Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Mai Pham

Mai Pham has emerged as one of YouTube’s most popular content creators. Since getting her start on the platform at the age of seven, Mai has connected with over a million subscribers with her reliability and authenticity. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Mai about getting her start on YouTube, paving the way for the next generation, and an exciting new business venture.

PC: How did you discover your passion for content creation?
Mai: I started YouTube when I was seven years old. I started because I was raised by immigrant parents, and the idea of hanging out with friends outside of school was still taboo to them, so I wasn’t allowed to leave the house. All I had was a laptop; I was just a kid with the internet. I started a lot of things at a young age. I found that the way I liked connecting to people was through the internet because I didn’t have that connection in real life. I watched people on YouTube all the time as a kid. I always knew that there was something that I wanted to do. So, I started using the webcam on my computer and started doing unboxing videos and stuff like that.

It was always something that I did for fun. I knew that YouTube could be a job, but I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I just continued with it growing up. It also grew up with me. I started to vlog my daily life, and that’s when I started building a fan base.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Mai: I don’t think there’s been a milestone that I find to be the highlight of my career; it’s more all the experiences that I’ve been able to have. I would say one of the biggest things is being able to travel. I remember as a kid that I always wanted to do that, but not a lot of people can actually get up and go do it.

A pivotal moment in my life was when I was turning sixteen and I took my first solo trip to Indonesia and Bali. I was thinking how insane it was that I was achieving my dreams at such a young age.

PC: You’ve been creating content since you were seven. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew back then?
Mai: I started creating content when I was seven. Back then, a lot of people talked poorly about my channel—they called me boring. A lot of them look at me now and say that they think what I do is so cool, and they’re trying to be friends with me. I wish I believed in myself more and didn’t let what others said affect my passion and dreams. A lot of times, I felt insecure about vlogging, videotaping in public, and stuff like that, because people would make fun of me, but now it’s my career. I wish I would have been more confident in myself.

PC: What has it meant to you to pave the way for the next generation of content creators?
Mai: It’s insane to think that so many people look up to me. I don’t think I ever realized how many people watch me. Whenever I set up my camera, I don’t think that people are going to watch it. I feel like I’m just talking to a friend because that’s what I grew up with. A lot of comments I see are people reaching out about how they appreciate how real I am, how honest I am with the camera. I don’t realize the impact that I have on people, but it’s amazing that I can make people feel comfortable. I think it’s really nice that people can watch me and see all the mistakes that I make. I’m not perfect. It’s about embracing your true being and who you actually are, because I feel like a lot of it is hidden on social media. People just present themselves as this perfect picture, but I try my best to be as real as I can.

PC: You’re working on an upcoming clothing line. Is there anything you can tell us about that?
Mai: Ever since I was younger, I loved clothes, especially sneakers. That’s where I got my start in fashion. I played sports like basketball and volleyball, so I started buying basketball sneakers.

I used to collect sneakers when I was younger, and that led me into streetwear. I was also inspired by Travis Scott’s clothing line and his brand. I liked how big it was, how it has such a unique look to it.

I’ve always wanted to create something and put something out there for my supporters to buy, but I’ve been very picky about it. I haven’t released merch in two years. A lot of people ask me why I don’t, but it’s because I only want to put out stuff that I’m proud of.

To keep up with Mai, follow her on Instagram. Subscribe to her YouTube channel.

Photo Credit: Sidney Mazza