Alyssa McKay's success has reached unbelievable heights over the past few years - and with The Royals of Malibu podcast set to take over the airwaves, her star is only going to rise.
So, what motivates her?
We sat down with the content creator to hear about her biggest drivers, what she'd tell her younger self, and what she plans to do next.
Alyssa Is Determined To Set Herself Up For Life
Asked if she's always dreamed of being a content creator, Alyssa chuckles a resounding no.
"I didn't start posting to social media thinking it would blow up, or become a career," she begins.
So, what prompted her start?
"I needed a creative outlet, for sure," she explains.
Sure enough, though, her content started gaining traction - and soon, she saw the possibilities.
"As soon as I realized I could make a career out of this, I started working extra hard. It almost became a matter of survival for me, because I didn't have the option to go back home if it didn't work out."
Having said that, she points out that she worked hard to obtain a Communications degree - something to fall back on, if need be.
"I worked really hard because I didn't want to ever struggle, like I have in the past."
"Hopefully," she nods, "It sets me up for life."
Alyssa Reveals What She'd Tell Her Younger Self
Speaking of the struggles she experienced, earlier on in life, we couldn't help but ask Alyssa what she's tell her younger self, if she could.
More specifically, we asked what she'd tell her 13-year-old self.
"13 was probably the worst time of my life! I was right in the depths of it all, being in foster care."
"I guess," she muses, before breaking into a smile, "I would say, it definitely gets much better."
She also shares that she doesn't think her younger self would be able to comprehend what was in store for her.
"My dream was just to finish high school. Then, it was finishing college, so I don't think I'd even believe me if I told my younger self all the things I've accomplished."
While on the topic of what she'd tell her younger self, we also took the opportunity to ask Alyssa if she had advice for young fans hoping to follow in her footsteps - or fans of any age, for that matter.
"You just cannot fear what the people around you think," she urges. "That's the biggest thing holding you back."
"If you really are passionate about something, just put yourself out there. I'm a very shy person, but I've learned pretty recently that being the loudest person in the room is not a bad thing."
"I used to be really embarrassed of being the loudest voice, but now, if I want something, I'm gonna go and get it, and I don't care who sees me fail," she continues.
After all, she points out, "At the end of the day, I'm fighting for what I want."
What's Next For Alyssa McKay?
So, just what does Alyssa want?
"This is going to sound so cheesy," she laughs, pointing out that her friends tease her mercilessly, any time she brings it up.
"I really want to be a part of a teen Netflix Original show. It's so specific, but I love Ginny and Georgia and all those stories. I just think they're so good!"
Alyssa chuckles that even at 23, those are the stories she relates to most, so being cast in one, "Would be the ultimate dream."
Given all she's accomplished thus far, something tells us this is a dream well within reach for Alyssa McKay!
The Royals of Malibu is the newest podcast from Diversion Audio. Catch new episodes every Monday.
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