"For me, I just feel like hierarchies are dying, and we have to be the ones that smash them. Like, honestly, I’m so over it. I am not on Substack to “get” 100,000 subscribers by standing on the shoulders of my fellow writers and colleagues —that's a lot of work. I’m on Substack to meet my members where they're at and grow joyfully and sustainably being properly paid and credited is a bonus."
Hey Sparklers,
Here’s a whole 50 minutes of unfiltered shares on my journey from 0 - 14k subscribers celebrating 10k readers here at
. I’ve had the biggest growth month EVER across both publications which doesn’t surprise me as the work works for us as we build… the snowball effect is REAL especially if you lead with an open heart.Thank you
, , , , , and over 300 others (!!) for tuning into my live video!I hosted this live session to reflect on my journey on Substack and to celebrate reaching 10,000 subscribers on Sparkle on Substack. It’s been nearly three years since I started publishing here, and my focus has always been on joyful and sustainable growth, rather than chasing virality.
I originally joined Substack in April 2022 as a space to write long-form pieces without the pressure of social media. Over time, I built a paid membership and a thriving community.
The journey hasn’t always been easy—there have been emotional ups and downs, moments of self-doubt, and challenges in dealing with criticism. I’ve had to learn how my nervous system reacts to being online and set clear boundaries to protect my energy and business. It’s a work in progress always…
Key takeaways from my journey from 0-14k subscribers:
Sustainable Growth Over Virality – I’ve focused on growing in a way that feels aligned and sustainable, rather than chasing big numbers. Growth is part of my creative practise.
Building a Paid Membership – I turned on paid subscriptions right away, without a clear plan, but stayed open to being paid and took my readers on the journey with me. There’s a alot of mindset work needed when it comes to being part for your art/ your words.
Curating My Substack Experience – I’ve been intentional about what I read and engage with, ensuring it nurtures rather than drains my creativity. It’s hard to avoid the Substack education pieces but I try. My biggest trigger is when people I’ve supported cheerlead other educators on Notes. I also feel physically sick when learn from me, ask me a tonne of questions then educate their audience without crediting me. That’s on me they are just trying to be helpful I know but we’ve had a lifetime of this - it costs nothing to credit someone.
Setting Boundaries for Energy & Business – I’ve learned to manage expectations, limit access (like keeping DMs for paid members), and prioritise my well-being over anything else. I met with
who is a coach specialising in burn out earlier this year and have two mentors/ coaches I am tethered to - I couldn’t do it without them.The Power of Recommendations – Substack’s recommendations tool has been a game-changer for my growth, and I teach my members how to use it as part of a monthly gratitude practice. It’s cumulative. Evert action has a connected reaction.
Navigating Challenges & Criticism – Negative feedback was tough at first, but I’ve developed strategies to manage it without it derailing me.
Prioritising Scalability & Sustainability – I ensure my business model supports me both financially and creatively, allowing me to show up consistently without burnout. I am ambitious sure but I also want all of the people who pay me to feel seen and held not like I’m stepping on their shoulders to reach some dizzy height.
Unexpected Opportunities – Substack has led to incredible connections, collaborations, and even co-authoring a book—all from showing up and sharing my work.
The best part? The relationships I’ve built, the joy I find in my creative practice, and the ability to be properly paid while doing work that feels deeply aligned.
Picture - meeting some of my members and Substack writerly pals at The Ivy in London this week. Lush to see you
, , , , 💖 - Go subscribe to them they are AWESOME!
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