Hello to Gen Z – the trailblazers of a new creative era. This generation isn’t just consuming culture; they are shaping it, one post, reel and viral trend at a time. Armed with smartphones and unlimited imagination, they have turned platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube into their playground of creative explosion. What sets a Gen Z apart is their unapologetic authenticity and ability to embrace differences. From street art to digital design, spoken word poetry to viral dance challenges, their creative expression knows no bounds.
More than just influencers, they are innovators, collaborating across borders and breaking barriers to redefine what it means to be an artist in the 21st century. They champion individuality, celebrate diversity, and use their platforms to inspire meaningful change; all while keeping things fun, fresh, and unapologetically individual.
In this edition of WOW, we take a peek into the lives of four content creators to learn what drives them, what their offline persona is like and what their game plan is to stay relevant in a landscape that is fast and ever evolving.
Sushma Karki
Content Creator
(Ksuskalology)
Sushma Karki, or Ksus as she is better known, has a bold and intriguing journey. Starting out as a makeup artist recognized for her flair in creating magic on faces, she has spent the last seven years taking her artistry beyond the makeup chair and straight into the digital spotlight.
How do you strike a balance between staying authentic and catering to what your audience demands?
When you truly present your authentic self, you don’t have to worry about maintaining a balance. In all my content, I simply show who I am without feeling pressured to be “authentic.” My main focus is meeting my audience’s needs—I listen to them and provide the content they ask for. While I also create content that I enjoy, if my audience requests something specific, I make sure to deliver. I’ve been doing this for a long time now.
If you were not a Youtuber/Content Creator, what other profession do you think you would excel in?
I believe people often underestimate the work that influencers do. Influencing others is a big responsibility, and it’s a skill that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s not something I mean in a negative way, but having the ability to influence someone through a screen is a special talent. To answer your question, before I got into content creation, I was studying Chartered Accountancy (CA). However, I never doubted that content creation would work out for me because I prefer to focus on positivity in my life. If I had to choose another career, I probably would have stuck with CA. I generally enjoy whatever work I do, but I quit my CA studies because I wasn’t enjoying it at the time. I believe in only doing things that I enjoy, so I decided to quit and pursue content creation, and it turned out to be the right choice. I never looked back, and the rest is history.
Can you share a time when an unconventional idea unexpectedly became one of your most successful projects?
When I opened my studio in 2018, it was the perfect time for me to dive into content creation. However, teaching classes and creating content are two different things. At the time, basic makeup classes were very popular, and makeup artists would often rent a space to teach simple makeup techniques over 5-6 days. I thought, why not condense it into a single day? I believed one day would be enough for a basic makeup lesson. This idea worked well because not everyone has the time to commit to a multi-day course, and not everyone wants to learn everything about makeup. So, I started offering 1-day basic makeup classes. Many people, even those in the same industry, didn’t support this idea. They’d question, “Who can teach a makeup class in just one day?” It was unconventional, but I stuck with it. I held two classes a week, with 25 students each, meaning I’d have 50 students a day. I continued this for a year before transitioning to professional-level classes, which became my main focus. At the time, no one expected it to succeed, but it did.
Have you ever created content that sparked controversy or criticism? How did you navigate it?
I don’t think I’ve done anything particularly controversial, but I’d say around 20% of people appreciate my work, while the rest often criticise it. Even now, at this stage in my career, I still get a lot of criticism because I like to try new things. For example, the trend of recreating makeup looks started about 2-3 years ago, and only in the past year and a half have I started putting out high-quality content for it. That’s when the criticism started. People often comment that my makeup is better and question why I’m doing these recreations. But it doesn’t bother me anymore because I’ve been doing this long enough. If I had just started, it might have affected me more, but now I’ve learned to let it go. I don’t take criticism or advice from just anyone. I read all comments, and some of them even make me laugh. Some people say negative things about me, while others defend me, even though I don’t know them. It’s funny to me, though sometimes it can make me angry—though that’s rare. If I see a negative comment first thing in the morning, it might upset me, but over time I’ve gotten used to it. Since I’ve chosen to present myself publicly and opened my comment section, I’ve learned to accept all kinds of feedback, both good and bad. I can tell the difference between simple criticism and constructive criticism. These days, it bothers me less. I’ve always been a carefree person, so I only pay attention to what’s useful and ignore the rest.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your life as a Youtuber/Influencer?
I think people often assume that everything is easy and that success comes effortlessly. I’ve never presented myself as someone who’s faced a difficult journey, even when people ask me about my path. I tend to talk about my experiences in a casual way, even if they’re meaningful, so it doesn’t seem like I’ve had any struggles. If I shared the same things with sad background music, people might be shocked, but that’s just not how I choose to present myself. When I started my career, I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I was 22 years old, and I began my journey with YouTube because it inspired me. I had enrolled in CA in 2015, but by late 2016 and early 2017, I quit and switched to content creation. I’m really grateful to my parents for supporting me throughout, as it wasn’t an easy journey for them either. I built my studio with loans, but I stayed calm and confident. I put in a lot of hard work, and as the saying goes, “When you focus on the good, the good gets better”—and that’s exactly how it’s been for me. So, I believe manifestation only works if you’re actually putting in the effort.
How do you ensure your private life does not get overshadowed by your online persona?
My online persona is an accurate reflection of who I am in real life, but recently, I’ve come to understand the importance of privacy. In the past, I used to post about my whereabouts casually, but I’ve realised that sharing such information can be risky. Now, I’ve become more mindful of my privacy and only share what’s necessary. I prefer not to discuss my personal life too openly, and I won’t be doing so moving forward. I’ve learned that the more people know about you, the higher their expectations become, and sharing too much invites unnecessary gossip.
Who is your dream collaborator, and why do you want to work with them?
I’d love to work with Alia Bhatt because I see her on social media, and she’s always so bubbly and talkative. She has such a free-spirited personality and shares so much with her audience. Of course, we all need to be mindful of what we say, and I think she’s become more aware of that in recent years for obvious reasons. Still, I really connect with her fun-loving, outgoing nature because I’m the same way. While I might come off as intimidating at first because I tend to be quiet, once I’m comfortable, I can be very talkative, and it’s easy to see that. In Nepal, I’d love to collaborate with Anna Sharma and Priyanka Didi, although I’ve worked with them before. I also really admire Rekha Thapa Didi and would love the opportunity to work with her. She was my childhood idol because she starred in women-centric films with fight scenes, which inspired me in ways I can’t fully explain.
How do you see the influencer landscape changing in the next five years, and how are you preparing for it?
When I first started in social media and content creation, YouTube was just gaining popularity, and I think that’s why things worked out well for me. I was one of the first people in Nepal to start on YouTube. Over time, I’ve learned that you have to adapt because trends are always changing. If you look at the past five years, the trends then and now are completely different. TikTok was huge back then, but I always preferred to focus on YouTube and Instagram. I used to think, “I don’t want to use TikTok, it’s just for fun, not for professionals.” But I’ve realised that TikTok offers a unique way to get exposure and market yourself. While TikTok may have its negatives, many people’s lives have changed for the better through it. I believe there will be more apps like this in the future, and I want to stay updated with all of them. If I had switched to TikTok earlier, my growth would have been different than what it is now.
GANESH DEVKOTA
(Ganesh GD)
Youtuber
Ganesh GD is a popular YouTuber known for his comedy and entertaining content. Just at 15 years old, he achieved a major milestone by receiving the Silver Play Button from YouTube awarded for reaching 100,000 subscribers. This made him one of the youngest Nepali YouTubers to earn the honour. Today, his channel has over 855,000 subscribers and more than 132 million views reflecting the growing influence and success of his content.
How do you strike a balance between staying authentic and catering to what your audience demands?
Staying authentic is crucial for me because it’s the foundation of my content. I focus on creating videos that resonate with my true self whether it’s comedy, cultural insight, or storytelling. While it’s important to listen to my audience’s feedback and understand what they enjoy, I make sure not to stray too far from what feels true to me. For example, when I started on YouTube, I initially made tech videos because I thought it would be popular but it wasn’t something I connected with. Once I started creating comedy content, my audience responded better because I was more passionate and authentic in what I was creating. I always aim to strike a balance where my content remains enjoyable for my audience but still reflects my personal voice and interests.
If you were not a Youtuber, what profession do you think you would be in?
If I weren’t a YouTuber, I’d probably be involved in something creative like filmmaking which is actually something I am pursuing through my degree in Film Studies. I have always loved storytelling, whether through my YouTube videos or the short films I have made like “DOOL-E.” If I wasn’t in digital content creation, I could see myself working as a filmmaker, telling stories through movies and exploring new forms of media.
Can you share a time when an unconventional idea unexpectedly became one of your most successful projects?
One of the most unexpected successes was my video titled “Britain Got Talent Amazing Performance 14 years Nepali boy.” It was an unconventional idea because it wasn’t a typical topic I would cover. But I had seen a performance that really inspired me, so I decided to make a satirical, reaction-style video about it. To my surprise, it went viral! It garnered over 50,000 views on its first day. This success taught me that sometimes stepping outside the box and being spontaneous can really pay off.
Have you ever created content that sparked controversy or criticism?
I don’t particularly like controversy because I believe it distracts from what truly matters – my work. I try to stay away from anything that could create unnecessary conflict. My focus is always on creating content that is enjoyable and meaningful for my audience. While I understand that not everyone will always agree with my ideas or humor, I prefer to stay true to myself and my values. If any criticism arises, I take it constructively, but I always ensure that I keep my attention on my creative work and continue to deliver content that resonates with my community.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your life as a Youtuber?
A common misconception is that being a YouTuber is just about making videos and having fun. While creating content is enjoyable, it also requires a lot of hard work, consistency and strategy. From filming to editing to interacting with my community, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes effort that goes into maintaining a channel. It’s not always as glamorous or easy as it may seem. The real challenge lies in balancing creativity with audience expectations, and constantly staying on top of trends. I am the writer, director and editor of all my content; I handle every aspect myself. It typically takes me 10 to 15 days to write a script, 2 to 3 days to shoot, and about a week to edit a single video. It’s a lot of effort, but it’s all part of creating something I am proud of and that my audience enjoys.
How do you ensure your private life does not get overshadowed by your online persona?
Maintaining boundaries is key. While I share a lot of my life through my videos, I make sure to keep certain aspects private to protect my personal space. I try to be transparent with my audience about what I am comfortable sharing, and I don’t let the demands of my online persona infringe on my personal life. It’s important to keep that balance to avoid burnout and maintain my well-being.
Who is your dream collaborator and why do you want to work with them?
My dream collaborator is Bhuvan Bam, the creator of BB Ki Vines. He has been a huge inspiration for me since I started my YouTube journey. His ability to craft hilarious and relatable content, all while incorporating deep messages, has shaped my own approach to content creation. Bhuvan’s journey from a small-time YouTuber to a household name is incredibly inspiring, and I admire how he stays authentic while connecting with such a large audience. Collaborating with him would be a dream because it would give me the opportunity to learn from his experience, explore new creative ideas, and create something unique that blends our comedic styles. I believe we could bring a fresh and exciting perspective to our viewers together!
How do you see the influencer landscape changing in the next five years, and how are you preparing for it?
I believe that in the next five years, the influencer landscape will continue to evolve with more focus on authenticity and niche content. As audience become more discerning, they’ll seek content that feels genuine and relatable, not just sponsored or polished. I am preparing for this by focusing on diversifying my content, honing my filmmaking skills, and continuing to engage deeply with my community. I also plan to explore other creative outlets like short films, to stay ahead of the curve and offer my audience unique, valuable content.
ELENA DON
Content Creator
Elena Don never thought she would be doing this, but here she is – juggling a full-time job while creating content part-time. Once a full-time content creator, Elena’s journey took an unexpected turn as she transitioned into a more conventional career, all while keeping her passion for comedy videos alive. Known for her hilarious sketches and entertaining collaborations, Elena’s videos bring laughter and joy to her growing audiences. She proves that creativity can flourish in any setting as long as you have the will for it to work.
How do you strike a balance between staying authentic and catering to what your audience demands?
Authenticity has always been at the core of my content. From the very beginning, I made it a point to reflect my real self in everything I create. My content is deeply rooted in who I am in real life, it’s very local and genuine which is why I have never felt the need to balance being authentic with meeting my audience’s expectations.
What you see on screen is exactly who I am off camera. I often get comments from people saying, ‘Talking to you feels like you are speaking directly through the screen.’ That’s because the kind of content I share is perfectly aligned with what my audience wants. They appreciate seeing the real me, and for that, I am grateful. It’s also the reason why I don’t feel any pressure to maintain a balance; I can simply be myself.
If you were not a Content Creator, what other profession do you think you would excel in?
I think I would excel as a chef because I truly love cooking. I could also see myself working in the public service sector, anything that involves serving people. Even now, I occasionally make cooking videos but I need to be in the right mood for it. I especially enjoy cooking for the people I love.
At home, I feel incredibly blessed that my mother has never pressured me to cook; she takes care of that for me. But when I am in the mood, I love surprising her with a meal I have prepared. So, if I weren’t a content creator, I’d definitely pursue something related to food.
Can you share a time when an unconventional idea unexpectedly became one of your most successful projects?
More than doubting its success, I was initially very skeptical. When I worked on the OIII band’s ‘Prayas,’ they pitched the idea to me, and while it sounded great, I had concerns. The anime fanbase is huge, but it’s also quite niche and specific. For example, dancing or singing videos have a broad appeal and can resonate with people worldwide, but anime is more targeted. Most anime fans can relate, but I wondered how others would react. The video featured characters from *One Piece*, and at that time, many people, including myself, hadn’t watched it. I thought viewers might not connect with those characters. However, when we incorporated references to *Kung Fu Hustle*, it was a different story. That movie is well-known, especially among ‘90s kids who would recognise the old landlord lady. Despite my initial doubts, I am really glad it turned out well, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the video.
Have you ever created content that sparked controversy or criticism?
This situation wasn’t something I created. It all started when I appeared on the ‘SGK Podcast,’ which is run by my brother. During the episode, we discussed various topics including mental health. It was during this conversation that I realized the power of content manipulation. Someone took clips from the podcast and twisted the narrative in a way that was both misleading and alarming. They cut the footage together to attack me, claiming I didn’t understand the topic. The person made a TikTok video accusing me of saying things that were completely taken out of context. What they said in that video was wrong because not everyone experiences depression in the same way; everyone has different journeys, triggers and responses. Just because something triggers one person doesn’t mean it triggers another, and we shouldn’t compare or minimise each other’s struggles.
The video spread a misconception and as a psychology student, I felt it was important to correct it. Psychologists exist to help prevent misunderstandings from escalating. I debunked that misconception but the person made another video in response. At that point, I realized it wasn’t worth engaging in a mature conversation with someone who wasn’t open to it, so I let it go. Eventually, they deleted the video. A lot of people commented on that video without understanding what I was trying to say, and because the narrative had been twisted, many thought I was discrediting my parents’ hard work. That was never my intention, so I explained myself to my audience and that was the end of it.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your life as a Content Creator?
One thing I have noticed is that people often assume content creators are immune to the things said about us. They believe that because we have chosen to put ourselves on a public platform, anything can be said, and it won’t affect us. But they forget that we are human beings too. Yes, we may have gained some level of popularity, and people may recognize us, but at the end of the day, we have emotions just like everyone else. Words can hurt us too.
There’s this misconception that we don’t feel sadness, that we don’t cry or struggle like others do. In some ways, I think we as creators bear some responsibility for this perception because we often share only the highlights of our lives. This can lead people to think that our lives are perfect and free from challenges. That’s why, personally, I make an effort to show my vulnerable side. It’s important for people to understand that we have tough days too; we get hurt, we fall sick, we feel unmotivated, and we experience frustration just like anyone else.
I also recognise that this isn’t a simple, black-and-white issue. There’s a gray area here. While it’s true that we have chosen to put ourselves out there, it doesn’t mean we’re invincible to the things people say. Seeing us through a screen might make it easier for others to judge, but it’s important to remember that we are human, and words do matter.
How do you ensure your private life does not get overshadowed by your online persona?
First and foremost, who I am online is exactly who I am in real life. My persona doesn’t change based on the platform. I have often heard people say things like, ‘So-and-so seems a certain way online but isn’t as friendly or interactive in person,’ because they notice inconsistencies in some creators. However, with me, what you see is what you get – the real me.
As for keeping my personal life separate from my online persona, I am very clear about my boundaries. I know how much of myself I want to share with my audience and where to draw the line. While I am open about certain aspects of my life that I feel my audience deserves to know, there’s a lot -especially when it comes to my family – that I keep private.
When I first started, I would post almost everything without much thought. But over time, I realised that doing so invited opinions. For instance, if I were to share details about my relationships, people would start forming opinions about them. And if questioned, they’d justify it by saying, ‘It’s online, so we have a right to comment.’ To avoid that, I have chosen not to share things like my relationships or family matters on social media. Those are parts of my life I prefer to keep to myself.
Who is your dream collaborator, and why do you want to work with them?
I can’t think of anyone specific at the moment since I am not currently working full-time as a content creator. However, there’s Nibhal Dai who runs a video production company called Envelope Motion Pictures. Their storytelling is incredible, and that’s why I would love to collaborate with his team. It would be a dream come true to act in their music videos and be part of such creative and inspiring work
How do you see the influencer landscape changing in the next five years, and how are you preparing for it?
I think the biggest shift in content right now is how it has gone from being short to even shorter. I feel like the next big trend will be photo carousels. It’s already gaining traction, but I believe it’s going to be the next big thing. Video content creation will always have its place, but I am curious to see how it evolves over the next five years.
Having been in the content creation space for almost 15 years now, I have learned the importance of adapting to new trends. I am not trying to boast but I think my ability to evolve with these changes is what has allowed me to stay relevant for so long. What excites me most is the challenge of keeping up with future trends. While there may be areas where I fall behind, I am looking forward to observing and embracing whatever comes next.
HIROSHI KHANAL
Content Creator
Hiroshi Khanal is a content creator with a unique blend of humor and hustle. Known for his comical videos that never fail to entertain, Hiroshi has mastered the art of making people laugh while balancing his role as a marketing manager at 8848 Momo House. Whether he’s cracking jokes on screen or strategising brand campaigns behind the scenes, Hiroshi brings his signature energy to everything he does. His dual career showcases his versatility; making waves in both the digital world and the corporate arena.
How do you strike a balance between staying authentic and catering to what your audience demands?
Balance? To be honest, I am not entirely sure what that means in this context. I simply deliver what my audience wants to see. On camera, I am a lively, dramatic, comedic and fun-loving personality. However, the moment the camera turns off, I revert to my true self; it’s almost like flipping a switch. Could this be considered a split in personality? Perhaps, but I don’t dwell on it. It works for me, and that’s what matters.
If you weren’t a Content Creator, what other profession do you think you would excel in?
Marketing is undoubtedly my primary focus; it’s the foundation of everything I do. While content creation is a passion-driven side hustle, it also serves as a valuable tool for my marketing endeavors. I am deeply invested in understanding people, selling ideas, and continuously learning and evolving every day. I may not have reached my ultimate goals yet, but progress is steady, and growth is always on the horizon.
Can you share a time when an unconventional idea unexpectedly became one of your most successful projects?
My 30-day Muay Thai challenge was incredible from the very start. It gained significant attention right away, but let me tell you Muay Thai is no easy feat. I ended up with cracked ribs, bruises all over, and my ego was knocked out as well. And to top it off, I still lost the main competition in the end. Despite that, it was an unforgettable experience. The content went viral, the memories will last a lifetime, and yes, there was a lot of pain.
Have you ever created content that sparked controversy or criticism? How did you navigate it?
I am not one to embrace drama, but it’s inevitable at times. Life is still a journey for me, and not everything always goes as planned. On one occasion, when things didn’t go my way, I addressed the situation by posting a TikTok “press release” to clarify everything. It was a calm approach that resolved the issue, and I took away valuable lessons from the experience. The takeaway? It’s best to avoid controversy unless you are in the legal profession
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your life as a YouTuber?
People often perceive me as a laid-back, humorous individual who doesn’t take things seriously. But that’s not entirely accurate. When it comes to work, I am strict, focused, and to be honest, my sense of humor is… questionable at best. I might consider myself the funniest person in the office (though that’s self-proclaimed), but my jokes are only average at best. While some may think my life is one long comedy show, the reality is that I have a structured schedule and clear goals.
How do you ensure your private life doesn’t get overshadowed by your online persona?
I am very protective of my private life. The only people who truly have access to it are my mother, my sister (a special shoutout to them), and a select few close friends. I don’t overshare or invite unnecessary drama; it’s my personal space, and I prefer to keep it that way.
Who is your dream collaborator, and why do you want to work with them?
Kai Cenat is truly remarkable. He’s a streamer, podcaster and influencer; essentially, a complete package. The way he connects with his audience and brings prominent figures onto his streams is incredible. His energy is unmatched. I would love to collaborate with him, not only for the content but also to understand how he manages to keep every moment engaging. The guy can stream for hours and still captivate his audience. The idea of us collaborating is exciting, and it would certainly be chaotic but in the best possible way.
How do you see the influencer landscape changing in the next five years, and how are you preparing for it?
The influencer landscape evolves faster than people change outfits for Instagram reels. Audiences are already growing tired of 10-second TikToks, but one thing remains certain: never stop creating. Post daily. Consistency is the key. If you are not visible, you are forgotten, and being forgotten means becoming irrelevant. You have to stay on people’s minds, make them remember you, laugh with you, and connect with you. Trends will come and go but humor and consistency will always prevail. The future can worry about what’s next, but for now, the focus is on posting and creating.
Leave a Reply