Stay-at-home-mom gamer @dunDunDUN_ is all about the small indie games and demos — especially horror or anything that’s heavy on story. This BroadcastHER Grant winner loves the immersive power of gaming and sharing that experience with her community. Outside of gaming, she is a big thrifter!

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to build a nice community that allows me to give back to them and go full-time, baby! Doing something I love full-time that allows me to take care of my little one at home is a big dream!

How will your award from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? 

This award is going to be the next step in upgrading the quality of my content and streams! My PC is doing its best right now, but we are on borrowed time.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It’s a small recognition in a big sea of amazing femme creatives out there! I still haven’t fully wrapped my head around it, but it can only mean great things are ahead! It’s so validating of all of the hard work I’ve put in and it’s one of my biggest motivators to keep going.

Women are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and esports. What can we do to change this?

Ground-up changes need to be made to get more women represented in gaming. It’s hard being wedged into already-defined spaces where we’re expected to adapt to fit in. New outlets in esports ventures, competitions, and programs — and even games themselves— need to embrace gamer diversity and highlight their individual talents they bring to the table.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

Imposter syndrome, anyone?! Second-guessing if I should be doing this. Is this good enough?! It’s still a work in progress but I keep trudging forward, knowing that this is just a part of my process and that, one day, I will look back on it and see all that greatness that everyone else is seeing all the time!

What advice do you have for women who want to start broadcasting?

The only thing stopping you from trying it is you! Phone, tablet, laptop… get started with what you have. Come up with great ideas to utilize what’s at your fingertips and know that growing is part of the fun! There are plenty of friendly communities to help you along the way, too!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals? 

Planning and writing my goals down on actual paper and keeping it in front of my face as much as possible is the best thing I’ve done for myself to meet goals. I also watch back some of my favorite clips from streams and re-read encouraging comments from chatters/viewers! Those little forms of feedback are the biggest reminders of how much fun I’m having and why I’m doing this!