Ever wondered what it takes to turn a teenage passion into a global media sensation? Picture this: a 27-year-old, tucked away in a cozy bedroom in New Zealand, sipping coffee at 5 a.m., crafting news that resonates with millions. This isn’t a fairy tale—it’s the real-life story of a young entrepreneur who transformed a hobby into a thriving media empire, reaching icons like pop stars and podcast hosts. Her secret? A knack for making the news feel like a conversation with your best friend.
From Fan Accounts to Global Influence
The journey began in the unlikeliest of places: a teenage obsession with a boy band. Running a fan account taught this young woman the art of social media management—curating posts, engaging followers, and mastering the algorithm. Those late-night edits and witty captions? They weren’t just for fun. They were the foundation for a media company that now boasts millions of followers, including some of the biggest names in entertainment.
What makes this story so compelling is its relatability. Who hasn’t dreamed of turning a passion into a paycheck? For this entrepreneur, the leap from hobbyist to CEO wasn’t about fancy offices or big budgets. It was about grit, creativity, and a laptop in a bedroom shared with six hometown friends. I’ve always believed that the best ideas come from authentic places, and this story proves it.
Crafting News for a New Generation
News can feel heavy—wars, crises, politics. But this media company flips the script. By blending serious topics with pop culture and humor, it delivers global news in a way that feels like scrolling through a friend’s Instagram stories. Think posts about climate change paired with a poll about dishwashers or a Harry Styles meme to lighten the mood. It’s a formula that works: over 80,000 readers subscribe to the daily newsletter, and millions follow on social platforms.
We wanted to make the news less intimidating, something you’d actually want to read.
– Co-founder of the media company
The approach is deliberate. By meeting Gen Z where they are—on platforms like Instagram and TikTok—the company breaks down complex issues like global conflicts or pandemics into bite-sized, relatable content. It’s not about dumbing things down; it’s about making the world accessible. And honestly, in an era where trust in media is shaky, that’s a game-changer.
- Uses conversational tone to explain global issues
- Balances heavy news with lighthearted content
- Leverages social media for maximum reach
The Power of Friendship in Business
Starting a business with your best friends sounds like a recipe for drama, right? Not for this crew. The co-founder launched the company with two childhood friends, bonded since their teens. Their deep trust and shared vision turned a college side hustle into a full-fledged operation. “They’re like sisters,” she says, and that closeness fueled their early success.
By 2020, the trio had built a following of over a million, thanks to timely coverage of global events like protests and elections. But as life took her partners abroad, the 27-year-old took the reins solo, proving she could keep the brand’s voice alive. I find it inspiring how she credits her friends for laying the groundwork, even as she carries the torch alone.
You just need to do something you’re proud of and ignore the noise from people you wouldn’t ask for advice anyway.
– Media entrepreneur
Navigating Challenges in the Digital Age
Running a media company isn’t all likes and shares. The industry faces tough hurdles: declining trust in news, fake information, and the pressure to scale. Yet, this entrepreneur stays true to her roots. She resists the “tech bro” urge to grow a massive team, preferring to keep things small and personal. “I want to talk directly to my audience,” she says.
Her strategy? Focus on authenticity. The newsletter is free, funded by subscribers who pay for premium content like essays and book clubs. This model lets her hire writers and reinvest in the business without relying on ads. It’s a bold move in an industry obsessed with clicks, and I think it’s a reminder that staying true to your values can pay off.
| Business Aspect | Approach | Outcome |
| Funding | Subscriber-based model | Ad-free content |
| Team Size | Small, personal team | Direct audience connection |
| Content Style | Relatable, conversational | Engaged Gen Z audience |
Lessons from a Young Entrepreneur
What can we learn from a 27-year-old running a media empire from her bedroom? Plenty. First, passion can be a powerful foundation. Her teenage fan account wasn’t just a hobby—it was a masterclass in audience engagement. Second, authenticity matters. By staying true to her voice, she’s built a loyal following that trusts her take on the world.
Perhaps the most striking lesson is her approach to criticism. In a world where online hate is a click away, she brushes it off with a mantra: “Be cute for you.” It’s a reminder to focus on what makes you happy, not what others think. I’ve found this mindset incredibly freeing, especially when navigating the pressures of building something public.
- Turn hobbies into skills you can monetize
- Stay authentic to connect with your audience
- Ignore critics who don’t align with your values
Why Gen Z Loves This Approach
Gen Z is bombarded with information, yet they crave clarity. This media company delivers just that, with a voice that feels like it’s coming from a friend. By mixing serious topics with pop culture, it creates a space where young people can engage with the world without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like having a conversation over coffee, not a lecture.
The numbers speak for themselves: millions of followers, thousands of subscribers, and a book deal to boot. But beyond the stats, it’s the impact that matters. This entrepreneur is making the news accessible, proving that you don’t need a big budget or a corner office to change the game.
I make enough to do what I love and be happy. That’s enough for me.
– Media company founder
The Future of Media Is Personal
As legacy media struggles to connect with younger audiences, this story offers a blueprint. Small teams, authentic voices, and a focus on community can cut through the noise. The co-founder’s refusal to scale for the sake of scaling shows a confidence that’s rare in today’s hustle culture. She’s not chasing trends—she’s setting them.
Looking ahead, the company plans to keep things intimate. With a new book and a growing network of writers, the focus remains on quality over quantity. It’s a refreshing take in an industry often obsessed with going viral. Maybe that’s the real secret: building something you love, on your terms, is the ultimate win.
So, what’s the takeaway? A 27-year-old in a Wellington bedroom is proof that you don’t need a glitzy office or a massive team to make an impact. With a laptop, a vision, and a few good friends, you can build something that resonates with millions. Isn’t that the kind of story that makes you want to start something of your own?
