the studio and were decorating the shelves between your living and sleeping spaces 😊

[@katiesims5593]

A 30 minute chatty video is my favorite content across all socials.

[@megcreates2.0]

I’ve always wanted to do my KZbin channel but the business side of it has made me stuck ☹️ My soon to be ex husband who’s the biggest cheating narcissist has twisted my mind to think I’m not smart enough to do anything honestly! He kept me a prisoner in my own mind😢 I’m working on it.😊

[@chrisslaton]

I started watching you with the subscription boxes..

[@heatherk1792]

Bring on the long-form content. This millennial loves it lol

[@mirellathompson5562]

👢

[@justinfelt748]

I think I'm gonna cry happy on this new video that I'm watching right now.😊😢😢😊😙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌷💖🎇💖🎇💖🎇💖🎇💖🎇💖🎇😊⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍. And Michel, you rule!🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇👍

[@LinaK786]

I found your vlog when I was watching a bunch of random videos that came up when I searched for "pallets unboxing". I really liked you, but your husband seemed like an asshole, so I didn't subscribe. A couple of days later youtube recommended me your divorce video.

[@michellerego9267]

Michel, I discovered you in the divorce days ❤️‍🩹. Thank you for sharing your journey.. you are 💯 helping others heal. I LOVE all of your content!!! I’m here for the long haul 🤗

[@aksez2u]

Keep talking, please. I HATE short form content. ❤

[@monicaarencibia4431]

I remember my first video of you was actually you announcing that you were getting divorced and moving to Texas, and the reason I stayed was the way that you talked and carried yourself despite the situation which obviously years now we know was a lot more abusive, daunting and toxic than what we knew in that video.

[@lisaf.751]

Well whatever you did, you ended up being able to afford in this crazy economy at $1.5 million house so that’s pretty good for your age

[@SarahSchneider2]

This story was so neat to hear as I wasn’t a viewer back then. Not exactly sure when I found you on YT but I do remember it being sometime after your divorce and you were already in Texas.

[@mariamangion21]

So glad that you have started a KZbin channel because otherwise I wouldn’t know such a sweet person like you ❤

[@jgfffffffhjiufdddj]

i totally agree!

[@AD-cs4xr]

This!

[@MichelJanse]

So sweet Maria🥹🤍I’m glad too 🥰

[@ashleybeckner393]

My attention span will always be here to watch whatever you're doing! So happy I found your channel ❤

[@amberkelley5688]

For me the longer the video the better. I have been watching for about 2 and a half years and I love long videos. I use them as a fun rest time after my kiddos go to bed. Fun me time with an iced coffee.

[@victoriaamira5390]

Who else has been here since the subscription box days!!!

[@meganfouche8419]

Found you at your lowest and really loved the deep introspection/car chats..I could relate to a lot of what you were going through as I was dealing with death in the family so although not the same, many similarities in terms of life being flipped upside down. To be honest, I actually don’t have that much in common with you other than loving Jesus 😂 so it’s been interesting feeling connected despite the differences!

[@ritabarnes2440]

Thanks for this. I have been watching you maybe 3 years now. I have gone back and watched older ones as well. So happy for you and your success. You are my favorite!

[@MichelJanse]

🥹🥹Awe thank you sweet Rita🤍

[@lizzygrace6322]

I love your long videos, I use them as a podcast!

[@marcyfalconer1275]

Your the sweetest!! Thank you

[@MichelJanse]

🥹🥹aww this is so sweet! Thank you Marcy!🥰

[@klpartydecor]

I’ve been around since the studio days. You are one of my favorite KZbinrs ❤❤

[@ashleyandallan]

This was so beautiful hearing your story, and so encouraging! Thank you so much, it came at the exact right time! Also- especially the honesty around the slow and steady consistent committment and seeing KZbin more as interactive media similar to television. Really appreciate it!❤

[@robynschroedl1336]

Loved hearing about how your career evolved! Lots of hustle on your part. Nice work!❤

[@KimsaLittleofAlot]

Hi Michel. I've been creating all sorts of videos on my channel for a little over 2 years now. It blows my mind how fast you can build a community of online friends. It's like having a one on one conversation. Of course, im a newbie channel and im sure mistakes are being made on my end, with trying to be consistent. but I'm learning from these mistakes. And I enjoy just being me 🤗 I've been watching your videos long before ever deciding to pick up my camera. It was you and a few other creators that made me take the leap. Thank you for helping me find my passion in times of much stress✨️

[@kelleyfarley1955]

Congratulations!!! I have been waiting for you to hit 235,000 followers!! Woot woot!! 💕💕

[@MichelJanse]

Heheh wahooo🎉🎉🤍🤍

[@jennyhammond9261]

I can't finish the video. An ad appeared, but it didn't move on to the rest of the video and I hit back, but it replayed the ad.

[@arickovalenciacarrasco4464]

I loooove story times❤ this was a great video

[@jvlcixm]

This was such a precious video to watch..... I'm so proud of you! Even just as a viewer I feel so much of the growth you've done on a personal level, as you're just one year older than me and I can see a lot of similarities in terms of emotional and personal growth. Thank you for sharing your life with us, sweet Michel, and here's to many many more!!!! Can't wait for more food content

[@lose999]

I found you during the pandemic. You're so cute and remind me of my youngest so I started watching. I'm in Texas so when you moved is when I became a devoted viewer. Your channel is one of my favorites; you're professional and a joy to watch, especially now that you're so happy. This grandma is a native Californian so now that you've moved there it much more enjoyable for me. It makes me homesick for the ocean. I'm also a foodie and into thrifting/decorating so this new direction is very attractive to my sensibilities.

[@sarafinamonteleone3333]

I started watching right after you got married and I celebrated with you when you got to quit your serving job. You gave me the courage to move to LA and be a working actor. You helped me as a young wife and go through marriage challenges as well. You have showed me it is ok to change and grow and make mistakes and learn from them. Ok to change what you want and start over. Thank you for your openness always Michel. ❤

[@momfromheart]

I really enjoy sit down videos. 🎉 I listen to them while I get ready.

[@MichelJanse]

Yay!! So good to know! 🤍🤍

[@kellyvaughn4674]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Love watching your contents. I look forward to your video weekly.

[@sepps61]

I love your KZbin videos. I have tried Instagram and I just don’t like it anymore and I don’t even bother with TikTok. Though I can’t get stuck into the KZbin shorts if I’m not careful.. And I only use KZbin videos on my notifications because I really do like the videos. Social media that meant to complicated. On the shorts I’m afraid to even like a short video because Il see 1 million of them.. I like videos that actually are pretty nice to you. Like yours! I’m pretty much done with Facebook also. Sometimes they just want to get things more complicated with. Sometimes people just don’t have to have a Professional social media account… I just wanna find something simple. It’s just gotten complicated in my opinion. I just love you too videos more than the other stuff. OK, the cat stuff..

[@AllisonIntheCity]

I recently started posting videos and I have trouble motivating myself to START editing - but once I start editing, I can't stop. Does anyone have any advice?

[@brittanyhiatte9663]

I found you with subscription boxes!! We have grown up together ❤️

[@asherkleiber]

Thank you for sharing your whole journey with us! I've been watching every single video of yours for years and it's been a big part of what's inspired me to start a channel of my own very soon! I loved hearing about the phases of your channel and the different seasons you went through to get to where you are now. God bless!

[@TiniestMonster]

Been around since the first Pasadena video, I remember all the cute decorating you did in that apartment, and I remember a tip you had in your kitchen to put the cute utensils on the counter and hide the ugly ones in the drawer 🤣 I still randomly think of that. Can’t believe it has been so long that you have been my “internet friend” without knowing each other haha

[@shelbyim5vaughns]

I started watching you after you announced your divorce. It was on my recommended. I have no idea why I watched it. But now I always look for your videos!

[@GrowingonVancouverIsland]

Sip and thrifts were my favourites when I first found your channel

[@ggpink9044]

I much prefer the YT format for the same reasons you do. TT and IG are good and fun but you don't really know the people. I have enjoyed getting to know you the last few years and look forward to yummy eats and whatever else!❤

[@amyb.336]

Hi Michel. Can you please share where did you get your cardigan from. Thank you 😊

[@annabethhuber9755]

Love that we got to go through our subscription box era together. Forever grateful for when you reviewed Jesus Box! Seems like a lifetime ago 😆

[@mickeybooth9892]

Love your content it’s my destress time and it just gets better and better ❤

[@seannamoyles3171]

I started watching you when you were still in your studio apartment.

[@lrmps]

OMG. That was you on You Tube cooking show. I used to watch that. You always had a plant named Bob or something going on with plants. ❤ had no idea. Love all you do

[@MichelJanse]

Hahaha yeppp that’s me 🤣🤣🤍🤍

[@LindaKayHolevas]

I really enjoyed this video, Michel. I am a somewhat of a newer subscriber & did not know your KZbin history at all. It was nice to get to “know” you a little better. Thanks for sharing. I personally enjoy videos like this. 😊

[@MichelJanse]

Awe yay, I’m glad you enjoyed it Linda!! 🤍🤍Thankful you are apart of this sweet community friend!🫶🏼

[@spider-mantobeymaguirefanc9469]

Congratulations❤😍🥰😘

[@tracy667]

Congratulations sweet girl! I always look forward to your videos and learn from you. GB you in all you do!

[@MichelJanse]

Thank you so much Tracy!!🤍🤍

[@Ang-n9p]

I’m early! At work, listening to this as a podcast! Love your blogs! Edit: saved it for my lunch break. Love u and your attitude, and your perseverance!

[@MichelJanse]

🥹🤍🫶🏼

[@rainikirra]

I loved this video. It was so inspiring and great to know you even better :)

[@carriecobb8]

Just wanted to say thank you and thank you for your posting schedule, I really appreciate it and the joy you bring to my life 😊❤

[@MichelJanse]

🥹🥹Thank you sweet Carrie!!

[@glowgirlc]

The subscription box videos are how I stumbled upon you and have been subscribed ever since! Lol!

[@GrowingonVancouverIsland]

I love your encouragement and enthusiasm for making content and encouraging others who are also interested in creating to go for it!

[@nikkiholthaus9692]

Love hearing your story! So glad I came across your page!

[@MichelJanse]

I am so glad you’re here sweet Nikki!🤍🫶🏼

[@Scentedearthnaturals]

Thank you so much for this video Michel. You always excel when putting together videos. You are young yet you have done so much. And I must say you have brains. All the best going forward ❤

[@sharonhughesjohnson119]

Omg I remember you decorating those shelves in your studio apartment!

[@MichelJanse]

Oh my goodness🤣🤣🤍🤍 Thank you for being with me through it all Sharon!!🥰🥰