We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Derek Xavier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Derek Xavier below.
Hi Derek Xavier, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I definitely got my work ethic from my family.
For years, I watched my mother, father and grandmother work so hard to take care of my siblings and I. They made sure we had food on the table, had all our homework done, and even helped us with school projects, all while balancing their own lives and jobs. Seeing how hard they worked every single day for us really ingrained in me a sense of how hard work and giving it your all is truly important. I suppose that when you’re doing it for something you love, whether it be for your family or in my case, content creation and toys, maybe the work isn’t so hard after all!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Derek Xavier (also known as @derrycake) and I am a content creator and toy collector! I love to unbox toys – whether it be blind boxes, premium statues/figures and honestly anything of the sort, and showcase them through short form videos. I am very passionate about collecting, and I was a collector long before I was a content creator.
Who says toys are just for kids? Trinkets, toys, figures – call them what you want, but enjoying something that brings you happiness shouldn’t have an age limit. Whether it’s collecting adorable plushies, to finally pulling that last rare blind box figure you’ve been missing, toys can relieve stress, spark creativity and bring joy to anyone of any age, and any background. Feeling joy is limitless, and if toys bring you that, why should they just be limited to a certain age group?
As a toy content creator, I’m on a mission to spread the joy of collecting. It’s amazing to see how much happiness a toy can bring, and I love sharing my passion with others. By showcasing my collection and the stories behind each piece, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own collecting hobbies. The best part is the incredible community that surrounds collecting. Connecting with fellow collectors, discussing our favorite finds, and sharing our experiences is truly heartwarming. It’s more than just owning things; it’s about the shared love, excitement, and connections we build along the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say these three things are crucial:
1. Passion & Persistence: Loving what you do is key! It fuels the energy to keep going, especially when things get tough.
2. Creativity & Originality: Stand out by sharing your unique perspective. Experiment with different content formats, find your own style, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
3. Community Building: Connect with other collectors and creators. Engage with your audience, collaborate with others, and just enjoy the shared experience.
For those starting out, my advice is to:
1. Start small and be consistent: Don’t overwhelm yourself. Post regularly, even if it’s just a small update or a quick photo.
2. Learn and adapt: Keep up with trends, don’t be afraid to experiment, and always be open to learning and growing.
3. Be patient and persistent: Keep creating – always!
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I love to make lists. Even if the first item on my list is to “make a list”, I find that checking off one box really helps get the ball rolling. Any problem can be broken down into parts, and if you solve each part, you get to the overall solution. It can be challenging when you’re constantly juggling, but that is where organization, lists and planning can really help out in the long run.
Sure, sometimes life can throw you a curveball and you can truly only plan so much, so when in doubt, I always make a list. I usually wake up every morning with a cup of strong black tea and go over my action items for the day. That way, I can strategize and figure out what is a priority, what can be potentially moved to another time, and what is truly feasible.
Don’t forget to prioritize self-care either! I also add that to my lists as it is important to make sure you take care of yourself first.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/derrycake
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/derrycake
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYA3zeVU9puFbPyR7kK4RKQ
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