The Ugly Truths of Being a Content Creator on Youtube

[@RhondaLareese]

Thank you so very much darlings. I appreciate your kindness and support. I look forward to making more content with a lot of your suggestions 💕💕💕

[@priscak6586]

You are awesome Rhonda. You keep it real. We appreciate you😍😍😍😍

[@TressesOfAlexis]

This was a very necessary conversation! Consumerism and capitalism has ruined so many niches on social media. Thank you for this video.

[@tarnishermack94]

KZbin is overly saturated with fragrance videos and many switch to niche fragrances that they were gifted and it’s too much. You are a joy to watch so a transition to other types of content wouldn’t cost you viewers you might even gain some. I definitely would continue to support you because you are genuine🥰

[@lauraheikkila3862]

I also follow The Top Note channel and she decided to do a No Buy this year. I find it really interesting to see her using her existing perfumes and developing a deeper relationship with them. I also love to hear people talking about the situations where they wore a certain perfume and how it felt etc. Hauls I find boring because I get very little information about the products in those.

[@Abundantly-Blessed]

You have a genuine personality and I’m sure people would watch videos that weren’t about fragrance. Have you considered mixing in other content?

[@RhondaLareese]

Yes, I have. I’m seriously considering a change.

[@alyssaburnett3275]

I definitely agree. We love her regardless!

[@my1stlove130]

We need a skin care routine and I’m not talking about taking a shower on KZbin 😂😂😂😂😂😂 . You have Flawless clear skin. Beautiful

[@jessicariley8974]

I was on here getting ready to look up a review for Burberry Elixir, to debate if I wanted to splurge and buy it, and your video popped up! 😩 I so needed to hear this! Since the pandemic I’ve collected over 100 bottle. Fragrance buying is such an addictive habit. This was my sign to pump the breaks and enjoy what I already have! Thanks for sharing, Rhonda! 😘

[@Aliciam139]

I admire your integrity! You always keep it all the way real! 💕

[@SerenityChaos1975]

I have often wondered where people get the cash flow to buy so many expensive products in order to keep the channel going. I do think that with fragrances you could also have a side business of selling samples and decants of fragrances . I also think that there are areas of fragrance that aren't discussed enough like doing a deep dive on notes and ingredients. People talk a lot about notes but I don't personally know what they all smell like, I have done some research on some ingredients like oud but there are so many more to explore.

[@kekediva28]

Yes, I totally agree. I follow @Coco Pebz because I appreciate the time she takes to research the notes educate her followers.

[@rashidarobin]

Yessss, I've often wondered too. I agree with you 100%

[@ItsCrystalBeauty]

So good to see you!!! You have a unique personality that can carry a channel even without all the excess spending. I realize the behind the scenes business aspects, but hopefully you can also still find enjoyment in creating content for all your supporters and the audience you built. Some of the best talent start out so vibrant and excited but as their numbers grow it seems their joy and uniqueness goes. Some either discard their supporters or become infomercials. Continued success to you!❤️

[@RhondaLareese]

🥰

[@SimplyAyesha]

I loved your honesty in this video and am glad to see you back! I love incorporating other stuff into my channel to help reduce burnout and even though I’m not trying, those other videos earn me much more in affiliate income. Although those videos don’t get the views that my fragrance videos get, I enjoy them and it evens out!

[@RhondaLareese]

Thanks. I’m serious thinking of adding a mix of content as I’m in a new phase in my life. It’ll definitely be an interesting journey 💕

[@kathyjimenez4370]

I appreciate your realness! Not to mention the people that are being influenced to buy tons of perfumes. I’m happy with my perfume collection but it can become too much of an addiction to constantly run out and buy perfumes. I am definitely dialing it back and saving my coins!

[@kekediva28]

Hi Rhonda, glad to see you 🙂 taking care of yourself wholeheartedly is always a priority & we understand. We appreciate your transparency and your content today has helped me…this fragrance thing can snowball into an expensive habit without proper discipline. Looking forward to good things from you, be blessed 🙂

[@birdiebanks]

This video made so much sense. Thank you for shedding light on this. Your personality alone will suffice.

[@sylviajackson9863]

I’ve watched you for a good while and enjoyed following you, but I have seen you change and start going into more higher end fragrances up to niche. I wore Onika yesterday and I own it because of you. I even gave away a half used bottle to someone because I wanted her to smell like Onika and I purchased another one for myself. I like Delicious Delights method of reviewing samples and not having the full bottles, and I thought that was wish. I migrate to Shana J because I know she pushes affordable fragrances and other fragrances that others may not like. I’m glad you are back and appreciate your honesty. Some reviewers I really like talks about the same fragrances over and over. Lastly, Sarah Mayes is another one I like and she mentions a lot that she buys from Mercari. I’ve always enjoyed your style and misses you when you take a break. I’m saying all of this to let you know a lot of us are happy with how other reviewers present themselves and we love it and we mainly love their personalities and definitely love you. We ain’t going nowhere, we just love to hear about fragrances. Sincerely, a loyal follower.

[@RhondaLareese]

Thanks, I truly appreciate your support 🥰

[@beta520]

Dear Rhonda, I watched (and rewatched) a ton of your videos and you are one the first fragrance reviewers I started watching regularly. Like Sylvia, I watch all of the ladies she mentioned (plus Coco Pebz who is lovely and funny) because I love their personalities and their take on things. Also - none of them are fragrance snobs. So while they (and you) might do favorite affordable fragrances/notes/etc, I enjoy watching these types of videos to hear your take. So staples in your collection/best bang for your buck/how you declutter might not reinvent the wheel like best unicorn tear fragrances :) but I appreciate it none the less. And I agree with Sylvia, we aren't going anywhere. Thank you for putting out stuff I genuinely enjoy watching and wishing you and your family all the best. A viewer from Croatia.

[@ScentedByMwendi]

Everything you have said is true. I stopped pressuring myself into creating content when I don't come up with something creative enough or feel burnt out. I also managed to cut down my spending. Your finances should never suffer because of youtube, take the time out when needed. We will always be here to watch when you post.

[@denorwhi]

Even viewers have issues because some people go buy everything content creators put out. Being cheap has always saved me🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. I have about 64 bottles of perfumes which may be a lot to the average person, but I go in and sample everything I buy. I make sure I absolutely LOVE the perfume. I see how it wears and how it makes me feel before I spend the money. This stops me from buying impulsively and being stuck with perfumes I don't care for.

[@pinkchocolate305]

I appreciate your transparency. I was watching a video recently and the young lady mentioned how a lot of the beauty gurus crossed over to fragrances. One reason was due to the pandemic. Everyone were wearing masks and the need for makeup vids diminished. I also watched a natural hair content creator talk about why she crossed over to fragrances (she got paid more for posting links to a $200 bottle of perfume than a $25 bottle of hair conditioner). I think it shows a lack of authenticity. Being authentic trumps a slew of content, for me, and that's why I like this channel. Social media, in general, is so fake that when I find someone who's genuine, I stick by them. Take your time. Post when you want, what you want and how you want; the real ones will be here. Quality over quantity. 😉

[@pinkchocolate305]

Just a suggestion... I like the layering scents idea. Which soaps, lotions/body creams pair well with which perfumes. Maybe a Scent Of The Day (SOTD). I have Philosophy Amazing Grace and I love it but it's so soft and barely last. If I can find another perfume to pair with it or a soap and lotion to pair with it to extend the wear. Just an idea.

[@charletfoster8917]

I really appreciate your honesty of showing your subbies on how this work is not so easy!!! Breaks are sooo needed for all🙏🏿😊🙏🏿😊🙏🏿😊

[@BrittBrittistheish]

This is so real! I recently started reviewing fragrances but I did not want to start hoarding fragrances. I was always drawn to a more curated collection, over a large variety. It’s more realistic and a better tool for assessing wether some really stands by what they say about the fragrance.

[@shinibi]

I can relate to you so much. Creating something every week can be too much. But people may watch your other videos too cuz you got such a sweet genuine personality

[@tiffanymoore6763]

To be honest, I prefer the one scent reviews but no more than five scent reviews at one time. I totally understand where you are coming from. I like to see the reviews but it would be sad to know people actually go in debt trying to give us their thoughts on a fragrance. Thank you for being real and genuine.

[@vkp6567]

Great to see you back..And putting the truth out there Love your content as you are so genuine❤❤

[@JM-ip1es]

I thought about starting a perfume channel, but I want to focus more on what I already own ( my collection is pretty big already)...Some of my ideas are: shop my stash, perfume combos, and using it up projects... I definitely don’t thinks it practical for ppl to think influencers should be going into debt, just to review fragrances. That’s insane. I definitely would still watch if you did different things... I just like your personality in general.

[@dandan-sq5zp]

Reviewing fragrances should be fun and drift by pleasure and passion not pressure, personally I only trust youtubers who are genuine even if they show up once in one or two months to talk about ONE good perfume, I do not relate nor trust reviewers who have a haul of 25 fragrances in each video. Stay faithful to yourself ♥

[@lakesiaromero8449]

I’m not gonna lie I watch a lot of fragrance influencers, however you always seemed very authentic and I appreciate that! I will continue to subscribe to your channel as always have even when you were on hiatus because that’s life , we all go through ups and downs. Be you and stay blessed 💕

[@rebecahazelgrove]

second time I post a comment . I love your reviews,the way you speak,your personality etc.,but today I dare to tell you I love you not wearing make up,such a fresh and approachable face,such natural beauty talking to me makes me feel as if a friend is really chatting with me over some coffee! dont get me wrong,you look stunning with make up,but this natural looks which not everyone is willing to offer,seems more edgy,somehow cooler and I just love it. I simply wanted to let you know. Thanks for being so sincere,I will always be watching your videos and giving you my like no matter what. ❤️

[@perfumesbeauty]

Love your honesty in this video and that you highlighted the ugly truth of this business. Appreciate that you are genuinely talking about what you have faced. A real eye opener. Thank you for sharing 😍

[@beebeemotsumi]

Hey Rhonda. I started my channel as a perfum reviewer too. And when I realized that I actually needed to keep buying perfume, I slowly transitioned to Vlogs. And people are actually still watching my vlogs and video. I do shorts of my perfumes now. I had to just stop buying.

[@odetteloney9088]

Thank you for your honesty. I love your reviews! In my country perfumes are expensive, I have a modest collection of celebrity and designer that I took several years to build. I love what I have and I buy when I can. I use them all and never blind buy. You have to love what you do. Glad you're back!

[@RhondaLareese]

Absolutely ❤️

[@bubblemakeup3]

I really got into perfumes during lockdown 2020 lol I watched so many perfume videos and I ended up buying more than I needed. Now I really enjoy watching body care/self care and hygiene videos. Body care is cheaper 😂🙈 I think we all get caught up with buying things we don't need just because we see people talking about it on social media. I appreciate you talking about this, it's good to remind ourselves that we don't need to get everything we see. We should focus on using what we have and really enjoy using them, trying different combos etc. 🥰💛

[@heidith3618]

Great to see u girl!! 😍 and thank u for spilling the truth, you keep it real 👏 bravo

[@Swizdom77]

Viewers need to hear the ugly truth! Thank you for this ❤️

[@1971Brena]

Don't hey guys us🤣. You left us high and dry🤣 but we still love you though❤. I am not a content creator but have a number of friends are and understand the reason to step away for a little while. You are providing truth!

[@ComeUnboxWithTheresa]

I appreciate you telling the truth about a fragrance reviewer, as I’ve seen many have all of these hauls/PR but they obviously only speak about certain videos, my thing on KZbin is subscription boxes and if I have bought fragrances I’ll show what I purchase, but it someone doesn’t watch the whole video your not making any money, that’s why the ones I watch on a regular basics I watch the videos all the way through and no fast forwarding, because that doesn’t help the content creators, just my 2 cents!

[@shapreciousmcgruder5147]

Thank you for sharing your truth. I have been enjoying treating myself to perfumes lately and I can totally agree with a few of those things. It’s easy to quickly collect a sprayless collection. I decided to focus more on the scents I love and not what’s just trendy. If I buy 3-4 bottles a month I could’ve treated myself to a niche bottle that I love and is on my wishlist. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your videos especially all the quick links. God bless you and your family. Much ❤️

[@adoRebelstyle]

Hey Rhonda good to see you. Loved this video it's so true I've been buying back ups for a few that I wear very very frequently and want to cut down my collection even more. For me I try out scents as like a hobby but my problem is I like to have the bottle instead of samples. Most of these are blind buys at discount stores so I dont spend much on them but I've slowed down as well and really want to have scents that I wear frequently. A light collection that I love. But yes loved this and love your background, the house looks beautiful. Cheers❤️

[@caramelrose819]

Thank you for sharing. I am so glad your back doing fragrance videos. I remember your fashion with the hats, you had some nice looks going on. I look forward to seeing what you have in store. Myself, I did some big fragrance hauls this year. I would say I discovered some gems that I will keep but over 40 percent I did not care to wear so will be decluttering or putting into storage those blind buys. Maybe I can put some fragrance in the bath water or on the bed sheets and it’s won’t be a total waste of money.

[@MoonLighter]

I’m glad you did this.. I was going to become a content creator with perfume reviews. But I can’t afford it. Even though I have 300+ perfumes. They’re not all new. They’re not trending. I’m not doing it. I’m done. Now I can sell some I don’t like instead of holding onto them for the purpose of maybe someday doing a review video xx

[@khinkskhoils7647]

Welcome back and thank you for your honesty!

[@shapreciousmcgruder5147]

🗣No more blind buys ! I 100% agree. I’ll order a discovery set or samples first before doing that again. I end up selling them back cheap or giving them away

[@DevonAntoine]

I’m glad you did this.. I really miss your videos.

[@chrissyimtryinn75]

Thank you for your honesty. I love you even more for the truthfulness. I did miss you so I have been checking in but I’m also glad you did what you had to do for you and take that much needed break. Great to have you back🌺

[@yeamaneal5652]

Thanks for your honesty. What about just buying samples and putting up the picture? That way you can talk about the fragrance without splurging for a full bottle. I always wonder what did content creators do with all of those fragrances? 😮

[@tlc2964]

Im glad you said it. I have so very much and don't even have a channel to review them but i figured most of this. More of a headache than its worth sometimes?? Thank you for your true honesty. Love and light

[@jaytibee]

I always thought it was insane seeing 1 person post 3-4 times in one week featuring 15-20 bottles in one video unless you have 1000+ fragrances lol! Like eventually the content will dry up, or you will need to buy more to talk about which isn’t authentic sometimes or good money management because “influencer” income is unpredictable. Well I guess if you receive free bottles that’s a form of income if you sell them. I can respect the hustle. I watch KZbin for fun anyways and background noise and most fragrances I discover directly from Fragrantica, or retailers, and not KZbin lol Just be yourself or maybe try vlogging too, sometimes there’s a science to the algorithm and sometimes it’s just luck. Sometimes the content needs to breathe.

[@MsEve79]

Glad to see you back Queen!! This conversation was very necessary & relevant! Thank you for your Authenticity!! It definitely puts you in a league of your own!

[@RhondaLareese]

Thank you so much!!

[@thefragrantician]

I hear you. I appreciate you. I keep everything to what I love doing. It is,MY channel. I curate to what I genuinely love. I do videos,with no make up on sometimes. I don't take on PR and decline politely. Love you Rhonda 😍 💗 I appreciate your honesty,

[@RhondaLareese]

Yessss, thanks so much! 🥰

[@lifeofvivi]

I’m not going to lie to you. It’s hard for me. I struggle big time with everything to the point where I just don’t feel like filming

[@4u1pumpkin]

Thank you for this video. I can honestly say that watching you started me on my fragrance journey. It has been a please watching you because of your honesty and amazing personality. I'm looking forward to whatever you have coming next!

[@RhondaLareese]

Wow, thank you!

[@4u1pumpkin]

@@RhondaLareese ❤

[@fabulouslifeinchrist1349]

Most perfumes smell similar after a while so it's better to buy the tiny 3ml samples and see which you love. I only buy the small travel size, if I love the sample. I also buy bath and body works and vs during semiannual sales only.

[@kellihart2185]

I loved your transparency...I would love to start a channel,and I love fragrance,and EVERYTHING you have stated I feel would play a role,especially when you start purchasing the "luxury" brands..Viktor and Rolf,Chanel,Lancome,Christian Dior,Killian....Honey,I'm a connoisseur,and have to do it within a budget..New subscriber..I want a channel, just trying to explore my niche..THANK YOU!! I just need to START

[@ShamelessspeechPC]

Girl im glad your back I was worried about you! You are my favorite KZbinr 💕

[@sharonbyrd6302]

Thank you for the honesty. I always wonder how content creators can afford to buy hauls every day or every week and do they actually use the products or return products after posting video. I am loving your channel and enjoying the videos. 🥰

[@RhondaLareese]

Good question!

[@qweefur]

Rhonda I love your channel, You deserve so much more recognition on KZbin, You are literally the QUEEN of fragrance tube! Not even joking I literally only got into buying perfume because of you! ❤️

[@RhondaLareese]

Wow, thank you!

[@aileenfarley84]

Thank you for sharing your honesty and vulnerability. I really respect and appreciate you for this for telling us the real in this journey. I love your content.

[@krylettahairston6612]

Rhonda you are the truth!!.Thank you for sharing!!!

[@raquelkutsch5600]

Looking forward to your next videos!

[@khanhfident]

We appreciate your honesty and transparency sososo much. Your authenticity and strong personality always shine through!

[@RhondaLareese]

❤️

[@jaytibee]

I also want to add, catchy titles attract the avg person who is specifically looking for a good perfume because they’re replacing a finished one. That’s also why those videos get more views because it’s being searched. It’s not just the “algorithm”. However that’s not a long-term way to keep subscribers because they’re usually not interested after they find something to purchase. So catering to that does not always mean consistent views, it depends on luck, timing and if someone is willing to watch 20 videos with a similar title due to the over-saturation. The avg person, like my sister, still only own like 4 perfumes 😅 and want something worth it whenever they are ready to buy; in categories like best vanillas or most compliments. After the buy, it’ll be another 1-3 years until they’re searching again because perfumes take a while to finish. The people who stick around are those who just enjoy hearing about notes and peoples similar/differing opinions on fragrances. So it’s better not to chase that even though it’s hard to say if it’s your source of income. But at least you can feel better knowing it’s not you, and it’s just part of the fluctuations of social media.

[@RhondaLareese]

Thank you! This was so helpful:)

[@japhie5755]

Girl I agree, I spent lots of money, and very time consuming that’s why I didn’t continue with my channel😊

[@simplytracy]

You have a beautiful personality and I would watch your channel no matter what you are talking about. You don’t have to be reviewing new fragrances for me to click on your channel. Post what brings you joy. 💕💕💕

[@Lranee]

You've been missed I appreciate the transparency

[@stephaniekinch9644]

Hi Rhonda, I'm so Happy to see you!!! Rhonda the way this economy is going everybody is feeling the crunch. I have been buying body Mists from Bath and Bodyworks and even with that I have to control my spending as well. Rhonda I really like if you could do some Content with the Fall fragrances whether it's new or not I personally enjoy the old Content a d I ha e looked at your Content several times. But whatever you put out new or old I'm here for it. Good to see you and Tfs🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

[@RhondaLareese]

Hey Stephanie! Thanks for your kindness and support 🥰

[@journeywithme_erika1890]

Thank you for the truth! Some no spend content ideas. (Once upon a time I had a channel for other content and honey you told no lies) some things I would watch... 1. Story time about the purchase or wearing of a scent (The Nostalgia of Scents) 2. Types of comments or compliments you've received 3. Single fragrance videos with not breakdowns and how you'd wear it 4. Where it all began? How did you get into fragrance wearing? 5. Video on how to get rid of scents you don't care for (walk us through the registration and posting process). I sincerely hope this helps and you are honorable for this video for real! One more thing...this video is also helpful because the audience can get so into the vibe and end up charging Perfumes too. Cause hunny Bond No. 9 Greenwhich Village had me contemplating my budget (I have a sample though) 😅

[@RhondaLareese]

Thank you so very much! This was so helpful 🤎

[@christinazamora2298]

Thanks for your honesty...I miss seeing you....as far as I'm concerned you don't even need to talk about fragrances...just talking about life in general would make me watch you..

[@ankemilia7474]

Girl is backkkkk! Missed you! 💕

[@gcbwoods]

Beautiful truth....you explained a lot. I noticed that you make up was minimal if any. I supposed that was part of the "exposing myself" or stepping away from the introvert side of you. You are very l Iovely. Continue to stay true. Best wishes

[@anechka2006]

It’s nice to see you again Rhonda!!!

[@RhondaLareese]

Thanks ☺️

[@katrinaglenn1636]

I'm waiting on you girl to do a layering video...I know you coming with some goodies..

[@CommonScents85]

I’ll watch you even if you talked about OVENS 😂 your so sweet and relatable! I’m here to stay!

[@xanthehealy1402]

Nice one! Love this reality check. Love listening to you, your humour makes me smile. :)

[@rayyyherway]

I am so glad that you did this video!!!! Thank youuuuu. Very genuine! 🌹

[@kdd2176]

I appreciate your honesty. I love your personality and watching your videos.

[@stephylouise]

Your real followers love you and your personality.. just make whatever content makes you happy not just perfume. You are one of the very first persons I found on the is platform and I’ll watch whatever.

[@RhondaLareese]

❤️

[@simpliitoy2174]

Thanks for the honesty.

[@latonyagipson-bowman9186]

Hey Rhonda, I'm here for it back to the video

[@simamkelentshanga7138]

Oh no Rhonda! I’m so sorry. I personally thought you guys make a lot of money. I love you so much.

[@mightystrong5484]

SPILL IT LADY 🍵🍵 TELL THE TRUTH OVA HERE LOL 😂😂 TFS ❤️🙏🏼

[@Alejandroo9802]

Just do more videos about your life what interact with perfume, history of different brands, maybe some interview, games with different perfume, explain different between eau de toilette and de perfume, ingredients, process of making it, what you will use for example for interview, or date, sex, work...

[@oneantasgreathouse1318]

Hello so good to see you again and thanks for the honesty Everything you have said are facts honey child wooo weee I have had to stop buying myself it was so hard to keep up review and then buy more ugh

[@sonyamangrum5127]

Glad you're back

[@BreezyTeeVee]

This is so true I love fragrances but I can’t keep up. I had to step back From fragrances too. I built my collection in about a 1yr an a half. I’m done 😔

[@RhondaLareese]

I understand

[@IAmKaia]

Welcome back

[@lesliemorton7658]

I would buy some of your spray less collection Ms. Ronda, much love from OKC

[@louisefisher9959]

Appreciate All the honesty 👏

[@bluesky11187]

So beautiful without the makeup, skin is just beautiful , thank you , great to see you , ❤️

[@RhondaLareese]

Thank you so much!

[@denise8189]

I love watching most everyone it doesn't bother me if some gifted the fragrance I buy if I love it or just support the video. Not all lie because they're gifted most still tell you if they don't like the scent without being rude.

[@RhondaLareese]

I see, however if it's a sponsored (paid) video it cannot be negative.

[@mightystrong5484]

Hey beautiful 🥰 in all honesty and seriousness thank you for your truth ,I really appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️🥰

[@RhondaLareese]

❤️❤️❤️

[@latonyagipson-bowman9186]

You are speaking Facts and I appreciate you. I am glad you are back..

[@RhondaLareese]

Hey Latonya! Thanks for your support on all platforms….I see you 👀❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@latonyagipson-bowman9186]

@@RhondaLareese ❤️❤️❤️

[@FabFindsByKetra]

Hey Gorgeous! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate you for sharing this video. Very informative🥰

[@RhondaLareese]

Thanks! The struggles are REAL!

[@virginiaomoniyi7594]

Hi rhonda really missed your video,s , so happy to see you 😃 glad to see your well ,much love from uk 💖

[@Abundantly-Blessed]

You have beautiful skin & look so young🤩

[@Ellieluleba]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@margaritacabrera2742]

Hello good to see you girl 💕

[@freeyourmind7887]

She gives me Keke Palmer

[@momambition]

So much truth here! TFS 💗

[@pammywhammy3767]

HEY RHONDA!!! MISS YOU!!!

[@fabulouslifeinchrist1349]

I took a break too from KZbin. My life has a lot going on it is a bit overwhelming.

[@just.jaimie.]

GREAT and informative video!

[@mehwishowais9793]

Pls review the latest by Narciso …I want your genuine thoughts because I trust you