Former competitive player @VikingPrincess1 now runs a business that helps gamers add healthy habits to their everyday life. This BroadcastHER Grant winner is also the founder/organizer of GirlBoss Tournament, which has already become a valued place for many female gamers. She can’t wait to take it all to the next level and continue encouraging female esports participation and overall wellness.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to work as a health and wellness coach for gamers and educate them about healthy meals, simple exercises, and lifestyle changes that are specifically tailored toward the needs of gamers — both physically and mentally. My work is especially focused on women, as they are a targeted audience in the world of gaming.

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

I am currently limited in how I deliver my content as well as how often I can do things like cooking streams because of the equipment I have. The grant will help me make the necessary updates to deliver a higher quality experience to the community as well as help me broaden my reach and produce more content.

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Grant mean to you?

It is an incredible honor! Knowing that the work I do is valued and viewed as something that is appreciated by the community is motivating me to create even more content and deliver better quality content.

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

Creating safe spaces for them from an early age is imperative. So many stop playing games because of toxicity and targeting. Showing them communities where that kind of behavior is not tolerated and getting them in touch with other female gamers is something that will help keep women in the gaming and esports world.

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

I have been incredibly fortunate with the communities I have been a part of. Had it not been for my first clan experience being so positive, I don’t know if I would still be working in gaming and esports.

But, as a streamer and esports player, I rarely get called a “good player.” Instead, I get comments about my looks and my hypothetical personal life as well as attacks on my person and more. Since my name is very female-oriented, I get yelled at a lot in game all-chats, TK’d by my teammates, and told to go back to the kitchen. All that to say, I get targeted in a way that is significantly different compared to the times I play on my very anonymous alt-account.

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

You need a thick skin, unfortunately. Remember that the comments are generally not personal, but a way to attack you for being female. Be proud of who you are and set an example. Know that people get very tough behind the keyboard. But as long as you have clear boundaries and expectations from what you want from your community and viewers, it is possible to create a very loving and supporting environment where the toxicity won’t have any room.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I am highly motivated by the thought of making other people’s experiences better — and preferably better than my own. Being able to provide a safe place where women can come and play is incredible. Hearing from my community that I have helped them go from ordering Taco Bell five times a week to meal-prepping and making homemade dinners regularly is insane! I know I can help gamers live happier, more fulfilled lives and I want to continue pushing myself so that I can help even more gamers.