BELLA KHANN did not have it easy, as she was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her father passed away when she was young, leaving behind her mother, her siblings and herself.
She attempted various jobs and claims that being an entrepreneur has been the most fulfilling career. Currently, Bella owns a cosmetics company.
The 24 year-old has had the drive and determination to improve her life ever since she was in high school.
“I used to work for other people, and it was very tiring! I started working at the age of 16, where I would work part-time jobs after school as a means to financially support myself.
“I would go to school in the morning and work in the afternoon until closing time at a pizza restaurant. I even worked in sales, telemarketing, and many other jobs after high school.
“My mum did not allow me to work while I was in school, but I insisted because I wanted to give myself a better life. My mum was a seamstress, and she was a single mother caring for my siblings and I. So, we were not very financially stable back then.
“As long as I am still young, I want to do more because when I grow older, I might not have the energy to do so.”
In just one year, Bella gained a total of 869,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel.
“My YouTube channel has been around for awhile, as it was created for me to watch other people’s videos. Then one day I was randomly thinking to myself: ‘What if I were to create my own video?’ So, I made a video and posted it. Just like that, my video went viral, which I wasn’t expecting at all!”
Although the content of Bella’s videos are largely random, she shares: “It is very stressful! I have to figure out what content the viewers want to watch, and what suits them too. I have to be aware of the age group of my viewers, because sometimes even young children watch my videos.
“Whatever content my viewers want to see, I will try to make it happen based on their demands and my capability. Of course, I would only create videos that are enjoyable, and do not jeopardise my career on YouTube. If I make even a slight mistake on my channel, I’m going to be in trouble!
“I like to just be myself in my videos. So, I don’t really bother with what other people say because I know who I am and how I am. My subscribers who support me also know this about me.”
Bella also shared her thoughts on YouTube as a main source of income.
“I upload my video on YouTube once a week, while there are plenty of people who upload their creative content more often, for instance, once in two days.
“As long as you know the content that you are creating, you have the passion, and you are consistent in uploading your videos, it would not be an issue to sustain a full-time job as a YouTuber.”
Being in the public eye, Bella has attracted many offers from the entertainment industry.
“I am not interested in being an actress. However, I am open to hosting shows. I recently had a project where I was the host for an online television show. I was so nervous and my hands trembled, but I took that offer because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and gain more confidence.”
Meanwhile, Bella’s fame has also attracted unwanted attention from cyberbullies.
“When I first started putting myself out there, I received so many hate comments from people. Of course I was angry, and reacted towards those comments. As time passed, I got immune to it and I don’t bother because they don’t pay my bills!”
Bella concluded the interview by talking about her role model, who happens to be her mother.
“My role model has always been my mum. I am very happy that I am able to share my good fortune with my mum. When we give to our parents unconditionally, more abundance will come your way! That is what I’ve realised.”