Changing location early in life can be a daunting task. Growing up in these new spaces, we have to relearn and unlearn certain things. From language, way of life, to certain behavioral nuances, a lot will have to change.
On this week’s episode of Creator Spotlight, we had a conversation with digital creator Mxfeza, where we discussed how it all began, his process, and how he got where he is today.
Can you give me a brief description of yourself?
Hello, my name is Ebella Francis Collins. I am 21 and I live in Mâcon, France. I was born and raised in Cameroon until I was 12 years old. People know me as Mxfeza or The Smiling Man. If I had to describe myself I would say I am a diffuser of good vibes. Like I wrote in my Instagram bio, I bring good vibes by smiling on your feed. Instagram is a game a reflection of what we want to show and give to people and that’s what I want to show to the world.
Can you give me a brief history of how you became a creator;
Since I was young, I always had a creative spirit. I used to draw a lot and since my childhood, I have been feeding myself with digital content. It stared with the animes, mangas, tv and video games and it grew with YouTube. I am actually a big viewer. Thank to all of this I always wanted to create content by myself, I tried a couple of times when I was between 12-15 years old on YouTube with video game content. At this time I was not really interested in the fashion, but I liked to feel well dressed. It’s people like Shannon Flanders, Pierre Laurent and others that pushed be a content creator. I was so inspired by these type of influencers I wanted to inspire people too. I started Instagram in 2015, at first I did it for fun, but I think I really became a creator two years ago. I leant how Instagram works and how to grow a community. And I keep learning everyday thanks to all the beautiful people that I have met through Instagram.
Give me five words to describe the journey so far
Learning, Sacrifices, Obsession, Work, and Patience.
What’s a day in the life of a creator like?
I don’t really have a routine, but recently I have been trying to get one. So let’s start; I wake up at 7:30 am. I take 30min to wake up well by listening a podcast about how to improve my English. At 8am I go the gym to do my cardio routine, then I take a shower and start cooking for everyone. After that I establish my « to do list »for the day and I start working on my client project or on IG concepts (photos, reels, stories…). At 7pm I go to the gym a second time for the real workout session. I finish my day at 9pm after eating. Then I go to bed and I can start chilling or keep working. It depends if there is any and my mood.
What influenced/inspired you into choosing this as a career path?
As a graphic designer, I always wanted to create a video game or an anime. As I said, I grew up consuming various types of content, so for me it made sense to be a creator as well.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
As a graphic designer I would say is the fact that I can fully express myself on various projects that correspond with what I love. The thing that motivates me the most is to see my friends or people that I love succeed because I am saying to myself: « one day it will pay, keep working and trust the process ». To be honest, I can't count the number of times I almost deleted my Instagram account.
Do you strive to be unique in your creative endeavors? If yes; how?
Yes for sure! I am a such a good creator to be honest I am. All things considered, one of the most creative in my niche. I am not afraid to try some new things or go out of my comfort zone. The only thing that holds me back is that I lack strong pieces.
Have you ever doubted your talent? If so, how do you work through your doubt?
To be honest, no never. Like I said I know that I am good at what I am doing, but I know that I still have a lot to learn. Learning and understanding what I was doing wrong is the philosophy that makes me so confident.
If you could choose a theme song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is very difficult haha. I would say Pride by Kendrick Lamar. This song is a whole story, my story, my mood.
If your creative work was edible, what would it taste like?
Haha, it would taste like my favorite food ever. It’s a Cameroonian food called Okok. I can’t give you an equivalent in Europe. It could also taste like your favorite plate cooked by your mom.
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