Lerin Nic is a powerhouse in the world of video content creation whose journey from radio presenter to global digital strategist is nothing short of inspiring.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Lerin took a bold leap of faith, stepping away from the comfort of traditional media and venturing into the world of content creation.
Armed with nothing but passion, creativity, and a desire for freedom, she transformed her love for storytelling into a thriving digital career.
But Lerin’s story isn’t just about success, it’s about resilience and the drive to overcome obstacles.
From battling early challenges in cinematography to mastering social media’s fast-paced world, she’s built a career that empowers others to do the same.
Today, Lerin isn’t just creating content; she’s shaping the next generation of creators by sharing her knowledge and mentorship with those eager to break into the digital space.
In this interview, Lerin opens up about her incredible journey, the mentors who guided her, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Get ready to dive into a story of grit, passion, and a relentless pursuit of freedom.
CA: Lerin, your journey as a video content creator is truly inspiring. Can you take us back to how it all began?
Lerin: Honestly, my journey as a content creator began in 2020, right when the pandemic hit. I had been living my dream as a radio presenter at Rhythm FM and as a freelance TV host at Red Carpet Presenter.
But I began to realize that traditional media had its limitations, the limited reach and lack of flexibility.
I wanted more. I longed for a career where I could work from anywhere, create meaningful content, and reach a global audience. So, I made the shift.
I started small with minimal equipment but a commitment to quality. Applying my media skills to content creation, I focused on making my videos as professional as possible.
Over time, I honed my skills in video production, scripting, and creative formats, blending my love for presenting with the flexibility of the digital world.
CA: Carving out a path as a video content creator and strategist takes grit and vision. What was your journey like, and were there any key mentors or role models who guided you along the way?
Lerin: Oh, absolutely! Mentorship has been crucial. When I first started, I struggled with cinematography and video editing. Jeffrey Light, a cinematographer and film director, changed everything for me.
He offered me a crash course on shooting videos cinematically, and it was a game-changer. He didn’t just teach me, he continued mentoring me, letting me assist on shoots and offering advice whenever I hit a roadblock. His support has been invaluable.
Apart from him, I turned to other creators and platforms like YouTube to learn from the best. The resources out there are endless.
I love how the content creation world is full of free learning opportunities that allow anyone to grow and improve. That mindset of continuous learning has been key to my journey.
CA: The world of video content is fast-paced and constantly changing. What challenges did you face, and how did you push through them?
Lerin: Oh, where do I start? One of the biggest challenges was unlearning everything I knew from traditional media and adapting to the quick-paced world of social media.
In radio, audiences have longer attention spans, but on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, you need to capture attention in the blink of an eye. I had to learn how to grab people’s attention within seconds and make my content stand out. Another challenge was building a team.
In the beginning, I did everything myself, but as my content grew, I attracted like-minded creatives to join me. It was tough to stay consistent, especially when content wasn’t paying the bills.
But over time, as my team grew, so did the business side of things, and that made it more manageable. Having a team to keep me accountable has been key to staying motivated on the rough days.
CA: Such a powerful story! And, your career has been built on hard work and persistence. What kept you motivated, especially during the tough early days?
Lerin: Wow, looking back, it was family, no question. My husband was my rock, filming, encouraging, and celebrating every tiny win.
When I challenged myself to post daily for three months, he was there every step of the way. My mom also played a huge role in keeping me grounded.
But beyond family, what kept me going was the realization that content creation offered me something traditional careers never could: complete freedom. Freedom to create without limits, to reach people all over the world, and to live and work on my terms.
I had already tried the 9-5 lifestyle, and I knew it wasn’t for me. Even when content creation wasn’t paying the bills, I saw it as a reason to push harder, not a reason to quit. It wasn’t just a passion or hobby, it was the career, the vision, the calling. That clarity kept me focused and driven, even in the toughest moments.
CA: Wow! But how has your background and experience shaped the way you handle challenges in content creation and strategy today?
Lerin: My background in radio and TV has been essential to how I handle challenges now. It gave me a solid foundation in storytelling, production, and understanding audiences. But when I stepped into content creation, I had to unlearn a lot.
Traditional media has longer attention spans and less competition for attention. On social media, it’s the opposite. Everything moves fast, and attention is fleeting. So I had to learn how to capture people’s attention within the first few seconds and adapt my content to that space.
Starting out as a one-woman show forced me to be resourceful and hands-on with everything, from shooting to editing to strategy. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me discipline and made me more intentional about how I work with my team now. Having done it all on my own, I’m more mindful about scaling sustainably and working smarter, not harder.
CA: You’ve inspired many in the digital space. How does it feel knowing your journey and coaching are guiding the next generation?
Lerin: Honestly, it’s incredibly humbling. To be in a position where I can coach others who are facing the same struggles I did is a huge honor.
I never planned to become a coach, but after overcoming so many challenges and learning the ins and outs of branding, marketing, and audience psychology, it felt natural to help others. Content creation is not just about making videos, it’s about learning how to market, brand, and build a community.
I create training content on YouTube and teach business owners how to market organically and build communities. Watching creators and businesses grow and succeed because of the guidance I’ve provided is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.
CA: You’ve grown a strong presence and voice online. What inspired you to share your knowledge and experiences with others?
Lerin: Sharing my knowledge came naturally once I realized I could help others build the life I was striving for through content creation. Self-improvement has always been a priority for me, and after benefiting from free resources myself when I was stuck, it felt right to give back.
One thing I’ve noticed is that young Africans, like myself, are incredibly creative and driven. But often, the only thing holding them back is a lack of resources, both financial and educational. I’m passionate about helping them access the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.
Through free resources and affordable courses, I aim to make growth and education accessible to everyone. At the core of everything I do is a desire to create solutions and contribute to a better world.
CA: Wow! You are such a lovely soul! What’s next for you in your career? Any exciting projects or milestones on the horizon?
Lerin: I’m beyond excited about the projects I’m working on right now. Over the past few years, I’ve been intentionally learning and acquiring the skills I need, both creatively and strategically.
I’ve built an incredible team, and we’re now ready to take things to the next level. We’re working on producing original stories, documentaries, short films, and visual narratives that highlight resilience, creativity, and culture.
We’ve already entered one of our documentaries into film festivals, and it’s set for release online in June. It’s a huge milestone, and I’m pumped to see where it takes us. On the business side, we’re building a sustainable structure that supports both creativity and impact.
Content creation is both an art form and a business, and we’re developing solutions to scale while helping others grow through strategic content. One area I’m deeply passionate about is education.
We’re working on a platform that will equip creators and entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to create freely and sustainably. This chapter feels like the culmination of everything I’ve learned, and I’m eager to see the impact these projects will have.
CA: It’s something huge, truly! What’s one common misconception about content creation or digital strategy that you’d like to correct?
Lerin: One of the biggest misconceptions is that content creation isn’t a “real” profession. That’s far from the truth! In today’s world, social media is essential for visibility, branding, and growth.
Content creation is a skill that can change lives, whether you’re a business owner, creative, or professional. It’s no longer optional to know how to communicate online.
With the right guidance and consistency, anyone can thrive in the digital space. It’s a skill that’s as important as any other, and it’s one that’s here to stay.
CA: Finally, if you could give just one piece of advice to anyone dreaming of making an impact in the digital content space, what would it be?
Lerin: My biggest advice is simple: just start. Stop overthinking, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and take that first step.
The challenges and opportunities won’t fully reveal themselves until you begin. Start by getting clear on your vision, what do you want to achieve? What’s the story you want to tell? Once you know that, you can shape your approach around it.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Take stock of where you are and ask yourself, “What can I start with today?” Use what’s in your hands and think big, but break that big dream into small, consistent steps.
Yes, you’ll face challenges, but every time you do, focus on finding the solution. There are so many resources out there to help you grow and learn. Keep moving forward, and when you look back a year from now, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.
