This Former Radio Disney Host Helps Others “Be Fearless”

Making the most of every opportunity. That’s how you want to live your life, especially in the business world.

For Alexa Curtis, that drive is coupled with the desire to be fearless in all things. As you’ll see, Alexa maximized this concept and turned it into a mantra.

And it’s one that resonates not just with her, but the countless people she inspires worldwide.

Tell us about yourself and your business.

I started as a blogger back in 2011 when I was 12-years-old. The site was originally a fashion blog, and I built it out into a full-time lifestyle platform for young people helping them be fearless.

Through the site I had a podcast called This is Life Unfiltered that I ultimately sold to Disney and hosted Fearless Everyday on Radio Disney further along in my career.

When I left Disney, I decided to host career development conferences and build out my personal brand. That’s what I do now! 

How does your business make money?

The Alexa Curtis brand makes money through brand partnerships, consulting and coaching / newsletter services.

Be Fearless generates revenue from our events, sponsorships, and the newsletter. 

What was your inspiration for starting the business?

When I was 12, I had no money and no connections. I was living in a small town called Mansfield, Connecticut.

The blog was a launching pad for me to become more confident and find myself. I never anticipated my career to become what it’s become today. 

How and when did you launch the business?

September 12, 2011 was my first blog post! I have it tattooed on my finger! 

How much money did you invest to start the business?

I started the business with $0.

How did you find your first few clients or customers?

I was still in middle school when I started, so I had made a LinkedIn page and was getting people reaching out asking if I offered social media services. This was before the days of TikTok, if you can imagine, so it was manual posting and building brands.

I began to build a small roster of clients whose social media I was running (while in high school), and that was one of the reasons I decided to drop out of school. Teachers don’t love distracted students! 

What was your first year in business like?

I ultimately started making “real” money in my late teens, early 20s, so when that began to transpire, it was filled with highs and lows.

I don’t have a proper business degree, and everything I’ve learned is self-taught. It’s been a lot to handle, and it continues to be, but I know so much more about myself now than I did when I was 12. 

What strategies did you use to grow the business?

I take a lot of pride in my authenticity and it’s something I know comes through via all of my work. Having that on my side has enabled me to grow a strong following of people who want to know the highs and lows of the business field.

Building community is something that I’ve been strong at since I started as a teen blogger. Here are my 4 tips to building community ⬇️ #community #buildinpublic pic.twitter.com/GWcaxQr345

— Alexa Curtis: Build Your Personal Brand (@Alexa_Curtis) January 2, 2024

You aren’t following me to see me post hot photos on yachts and want to be me.

It’s a different business model. I’ve also had a lot of success with brand deals, and working with such big brands has definitely gotten me in front of a new demographic.  

Do you use email marketing? 

Yes! I never utilized my newsletter as much as I started to when I got connected with my now friend Tyler Denk, co-founder of beehiiv, who first appeared on my podcast.

Understanding the strategy behind newsletters made me realize I needed to take mine seriously!

What is your strategy with paid advertising? 

As of now, I don’t do any paid advertising.

How did you make the transition from side hustle to full-time?

It was very gradual for me. As I got older and started to make money from the site, I decided not to go to college and pursue it full-time while making money. The stakes just increased as I got older. 

What was the turning point when you knew your business was successful?

Landing my Disney show from a cold pitch! 

How much traffic does your website receive, and what are your primary sources?

I receive about 15,000 monthly views. These mostly come through organic traffic people searching for me or Be Fearless. 

What is your best-selling product?

My best-selling product is my personal brand, Alexa Curtis.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned growing the business?

Your end-all goal shouldn’t be to go viral. If I let that be mine, I would’ve given up a long time ago. 

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome?

When I first signed with Disney, they said yes, and then said no. It was a crazy ride.

After 6 months, they said yes again, but during that time, I went into the deepest depression.

It worked out in the end, and I believe that all of the highs and lows are there to teach you lessons. Not make you give up. 

What are some of your favorite books?

Some of my favorite books are:

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
• How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie.
• Becoming by Michelle Obama.