Make your Dreams Your Job: How Women Are Crafting Their Own Paths
I know I’m not the only one who feels like the traditional 9-5 is almost outdated, or at least no longer the only option. As the lines between work and personal life blur, young women are carving out spaces where their passions become their professions, and their dreams are no longer distant ideals but living, breathing realities.
This isn’t just about escaping the corporate grind or rejecting the stereotypes of: go to college, use your degree, and land a career. It's about curating a life and career that feels authentically yours—and thanks to TikTok, it can become a reality. Not to mention, most of us grew up watching Bethany Mota’s vlogs on YouTube. We didn’t even know what vlogs were back then, but they’ve been part of our lives for so long that posting on TikTok and showing our everyday lives almost feels natural. Because of TikTok, this dream is now so tangible and within reach that we want it more than ever. So, if you’re like so many others and want to watch your dreams come true, stay tuned.
One of my favorites on TikTok, who has made a real difference for me personally, is Kitty Murphy. When I first stumbled upon one of her videos, she had about 8,000 followers—which is impressive in itself. But there’s something in her presence, her charisma, and the way she conveys authenticity in her videos that made it clear she was destined for more. If you don’t know Kitty and want authentic, spontaneous, comedic content to watch, her TikTok and YouTube are my safe space! Kitty also writes and creates visuals for Havens, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her as part of the team since the beginning, because she sees the vision!
Kitty isn’t alone in her pursuit. There are so many other creators who are making waves. When I first discovered Abby Caitlin, she had 18k followers, and now, in less than a year, she has over 100k. I’ve seen her talk on multiple occasions about wanting to do content creation full time, a dream she’s always worked toward—and now, she’s living it. Abby’s built a lifestyle that feels 100% authentic to her. If you love the beach, golden retrievers, and fashion, seriously, Abby is a personal favorite and a huge inspiration. She also recently got engaged, so I’m looking forward to all the wedding content!
I’ve watched Conner Babcock’s growth unfold in real time, and she’s someone who constantly reminds me to pursue what I truly want. Her dedication to her vision and unwavering belief in herself is so intentional. Her videos capture her laid-back, cool vibe, and what I find so refreshing about her is that she’s always been transparent about how content creation is the career she’s always dreamed of. It’s not just a passing thought for her—it’s something she’s worked tirelessly toward.
It’s so easy to look at these women and think their success came effortlessly, but the reality is far more layered. Building a career from scratch takes work. It takes commitment, resilience, and an unwavering belief in your vision. And yet, there’s something even more powerful in their stories: the belief that the life they’re building is worth it. It’s about creating a lifestyle that seamlessly blends personal and professional passions. It’s about aligning the work you do with the life you want to lead—and it’s 100% about being true to yourself.
The biggest takeaway from writing this is: it’s possible. We all know that feeling of doubt—the “I’ll never get there” devil on your shoulder that creeps up from time to time. But if there’s one thing to remember, it’s that the future is closer than you think. Every woman who’s creating her own career is a testament to the idea that success doesn’t happen by waiting. It happens by doing, by creating, and by showing up.
Even as I reflect on my own career—leaving the job I got right out of college, creating my digital magazine, landing brand deals, working with a team of talented writers, living by the beach—I realize how far I’ve come. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed I would be where I am today. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that my future self is cheering me on from ahead.
One of my favorite quotes is: “You want it so bad because your future self already has it.” I remind myself and my best friend, who also has huge goals for herself, because we’ve always felt so strongly about the life and career we want. We want it so badly because it's meant for us. That might sound like woo-woo magic, charging my crystals with the moon, but you have to truly believe in yourself to make something of yourself. TikTok is letting women pave their own roads. And hopefully, that doesn't get taken away from us. But even if it does, I hope it doesn’t stop us from believing in ourselves.