Shanèy Vijendranath is the visionary behind the renowned and award-winning blog, “You Baby and I”.
With this platform, she has captured the hearts of countless readers by sharing her personal experiences and insights on motherhood. Through her authentic storytelling, Vijendranath has created a community of support and inspiration for mothers across South Africa.
She is also the brilliant mind behind MomSays, an award-winning start-up that has gained recognition for its innovative approach to parenting recommendations.
This groundbreaking platform has helped parents make informed choices about products and services for their children, providing valuable insights and reviews from real users.
Her true passion lies in storytelling and fostering connections with her fellow South Africans. Her mission is to inspire and encourage others to appreciate the wonders of their country and embark on new adventures.
With her TikTok account, she ventured into the world of food and travel, sharing her passion for exploring hidden gems within South Africa and her love for cruising.
Through this platform, Vijendranath connects with her community, reminding fellow South Africans of the beauty within their country and the importance of embracing local travel experiences.
We asked a few questions to get to know the content creator and blogger.
What inspires or motivates you when you wake up in the morning?
Knowing that each day offers a chance to start fresh and achieve something meaningful keeps me going. Honestly, I strive to set a great example for my kids, showing them that entrepreneurship can be rewarding.
When you’re passionate about your work, even Mondays are exciting. Every single day is different for me, and I love it!
What is your favourite part about being a content creator?
I’m a sucker for good views! Honestly, this is the best part about being a travel creator. Whether it’s waking up at 4am for a safari, watching the sunrise by the ocean or having breakfast in the bush surrounded by nature and wildlife, these moments truly fill my cup.
What’s your favourite local and international destination?
If you haven’t visited Rosendal in the Free State, please do! Rosendal is a hidden gem, boasting breathtaking sights and plenty of rural character.
From art appreciation to sporty activities, from horseback riding to picnics, from rock engravings to hikes – there is something for everyone in this magical town.
The town is near the Lesotho border which is an ideal base for excursions to many places, such as Katse Dam, Afriski, Golden Gate and the small towns of the Eastern Free State.
I’ve also visited Sri Lanka many years ago and I can’t wait to go back.
It’s such a beautiful country and, honestly, a budget-friendly destination for us South Africans. There’s so much to see and explore - definitely add it to your bucket list!
You have an amazing platform; how did you start out?
I’ve been a content creator for over 10 years. I started off in the parenting space as a mommy blogger, then transitioned into the world of start-ups. I never thought I would be on TikTok, but here I am, and I absolutely love it.
I initially started my TikTok page as a test to understand the platform better and provide more meaningful insights to my clients.
However, my passion for travel led me to use it as an opportunity to share my tips and experiences with my community.
What inspired you to create your platform?
I’ve always believed that everyone can express the same idea in a unique way. Building communities for like-minded people has been a passion of mine, driven by my desire to find my tribe.
Additionally, I find great joy in creating content - it truly makes me happy. My goal has always been to produce authentic, non-filtered, and realistic content that resonates with others.
What are some of the challenges you face as a female digital creator and how do you overcome these?
Honestly, I’ve seen the creator space evolve tremendously over the past 10 years and it’s definitely for the better.
When I first started out, brands were unsure how to navigate this space. Now, there are more opportunities and creators can actually earn an income from their work.
However, I’ve also noticed a downside: an increase in negativity among creators. In South Africa’s relatively small industry, some creators feel pressured to compete rather than collaborate.
I believe in the importance of working together. I actively recommend fellow creators to my clients and look for opportunities to collaborate on projects whenever possible.
Collaboration not only strengthens our community but also fosters creativity and mutual support among creators.
Who do you look up to in your community or working space?
There isn’t one specific creator that stands out to me but when you look at creators like Mr Beast, Ryan’s World or Mikayla Nogueira, you can’t help but appreciate their incredible journey and what they’ve achieved through the power of social media.
Their success stories are truly inspiring.
Any pearls of wisdom for young aspiring lifestyle and travel content creators?
First and foremost, never compare yourself to other creators. Your community values authenticity - be true to yourself and remember your journey.
It’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of influencing, which can lead to losing your sense of self or feeling like an impostor.
Secondly, consistency is crucial - though it’s a common piece of advice, pushing through even when you only get 200 views will pay off in the long run.
Thirdly, networking is essential - engage with brands and fellow creators to build relationships. Much of my work has come through word of mouth due to the connections I’ve cultivated within my industry.
Fourthly, don’t expect everything for free - like any business, making money requires investment. Whether it’s investing in your travel or upgrading your equipment, these expenses are vital for growth.
And lastly, create a media kit. It surprises me that in 2024, some creators still don’t have a grasp on what a media kit is. Think of it as your CV in the creator space.
Brands want to understand who you are, what you’re passionate about, and your reach. Include details about past campaigns, the brands you’ve collaborated with and examples of your content to showcase your value.
Lastly, why should South Africans get out there and travel the country?
Trust me, there are places in South Africa you haven’t visited yet. We have so many hidden gems that will leave you speechless. I made a promise to myself to explore my country more, and I haven’t been disappointed. I know you won’t too!