The creator economy could reach $500 billion, but making money from influence and building long-term wealth are two different things.
In this episode of Branded Assets, Kate is joined by Haley MacCosham, Investment Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, to explore why influencers are becoming founders, investors, and business owners.
From Alix Earle taking equity stakes in brands like Poppy and Cymbiotika to SmartSweets founder Tara Bosch partnering with influencers to launch Snackish, creators aren’t just promoting businesses anymore. They’re owning pieces of them.
But is taking equity instead of cash actually a smart financial move? And what happens when your business depends on an Instagram algorithm or a following that could disappear tomorrow?
Kate and Haley get into:
The rise of the influencer-investor: Why creators are moving beyond brand deals into ownership and entrepreneurship.
The gender gap in how we define success: Why have women with thriving creator businesses been called influencers while men are celebrated as founders and CEOs?
Cash vs. equity: When taking ownership in a brand makes sense, and why angel investing should sometimes be treated more like a donation than an investment.
Turning influence into long-term wealth: How to diversify revenue, protect your IP, and build beyond your personal brand.
Why smaller creators can have bigger value: How niche audiences, genuine influence, and measurable sales can matter more than millions of followers.
When to start thinking like a business owner: From incorporating and investing excess cash to planning for your future.
Whether you’re building a personal brand, earning as a creator, or growing a business, this conversation is about thinking bigger than your next viral moment.
Because influence is real business. The question is, what are you building with it?
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LINKS:
Join the Branded Assets community on Instagram.
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Connect with Haley MacCosham on LinkedIn and visit haleymaccosham.com
KEYWORDS:
Creator Economy, Influencer Marketing, Business of Influence, Creator Entrepreneurship, Influencer Investing, Building Wealth, Personal Branding, Creator Economy Trends, Female Entrepreneurs, Women in Business, Financial Freedom, Wealth Management for Entrepreneurs, Influencer Business Strategy, Brand Deals, Equity Partnerships, Angel Investing, Alix Earle, Social Media Monetization, Micro Influencers, Building Generational Wealth, Content Creator Business, Branded Assets