@thehellosweetie, 34 – Funded

Meet thehellosweetie (she/her), a BroadcastHER Grant winner!

What is your dream in gaming, esports, and/or content creation?

My dream is to advocate for mental health while uplifting BIPOC voices. I want to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired — showing it’s okay to struggle, to heal, and to celebrate diverse stories and talents in the gaming community.

Please share how winning support from 1,000 Dreams Fund is important to your dream and what impact it will have on your career?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been someone who needed that extra support — someone to remind me that I mattered, that my dreams were worth chasing. For a long time, I didn’t believe I belonged in spaces like gaming or content creation. I didn’t see many people who looked like me, or talked about the things I cared about, like mental health and representation.

But little by little, I started to believe in myself because of the people who believed in me when I couldn’t. That’s why my dream is to be that kind of support for others. I want to build a platform that advocates for mental health, where people feel safe to talk about their struggles and know they’re not alone.

I also want to uplift BIPOC voices, because representation changed my life. Seeing even one person who looked like me succeed gave me hope and I want to be that hope for someone else.

Support from 1,000 Dreams Fund helps me take this vision further. It gives me the tools, confidence, and resources to keep creating meaningful, inclusive content and building a space where everyone feels seen and valued. I know what it’s like to doubt yourself. But I also know how powerful it is to have someone believe in you — and now, I want to be that person for others.

What advice do you have for women & femmes who want to work in gaming, esports, and/or content creation?

First, believe that you belong here because you do. Gaming, esports, and content creation need your voice, your perspective, and your creativity. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need the most expensive setup or the biggest audience to begin. Focus on building your skills, your confidence, and a community that shares your values.

Find mentors, allies, and peers who support you. Surround yourself with people who respect and uplift you, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the industry for advice or collaboration. Many of us are happy to help — we’ve been where you are.

Set boundaries early. Protect your mental health and your time. The industry can be demanding, and unfortunately, you may encounter negativity or bias. But you are allowed to say no, take breaks, and prioritize yourself.

Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and learn from setbacks without letting them define you. Remember that everyone’s path is different — focus on yours.

And most importantly: Create the kind of space you wish you’d had when you started. Your authenticity and courage will inspire others to follow, and together we can make this industry more inclusive and welcoming.