Interviews

Living Life on your own Terms: Alyshia Hull

by missbriannamarie

One of the amazing things about creating online is the community. You can meet a variety of people, doing amazing things with their life. One of those people is Alyshia Hull, who has written for various big companies like  Girls’ Life, Rachael Ray, Bossbabe.co, American Greetings- just to name a few. However, she also hosts her own podcast called Make Your Break and runs her Youtube channel! 

I am a huge fan of her work, especially her podcast: Make Your Break. So I decided to explore some more about her journey and how she got to where she is. 

Tell me about yourself?

Hey there, I am Alyshia, I am a 23-year-old, YouTuber, writer and podcast host in the personal development space. Growing up, I struggled academically, although this was true, I thrived in English and writing. I loved to write and I practiced daily. When in high school, I began to publish my work, and I stuck with it ever since. I now work as a writer full time, and also enjoy hosting a weekly podcast show and YouTube channel. 

Can you describe/outline your typical day?

My day varies, but often you can find me pitching articles to different magazines and publications. Once a pitch has then been accepted, I spend my time writing that article. I also work as a social media editor for a few different brands. I sit down with them each day, and help them grow their presence and their business online.

Oftentimes I wonder how people manage their time especially when they are creating more than one thing-in Alyshia’s cast a podcast, youtube, and writing articles so I decided to ask her about it.

What do you do to manage your time? Any specific programs/ apps you recommend?

When it comes to time management, I don’t use any apps, however every morning when I wake up I pull out my journal. I write down the tasks that I need to get done, then I ask myself one important question. ‘What is one thing I can do today, to get myself closer to my dreams and goals?’ I then schedule my time around that. 

What motivates you?

I am motivated by my own goals. I love to look at them and break them down, I am motivated by the challenge of chasing them.  

Where do you get inspiration?

I am very inspired by the success stories of other women. I have role models who I look up to, and always feel inspired by their work, their backgrounds, and the challenges they face, too. 

I think everyone has a slightly different idea of what a “success” should look like and very often that idea is defined by terms of the society we live in. Most often I wonder if successful people consider themselves successful and what that means to them.

How do you define success?

To me success can be defined by living life on your own terms. Knowing what you want out of life, and then building your life around that — is how I define it for myself. It doesn’t have to be about money, it can be about anything. 

Would you consider yourself successful?

I would consider myself successful, but also a student, too. I am always learning, and I certainly have a lot of growing to do. I hope to always push myself and to always reach for the potential of what I could be.

What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

Discipline. I don’t always have the answers, I am not always inspired, or motivated, but I have a daily routine that sets me up for the life I am trying to build. 

What struggles did you encounter in your life and how have they helped you get to where you are now?

Earlier I mentioned that I struggled in school, I have a learning disability called dyscalculia. Looking back now, I am thankful that I had it. Struggling in school was tough, but it taught me about perseverance, grit, determination, and how to try again and again. These same life lessons are what I need today.

Podcast episode on Hull’s learning disability here

What inspired you to start a youtube channel and a podcast?

I have always wanted to start one, but then the 2020 pandemic hit, and it felt like an amazing time to start. In many areas of my career, I felt held back during that time, offices had shut down, and people were slower to respond, so I began to build something of my own. 

What is your goal/dream/vision for your podcast?

My goal for my podcast is to monetize it. Then to bring on industry leaders who can speak to my young female audience about what it took for them to build their careers, and how they became successful in what they do.

I am sure you are all curious on what Hull has learned from youtube and podcasting. So I wanted her to give you some advice for you guys who may be just starting out. 

Advice for people who want to start a youtube channel?

It is about the audience. What value can you bring them? Many times, we get worried about how we look on camera, or getting things perfect. Instead, ask yourself, what can I provide those who are listening? What can I do for them?

Advice for people who want to start a podcast?

Beyond providing your audience with value, always be willing to learn. I am always reading, and listening to podcasts, and youtube videos about how to make my podcast better, becoming better at your craft is part of the fun.

After finding her on youtube I quickly learned she had  a facebook group so I joined it. And it is such an amazing community.

Tell us the name of your Facebook group and the purpose behind creating it?

My Facebook group is Make Your Break, much like my podcast, the goal is to provide tools and inspiration for living the life you want to live. I created it because I know what it feels like to chase a goal, but to feel alone while doing so.  I also know it doesn’t have to be that way. Our Facebook group was built to support others going after their own goals. Oftentimes we say, ‘your dreams are welcome here.’ They really are.

Many times fear holds us back from creating our dreams and we don’t know how to deal with it. 

Are you ever scared of putting your work out onto the internet? If so, how do you combat this?

Yes, It can be scary. I combat it, by knowing I have a story to share. Although, I won’t be for everyone and not everyone will like me, that’s okay! I want to provide value to those who need it. I want to do that, more than I am afraid of looking funny on the internet. 

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made ?

Saying yes despite being afraid. I get scared putting myself out there sometimes, like when I launched my YouTube, my podcast, or any time I send out a proposal, those things are scary, but saying yes anyway — will always be one of the best decisions I can make. 

Starting a new hobby or interest always brings new ideas, lessons and skills. However, everyone learns them in different ways. So I was curious to see what Alyshia had to say and how it has benefited her.

How has starting youtube and/or your podcast benefited you?

Within just a few weeks after launching my YouTube channel, I said, ‘I have met more people through my platform than I did when I was in college.’ Meeting people from all around the world has been a HUGE plus for me. I love meeting others. 

Have you learned any new skills from youtube/podcasting? If so what are they?

I have learned how to speak to a camera. Before starting my YouTube channel, I never knew how hard it was to turn on a camera, and to simply start talking. In my opinion, it’s really tough, and you feel funny doing it, but now that I have done it for several months now, I have learned how. 

How have your previous work experiences brought you to where you are today in life?

When it comes to writing for different magazines or publications, I often have to show those editors what I have written in the past, that way they know if I am a good fit or not. By building my portfolio of writing clips, I have been able to write for other places, too. I am constantly trying to work my way up.   

What is your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was when I signed with my literary agent. My biggest dream is to become a traditionally published author. In order to do that you have to sign with an agent. I went through rejection, after rejection, after rejection, and the day my agent agreed to represent me was a very rewarding day.

Hull has worked previously with big companies like Girls’ Life, Rachael Ray, Bossbabe.co, American Greetings, etc. So I wanted to ask her about that.

What was it like working for big brand companies?

I love writing for these companies. It can be challenging to get in, but it’s a lot of fun to try. I really enjoy pitching my ideas, but seeing them published for the first time is always my favorite part. 

When I first started watching Alyshia’s youtube videos I learned she wanted to be an author of a book. So I decided to ask her about that and what kind of book she envisioned writing. 

I know one of your biggest dreams is to be a writer. What kind of book(s) do you want to publish?

My biggest dream is to become a children’s book author and a self-help author for teens. I would love to write for teens and under.

Have you been published? If so where?

Mainly I have been published in magazines, journals, and news sites.

Even though Alyshia has accomplished so much I am sure she still has dreams she hopes to achieve. So I asked her what she wants the future to look like for her.

What are your long-term career goals?

My long-term career goals are to become an author, grow my podcast and YouTube channel, and to speak on the topic of personal development. I want to encourage teens and young women to go after their goals and dreams while providing them with the tools to do so.

Advice for people who are trying to achieve a goal?

Ask yourself, what is your why? What is your reason for wanting to achieve this goal? That way – if you ever get a tough rejection, or face a hard setback, you can keep yourself on track. It is all about focusing on your why, the direction you are heading in, and persevering until you get it. Sometimes it isn’t about achieving the big goal, sometimes it is about who you become on the way there.

I admire Alyshia but everyone starts somewhere and has a role model. I was curious as to who Alyshia looked up to! 

Someone you admire and why?

Jasmine Star. Jasmine is a business strategist and a photographer who helps entrepreneurs grow their social platforms. I love her personality, her business, and her willingness to help others.

Goal setting is crucial and Alyshia’s youtube channel focuses a lot on journal setting so I wanted to guide you guys to help you in your goals by journaling. Here is what Alyshia said. 

Best tips for starting a goal-setting journal:

  • Every day, I pull out my journal and I write down 3 things.
  • I write down my top ten goals as if I have already achieved them. 
  • I then write down gratitude for the things that I have. 
  • Finally, I write down my to-do list. Again, what can I do today to get myself closer to the goals I am going after? 

Thank you Brianna for this fun interview. Please know you can do anything and everything you set your mind to. Keep believing in yourself and know that all of your dreams are possible. 

Despite struggling academically in school with a learning disability Alyshia has created a successful life with her love for writing, her podcast, and her youtube channel. Success to Hull doesn’t mean money. It means to live life on your own terms,  knowing what you want out of life, and then taking action to go for it.  

Thank you so much Alyshia Hull for your time and for answering these questions. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to get to know you and your journey. 

Please go support her in her platforms: podcast- Make your Break , Youtube channel, and facebook group!