👋🏽 Doors Opening

Hey! Welcome to Creator Economy NYC — the premier hub where the creator economy connects, learns, and thrives.

Coming to you from Puerto Rico this week — getting a bit of sun with family before the countdown begins for our fast-approaching CONNECT conference.

Today’s newsletter is a full-circle moment that really captures what this community is all about.

I’m excited to announce our CONNECT keynote speaker — and reflect on how far we’ve come since our very first newsletter.

It’s a story about consistency, courage, and betting on yourself… something I’ve now lived myself.

Consider it your Friday dose of inspiration to close the week strong.

Let’s dive in.

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✍️ Spotlight

It all comes full circle

When we hosted our first Creator Economy NYC fireside chat two years ago, I took a chance on inviting a rising NYC creator who was beginning to make big waves with his cinematic vlogs and thoughtful perspective on life and creativity.

That creator was Timm Chiusano.

That night set the tone for how our events would evolve — from just networking to real conversations that inspire and educate (fireside chats, panels, etc).

Now, nearly two years later, Timm is returning as our keynote speaker for CONNECT, our first-ever conference happening May 10 in partnership with Teachable.

He’ll be sharing how to turn your lived experience into a sustainable business — with insights on monetization, storytelling, and standing out in the age of AI.

Ahead of the event, I wanted to reshare our very first Creator Economy NYC newsletter from December 2023, where Timm was our debut feature.

It's amazing to see how far we've both come since then, and I can't wait to bring things full circle at CONNECT.

Tickets are selling fast, join us on May 10th: secure yours today here for $100 OFF.

Now on to our first newsletter from December 12, 2023:

•••

Meet Timm Chiusano: crafting authenticity in the heart of NYC

Born in Chicago to a radio executive and an artist, Timm Chiusano’s path took him from NYC to Canada, where he studied and played hockey. Now in Brooklyn, he's the fourth generation of his family to call the borough home.

By day, Timm works as a Vice President in Spectrum's content division, leading a team of hundreds. After hours, he creates content that connects with people through his honest, relatable take on adult life.

His journey between NYC and Canada reflects his split life — corporate leader by day, creator by night.

Finding balance between work and creativity

Timm's approach to content is as unique as his background.

When I asked Timm about rituals or routines that help him transition from his corporate job to content creation mode, he emphasized “blurring the lines while always keeping his counterparts’ best interests at heart.”

It's this blend of professionalism and personal touch that makes his content so compelling.

When it comes to engaging with his audience, Timm stressed the importance of being as real as possible and providing value "without being preachy.” He believes that caring deeply about his audience is the core of meaningful creation.

And his advice for NYC creators and builders? Don't give up. 

Balancing a career with creative work in New York is tough, but for Timm, it's been worth it. Consistency is key.

Inspired by the Big Apple

In 2021, Timm's first viral video showed a candid "day in the life" that resonated with viewers worldwide. But Timm didn't blow up overnight — he actually started years ago making protein bar reviews on Instagram!

Timm's content draws from his Brooklyn heritage, going back to his great-grandfather, an immigrant who first arrived in this borough. This all gives his work a genuine NYC feel.

From favorite spots like Ki Sushi (for takeout) and Lure (for business dinners) to personal moments like watching his daughter at Taekwondo or kissing his wife goodnight, Timm shares his world where personal, professional, and New York life meet.

And, I of course had to ask Timm about his creative inspirations, which turned out to be just as diverse as his experiences — he shared with me:

And when I asked about some of his most memorable NYC experiences, he said:

Finally, when I asked Timm what he thinks sets the NYC creator economy community apart from other creative hubs, he added:

Overall, it’s clear the essence of NYC culture, from its restaurants to the people, fuels Timm’s creative journey. He’s just one of the many amazing talents building and creating in our city.

If you aren’t following Timm already, now is the time to start: TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Thank you for reading, or re-reading since that first newsletter.

•••

An April 2025 update on Timm's evolution

Since that first profile, Timm took the leap many in our community dream of: he left his VP role at Spectrum to become a full-time creator.

Through consistency, storytelling, and a deep connection with his audience, he’s gone from “corporate guy who makes content” to a thriving independent voice.

He joined... the “9-5 quitters club.”

Looking back... and forward

Having Timm as our CONNECT keynote feels poetic. His story embodies what Creator Economy NYC is all about — finding your voice, building sustainability, and doing it on your own terms.

When I first invited Timm to speak, we were both juggling our day jobs while building our creative side projects.

Now, there's a beautiful symmetry to how our paths have converged.

I’m full-time on Creator Economy NYC.

Whether you’re in the thick of a 9-5 or already on your own path, Timm’s story — and what he and our other speakers will share on May 10 — will resonate.

See you at CONNECT.

📚 Resources

2 FREE resources to accelerate your creator growth

The Creator Goal Setting Guide: A simple but powerful document to help you declare who you want to BECOME in 2025.

The Creator Accountability System: Your visual companion for consistent creation in 2025 (I’m using this now to send one newsletter a week!)

✌🏽 Stand Clear of the Closing Doors Please

Thanks so much for reading! See you at CONNECT on May 10!

And, as always, see you next week.

Brett