Just the thought of being on camera used to make my heart race. Now, you’ll find me on YouTube every week – calm, tangling and teaching other women how they can leave their overwhelm behind.
There was a time, not that long ago, when I would never even have contemplated posting my own videos on YouTube. Just thinking about being in front of the camera and posting a video to – well – basically the world brought me out in a cold sweat.
Starting a YouTube channel wasn’t something I thought was in my future. But at some point, something changed.
The Fear Was Real
I began watching other tanglers sharing wonderful videos, teaching a range of Zentangle® patterns. It was inspiring. And it sparked something in me.
At first, I wasn’t ready, but I also wasn’t saying never any more.
I remember thinking, “Who would even watch this?” I had no fancy equipment, no editing experience. But still… I wanted to give it a try.
So, I did.
It wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But it was authentic – just me, a pen, a blank tile and the goal of showing up each day during Inktober Tangles 2024.
What Happened Next Surprised Me
I didn’t realise how much starting my own YouTube channel would change things – not just professionally, but personally too.
Instead of feeling like my social-media posts were disappearing into the void, I started noticing something different with YouTube. Bit by bit, people began commenting. The views came slowly, but the feedback was consistent.
Women from all over – many of whom had never heard of the Zentangle® Method before – started telling me how much they looked forward to my videos each week. One woman even said my video helped calm her nerves before a difficult doctor’s appointment.
That comment alone made every moment of self-doubt worth it.
A Shift in Focus
What surprised me most was how quickly I stopped obsessing over subscriber numbers. I started focusing on the people behind the comments.
Women from all over – many who had never heard of Zentangle before – were telling me they looked forward to my videos each week, that they were looking forward to watching my channel grow, and that my videos really helped them feel calm.
The support and encouragement I received helped me show up more consistently – not just for the subscribers, but for myself. The more I filmed, the more I realised how amazing it is that I can help people to feel calm.
It’s Not About Going Viral
I also realised something important. I don’t need my videos to go viral. I just need to be visible to the right people.
Those people are women who feel like I once did (and sometimes still do) – overstimulated, scattered and looking for a way to relax again.
YouTube gave me a way to reach them, without even leaving the house.
The Inner Critic Still Shows Up
Of course, it’s not always easy. There are days when my views are lower, or my inner critic tells me I’m not good enough.
But for every time my inner critic talks me down, another lovely, supportive comment comes in that encourages me to keep going.
If I’m being authentic and making videos with my subscribers in mind, that’s what really matters.
What’s Changed the Most?
My confidence.
I used to downplay my creativity. I thought of it as something nice, but not necessary. Now, I realise creativity is not just something I enjoy. It’s something I need. And I can teach it to other people who need it, too.
Thinking of Starting Your Own Channel?
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should get started with your own YouTube channel, do it. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to get started. I know how scary it is, but it gets easier and becomes enjoyable.
And if now isn’t quite the time, you’re more than welcome to simply follow along. I’d love to see you there.
Come and find me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreateAndCalmWithLisa