How to Build Your Empire Like Issa Rae—Starting with Just 1,000 True Fans

Hey, it’s Jerrica.

Let’s cut to the chase: You’re here because you’re ready to make moves—big ones.

No more waiting for permission. No more playing small.

This week, we’re diving into the blueprint for building your empire by learning from Issa Rae’s journey. She didn’t wait for permission—she started with what she had, built her audience, and turned her vision into a thriving empire. Now, it’s your turn.

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:
1️⃣ Lessons from Issa Rae: How she built an audience on YouTube and leveraged it for bigger opportunities.
2️⃣ Diversifying Your Platforms: Why ownership is the key to sustainability—and how to implement it using the G.R.O.W.T.H. framework.
3️⃣ Opportunities You Can Apply for Right Now: A curated list of openings and funding to level up your career!

Ready? Let’s break it all down and build something unstoppable—together.

Loving being a part of the community?

THE MAIN ATTRACTION

How Issa Rae Built a Platform and a Movement

Issa Rae didn’t wait for Hollywood to come knocking. She started where she was—on YouTube.

Her web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, wasn’t just relatable; it was revolutionary. By speaking directly to an underserved audience, she built a loyal community that followed her from one project to the next. (If you read last' week’s newsletter you can see the pattern. Build an audience and they’ll follow you from 0 to Billions just ask Tyler Perry)

Here’s how she did it:

1️⃣ Ownership First
Issa took control of her narrative, ensuring that her vision wasn’t diluted by gatekeepers. By producing her own content, she maintained creative freedom and built a body of work that opened doors without compromise.

2️⃣ Community Building
From the start, Issa made her audience feel like co-creators in her journey. Her humor, cultural specificity, and relatability turned casual viewers into devoted fans. They didn’t just watch—they shared, supported, and showed up for her.

3️⃣ Consistency
Issa treated her YouTube channel like a job. Week after week, she delivered new episodes, proving that showing up regularly builds trust and keeps your audience coming back for more.

Your takeaway:
You don’t need Hollywood. You need your people. 

Create for them, connect with them, and let your authenticity be the thing that sets you apart. The world will catch on—but only after you own your audience first.

THE BIG BREAK

Your Guide to Building a Sustainable Creative Career

You don’t need millions of followers to succeed—you just need 1,000 true fans. The 1,000 Fan Theory proves that by focusing on building a loyal, engaged audience, you can create a sustainable creative career on your terms.

My G.R.O.W.T.H. Framework is here to help you make that happen, one actionable step at a time.

G: Get Started — Choose one platform to focus on, whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, or a newsletter.
R: Revenue Streams — Set up monetization with tools like Patreon, Stan Store, or Ko-fi.
O: Own Your List — Build an email list so you’re not dependent on algorithms to reach your audience. (Check out my email templates here)
W: Work Smarter — Create evergreen content (like YouTube videos or an online course) that grows your impact while you sleep.
T: Teach Your Value — Share your expertise by hosting a paid class, webinar, or workshop.
H: Hustle Strategically — Focus on platforms and strategies that align with your strengths.

DON’T JUST THINK ABOUT IT—START TODAY

Your audience is waiting for you to show up. So what’s your next step?

The Bottom Line:
Issa Rae didn’t just create content—she created a movement. Her success wasn’t magic; it was strategy. And guess what? You can do it too.

Let’s stop waiting for permission and start betting on ourselves.

CUE THE OPPORTUNITIES

• Emory University is accepting applications for their 2025-2027 Screenwriting Fellowship Program | Apply here

• Substack Creator Accelerator Fund is accepting submissions | Apply here

• We’re Not Really Strangers is looking to hire a Creator | Apply here

• Jay Shetty Media is looking to hire YouTube Editors & Strategist | Apply here

• Instagram & Facebook are paying Creators $5,000 for new content | Apply here

• Slate has two open Producer roles | Apply here

• Sundance Collab is hosting a FREE event with the filmmaker behind the Zodiac Killer Project | Sign up here

• JHRTS is hosting a panel in LA called “Making The Switch: Pivoting Careers in The Hollywood Landscape” | RSVP here

• Flip is offering creators up to $100,000 in grants to post on their platform | Apply here

PREVIOUSLY ON

We kicked things off together a few weeks ago, but if you missed it, no worries! You can catch up:

• How Tyler Perry Built an 800,000-Strong Email List (With Templates to Get You Started)

• Standing with LA + What's Next!

• Ready to Greenlight Your Dream?

THAT’S A WRAP

Thank you for being part of this movement. I’m pouring my 10+ years of entertainment industry experience—building audiences, developing platforms, and fueling career growth for top creators—into this newsletter because gatekeepers don’t define our paths. We greenlight ourselves.

—Jerrica

P.S. This newsletter is my way of helping storytellers and content creators like you bet on their dreams. Let me know how you’re planning to build your platform—I’d love to cheer you on!