TikTok's Top Creators, Platform Pivots, and Why Email Lists Are Your Secret Weapon to Mindful Business Strategies

Oh Boy, Here We Go: TikTok’s Leading Ladies & Lessons in Pivoting to Cultivate Mindful Business Strategies

The biggest female content creators on TikTok aren’t just racking up views—they’re cashing in big. Here are five standout stars and their estimated earnings:

1. Charli D’Amelio: Once known for dance videos, Charli now has an estimated net worth of $20 million, thanks to her D’Amelio Footwear line and partnerships with Dunkin’ and Hollister.

2. Addison Rae: With a net worth of $15 million, Addison expanded into acting, launched a makeup line, and signed lucrative brand deals.

3. Bella Poarch: Famous for her viral lip-syncs, Bella has built a $6 million fortune with music releases and endorsement deals.

4. Dixie D’Amelio: Charli’s sister, Dixie, is carving out her own path, earning $10 million through her music career and family reality show.

5. Avani Gregg: Known for her beauty content, Avani’s collaborations with brands like Morphe have helped her earn $4.75 million.

However, the looming potential of a TikTok ban in the U.S. casts a shadow. On January 17, 2025, The US Supreme Court upheld a law requiring Btye Dance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest the social media platform or face a ban in the US. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, on January 18, TikTok shut down for a whopping 12 hours. 

For many TikTok creators, the ability to pivot now becomes critical. Many are expanding onto platforms like YouTube and Instagram or building personal brands outside of social media entirely, showing us all how to adapt when the foundation shakes-either way cultivating mindful business strategies is key when it comes to social media.

The Pivot Playbook: Adapt or Fade 

For 12 whole hours, the darkness of TikTok was very real for those entrepreneurs and founders who rely on it’s platform as a main source of income. For now, an executive order was signed and has given TikTok another 75 days…however, if TikTok shuts down, those who’ve diversified will thrive, while others may struggle. Whether it’s launching new products, targeting untapped markets, or embracing the next big tech platform, the pivot is a survival skill. All bullsh*t about governmental politics aside, you need a plan. 

Lessons from Platforms Past 

The rise and fall of platforms like Vine, MySpace, and Friendster remind us that no platform is permanent. Each once dominated the digital world, yet they disappeared when trends shifted and users moved on. Those who relied solely on these platforms often faded with them, while others who built diverse strategies—like influencers pivoting from Vine to YouTube—carried their audiences forward. The same could happen to TikTok, underscoring the importance of adaptability and foresight for every entrepreneur. One thing is for certain, email lists will always be an asset.

Unlike social media platforms, which can change policies or face bans, email remains a consistent and reliable communication channel. By encouraging followers to subscribe to newsletters or updates, creators can ensure they retain their community regardless of external platform disruptions. This direct line to your audience not only safeguards against unforeseen changes but also fosters a more personal and engaged relationship.

The takeaway: always have a backup plan, because platforms and trends might vanish, but resilience and creativity never go out of style. 

…but I guess we’ll wait and see who ends up buying TikTok.