SirenzLullaby loves to play video games and spread smiles! This BroadcastHER Academy winner creates content with the intent to provide a positive and welcoming space for all.

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

My dream is to not only inspire marginalized gamers to pursue their own gaming careers, but to create safe, inclusive spaces for all gamers. I also would love to create a name for myself as a variety streamer, cosplayer, and gaming content creator.

What does being the BroadcastHER Academy winner, which includes a $1,000 grant and all-expense-paid visit to the HyperX Esports Arena to shadow, mean to you and how will it help you reach your goals?

It means I have a vision and potential that others would like to support. The mentorship, grant, and visit to the HyperX arena will provide me with financial and informational advantage to carry out my esports-related goals.

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

The main change we can make is focusing on making spaces for women in these industries and spotlighting them. I think we also need to focus on supporting women who do exceptionally well in these fields to prove that gender is not a factor in one’s abilities to perform in these fields.

I believe the original underrepresentation was likely a result of perceived “gender roles” and stereotypes related to gaming. Growing up, most of my female friends did not play games and those who did rarely admitted it. As it has become more normalized, I have seen a small change in the shift of women represented in gaming. But there is still a lot of change to be done.

What are you most inspired by when it comes to creating encouraging content for young women in gaming, broadcasting, and esports?

I am most inspired by the confidence that I can provide to those who feel they cannot succeed due to factors they cannot control (i.e. gender, race, etc.). I have wanted to create content for years, but only recently gained the confidence to do so. Growing up, the largely supported gaming content creators were white men. As a Black woman, I didn’t feel like my content would be given an opportunity to succeed.

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

My biggest challenges along the way have definitely been self-confidence and financial hurdles. Gaming is expensive on its own, but creating gaming content adds onto that price tag. I have a full-time job for stable income, but then I lack the time needed to implement all the ideas I have as soon as I would like.

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

I have three very important pieces of advice.

1. Be unapologetically you. Who you are shouldn’t discourage you from doing the things that you want. The more confident you are in YOU, the less effect others can have on you with toxic comments.
2. Balance yourself. If you push too hard, you will burn out, and recovering from a burnout mentally and physically can take longer than you think. During this time of inactivity, you can end up counteracting the efforts you put in while neglecting your health.
3. Just have fun. Make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. Don’t do things just because you think people want to see it. Do it because you enjoy it or if it provides a sense of accomplishment.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I have days when I lack motivation, but I always bring myself out of that space by remembering why I wanted to create content in the first place. Have a genuine vision or purpose for why you work hard for your goals, and you will never stay unfocused for too long.

I also try not to compare myself to others. We all have different journeys and I have seen some amazing creators discourage themselves by comparing their growth to others. The only person you should compare yourself to is your past self. I think comparison is often a killer of motivation in a society that thrives off of instant gratification.