She goes by @honeydewbread on Twitch, but you can call her Lavender! Some of this BroadcastHER Grant winner’s favorite things are photography, cats, and pastel colors — and, a few of her go-to games include Pokemon, Stardew Valley, Terraria, Minecraft, Among Us, and Slime Rancher. But you also might catch her drawing and “attempting” to play some instruments (like guitar, ukulele, bass, and kalimba!).

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to become a full-time streamer with a welcoming community.

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

New equipment means I won’t have any limitations in what I’m able to stream. Without having to worry about what my PC can handle, I’ll feel more confident in branching out and trying new things.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It means the absolute world to me. As someone who has lacked confidence as a streamer, this has reassured me and given me the opportunity to grow and improve. I’m so grateful to be chosen alongside so many amazing people, and I truly think this is a life-changing moment for me.

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

We need to support each other as much as we can. I think it’s also important to be open about the issues we may face and normalize discussion about them. Even outside of the gaming world, women’s issues are often misunderstood or minimized. So, I think that being open — as long as you’re comfortable with it — can be beneficial.

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

For me, it’s hard to find a balance between being happy and entertaining on stream versus dealing with things like anxiety and depression. I’ve had to learn to put myself first when I need to and know that people will still support me despite that.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask others for advice and take breaks if you need them. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the support of the amazing women in my life — especially the ones I met through streaming.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I always remind myself that I’m incredibly lucky to be in the position that I’m in and that I’ve already surpassed so many goals I’ve set. I also try to be patient with myself if I don’t hit a goal; even though it might be frustrating, there’s still time to get it done. Along with that, my friends and my boyfriend are always encouraging me and I appreciate them so much more than I can say.