When I started this site, I had to sit down and really think about the first couple of people or brands I featured. I wanted to be sure I was featuring (and supporting) what I felt was bringing millennials a good rep. Let’s face it, you can only make a great first impression once and we’re all hoping to do that when we launch any project that we love.
Luckily, the first person I wanted to feature seemed excited about the project and agreed right away. Of course, I’m talking about music vlogger and blogger, Paige, from Paige Backstage. {I’ll be linking her blog and YouTube channel down below.}
When I first stumbled on Paige’s YouTube channel, I’m not going to lie, I definitely binge watched most of the videos she had live. When someone blatantly talks about the “obsessions” they’ve had in their life and they mention the Jonas Brothers, how can you not adore them? Since then, I’ve loved watching the different content she has to offer and I think you will too.
Loving Millennials: “Tell us about yourself. Who’s Paige?”
Paige: “Well… I’m a former record label employee, current blogger/vlogger. I have an insane number of allergies. I buy way too much vinyl for someone who’s not making 6 figures. I really like french fries. Oh, and I’m really passionate about helping to educate and support girls who are trying to make their own way in the music industry (or anywhere else, really).”
LM: “What made you want to create PaigeBackstage?”
P: “I worked at a major label for 3 years. I saw how many bands were signed and then ignored once their album was being released, because projected sales weren’t enough to warrant anyone even trying to promote their record. It was unfair, like how are you supposed to break a new artist if no one gives them a chance? Also, I was sick of my voice not being heard because I was a ~fangirl~ (aka I enjoy pop music) and I wanted my own outlet that I was in control of to share music that I thought people should hear. It’s going well so far. I get a lot of messages about people listening to The Maine because of me and that’s literally all I really want.
Somewhere down the line, I started to talk to people and my mission changed from “sharing music that deserves our attention” to “… and also educating girls on the industry and encouraging them to make their own path”. I think my favourite part is coaching girls to start their own blog/YouTube channel or working with them on whatever creative project they have in mind.”
LM: “Do you have any tips for millennials wanting to pursue a creative career?”
P: “Don’t expect a whole lot in the beginning, but also don’t undervalue yourself or put up with bad treatment for too long. It takes a long time to move up because there are SO many people vying for these careers. However, I know I spent a lot of time putting up with bullying and unfair wages because I figured “if I don’t just agree to this, they’ll find someone who will and replace me”. It’s not fair to yourself and it’s also reeeeeeal bad on your mental health. Work for yourself (or a small tight-knit company) so you’re always in control of your future, and work with other self-starters. Building your own community is better than being bullied and pushed around by companies that don’t see your worth.”
LM: “What do you think the biggest misconception about millennials is?”
P: “I hate when people say we’re entitled. I hate a lot of things people say about us, but I mainly hate being called entitled. We were raised with every adult saying “you can be literally whatever you want to be when you grow up” so we all had these huge dreams… and then grew up to find they’d ruined the job economy and the housing market and that we were all screwed and we’d probably have to settle for a lot less just to be able to afford ramen and a moldy basement apartment. So if you’re sick of us saying we want more, remember it was you who told us we could have more.
Also, I think saying “I want to have a full time job with fair wages” isn’t really entitled…kind of just asking for basic human needs tbh. And I’m sorry I still live at home. I worked 40 hours a week and didn’t make enough to pay for rent (never mind phone bills, credit card bills, internet, food, clothes, transportation, etc.). Now I work those same hours and make $100 off YouTube twice a year. We’re all screwed. This took a turn, oh god.”
LM: “What’s your favorite things about millennials?”
P: “We are so creative!! Everyone’s starting small companies (or even just Instagram accounts) to sell pins, apps, needlepoint, art, literally anything imaginable. And we’re all so good at promoting it online in a way that doesn’t play down the accomplishment but still sounds genuine. We’ve all been raised ~entitled~ so we know the worth of what we create, and we’re good with the internet and not sounding fake because we were born learning about it. As much as I feel despondent about our job opportunities and ability to save for retirement, I have so much faith in us as a creative generation that really changes the game. And I love how many people are on YouTube sharing their life experiences and knowledge with other people, we want the attention but we also want to educate. Nothing wrong with that.”
LM: “Words of encouragement for this generation.”
PB: “If you can’t find your place in the world, create your own. Don’t let your happiness or success rest in the hands of another person. Work well with others, but make sure everyone knows your accomplishments are yours. Trust yourself. Create. DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS BE DREAMS.” LM.
Be sure to check out Paige on YouTube, as well as on her blog!
Loving Millennials 