Get That Life: How I Became A Successful Video Producer At Buzzfeed

"Everything you want is on the other side of fear"

21 March, 2018
Get That Life: How I Became A Successful Video Producer At Buzzfeed

Michelle Khare, 23, is an LA-based professional road cyclist and one of Buzzfeed's most sought-after video producers. To date, her videos have totaled over 400 million views covering a multitude of highly relatable topics such as self-confidence, body image, struggles of being a girl and many more. Michelle has excelled at creating back-to back-viral videos. Her secret to success? "Let go of your fears".

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in a bi-racial family. My mother is Caucasian and my father is Indian. I love being able to be a part of two cultures and it has been an incredible blessing. However,  growing up in a mixed family was also tough because it was difficult to find a specific place of belonging.  This is something I love addressing in my content. As a child, I always questioned my identity because people constantly asked me, "What are you?" Therefore, ​I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a voice for people struggling to fit into a specific category. ​ It is important that every young person knows that regardless of whether or not you see someone who looks like you achieving your dream, it doesn't mean you cannot be the first to accomplish it.

[pullquote align="C"]I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a voice for people struggling to fit into a specific category.[/pullquote]

I studied Digital Media and Technology in college and have always loved acting, theatre and film. I also have a strong passion for road cycling, and after I graduated college, I started a YouTube channel called 'Helmet Head' with my younger sister. We made comedy sketches about cycling because I was on a pro team at the time. Although we didn't really know what we were doing, we had an absolute blast and got featured on a few cycling websites, which helped me land a job at Buzzfeed Video.

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For a long time, I told myself that theater, acting, and film were just hobbies on a resume that would get me into some other career with a set path to a "successful life." However, I finally got to my breaking point where I couldn't play that part of someone who didn't go after their true desires. My passion is to create groundbreaking content that challenges how people think and I want to inspire people to go after their wildest dreams. I live by the mantra: "Everything you want is on the other side of fear." Frequently I've found that the things I fear the most are the things I most need to pursue. I finally found my own identity, and therefore success, when I allowed myself to go for it! 

[pullquote align="C"]I live by the mantra: "Everything you want is on the other side of fear.[/pullquote]

I often get asked "What is the secret to making viral videos?" To be honest, I don't think there is a secret. I constantly check to see what is and isn't working, I keep up with the trends and try to understand the present landscape. I learn from and collaborate with people that inspire me (like Lilly Singh). Watch as many movies, TV shows, and viral videos as you can to learn from others.

[youtube ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1qEXdNF6eY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="">

I want to inspire other people to never give up on their dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem to others. I never thought my hobbies would turn into a career but I found success, the type of success I dreamed about as child, when I allowed myself to fully immerse in my passion. I hope to inspire people all over the world to do the same. I still have a long way to go, many fears to overcome, and much joy to find on the other side.  

Follow Michelle on Buzzfeed, Instagram and Facebook

Get That Life is a weekly series that reveals how successful, talented, creative women got to where they are now. Check back each Friday for the latest interview.

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