Finally Being Honest (also there's cake) | Irene Walton 

It breaks my heart so much to know that you're struggling with getting new viewers. You are such a comfort to so many and yet that's not enough? How can it not be? :( But please know we're here for you, and you feel free to try new things, experiment, or do what's easy for a little while - whatever helps you to find your light again. We'll always be here! 💛

Thank you for your vulnerability. We love and appreciate you so much. Your content has helped me through a lot of hard times. I hope the positivity that will fill your comments, will help you feel a little bit better during your hard time. You are a blessing in this world and we will support ya no matter what. ❤️

This is why we love you Irene, you come on here and keep it real even if something is bothering you and when something bothers you, You address it let it out and keep it moving. Take care! 🙂

These are very valid feelings. I've learned from watching rich celebrities who struggle from drug dependancies and suicide that it's not about the status you've obtained, it's about the height from which you fall, whatever that may mean: losing a job or funds (at any tax bracket), losing a relationship, partner or friend, achieving a goal and then stagnating or dipping. It's not about the level, it's about the trajectory. I've gone through very similar frame of mind just this week about where I had to rethink my whole career path.We have to remember that our lives can be long enough that they're going to be filled with so many hills and valleys, and if you spend your time on jobs, people or hobbies that are super important to you, those are the things that will inevitably be affected.

I recently re-discovered you over the holidays after I got a kitchen aid and started baking up a storm. I’ve been catching up on all the videos I’ve missed. You are such a joy to watch, and brighten the day of all your viewers. you don’t have to hide the hard parts because making content for a living is hard, especially when your success is determined by an algorithm. I hope things turn around, and if they don’t, we will support you in whatever comes next ❤

this is one of my favorite videos that you have made and the number of times I have watched it, I couldn't even tell you. Although I'm a little late to the party, I would like to say thank you for being you and sharing a piece of yourself with us!

Irene you've never given off the "woe is me, I don't wanna work" vibe! Those of us that have followed you for years know you've worked your ass off, and we want to see you succeed bc you're genuine, funny and creative! I think the way of the influencer is changing with short-form content. Folks used to have 1-2 videos go viral and then they were set. Now the formula has changed and it's harder to get your content in front of a new audience. But don't give up! I don't comment often but I LOVE watching your videos and keeping up with you on social media. You'll find your footing again. Just be kind to yourself while you get it figured out! ❤️

Hey Irene, I’ve followed you on Instagram for a while and I wanted to say that I relate to this video so much! I’m an aspiring musician and it’s been kinda difficult to put my music out there because I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing and it’s rather demoralizing. Thank you for sharing 💙

Thank you for being real!! You are such a bright light in this world, and as a super positive bubbly person myself, sometimes we have to feel our feelings... and that is okay! I love watching your baking videos and seeing the creations you make. You are an admirable creator. 🥰

I am so sorry you’re struggling so much. I completely understand where you’re coming from (maybe not with content, but with the same concept of what you’re going through). I’d thought I’d like you know though that I adore you and have been binging all of your videos anytime I’m in the kitchen. I don’t know what I’d do without seeing (or hearing) you every week. I appreciate your vulnerability. We love you ❤

Girl, you can be open with us annnnnytime. Literally you're going to be amazing at whatever you do in life bc you put your all into everything you do. Sending all the good vibes your way ❤

Never shy away from being vulnerable! That's how you connect to viewers and it helps us when we're in a bad place mentally to know we're not alone. We come to your channel for YOU! More than the cakes, recipes, cooking tips, and podcasts, we are here because we see you. You're so genuine, sweet, hilarious, relatable, talented! We love you ❤️❤️❤️

I feel you so much girl. Thank you for your honesty. I’ve been going through it too! As hard as this may have been for you, please know it helped me realize I’m not alone in my struggle. I’ve been here since “Dead Dad’s Kitchen” debut and I’ve really been listening to your podcast “Bites of History” constantly since it began and truly enjoy it. As someone who has dabbled in trying to see what it takes to be an influencer my heart goes out to you. I’ve been wondering why you don’t get sponsors for your podcast and yet other podcasts are just mindless chatter with not so good people as hosts and they have sponsors out the frame. Im sorry to go there and maybe it’s not true but it bums me out to see because I want you to win. I truly think the RU-vid algorithm is not good or has changed too much as well. I open my app and nothing is interesting and poppin in my recommended feed like it used to be a years ago or even one year ago. I literally have to manually type into the search bar to seek out the channels I actually want to see and it’s so frustrating. Just know I’ve been thinking about you and want success for you girl. I see how hard you work and I hope it pays off. Thank you for everything you do. ♥️

My heart breaks for you. This content creation space is so fickle, it is not a single reflection on you or your content, the algorithm and all the variables are evil. We love your videos and I’m excited to see what your next step is. Take us along this journey with you! We just want to see YOU. Doesn’t matter what type of content you’re putting out. Love the realness. Regardless of all the positivity we can shine on you, I’m sure internally this is such a tough pivot that nice comments can’t heal, but the world works in mysterious ways and your next step of content creator + additional income stream is going to be just right for you. Can’t wait to see where life takes you and let us in on this next chapter so we can support you there too (if you want (; ).

Girlie!! A challenge for you that I know I'd love to watch: full face of make up using only cooking ingredients (pls don't have a rash!!) Love you and hope you're having a good day 🥺🥰

Thank you for sharing your experiences lately. I have also been having a hard time the last few weeks.... much love sent your way!! 🥰🙏✨️💗

Do vlogs, more dead dads kitchen, more painting, less history ❤

Sorry to hear about your struggles. Wishing you the best.

Reney, I think I speak for all of us when I say We Love You!

Thank you for always being my comfort RU-vidr, whenever I have a rubbish day; I just stick one of your videos on and it makes me feel better. You have honestly saved my life numerous times with your videos and I wholeheartedly appreciate your openness, innovation and integrity and creativeness. You are such an inspiration in my life and I am so grateful for your videos, thank youuu!! 💞🤗

Irene, honey, we’re all here for you and it’s okay to slip sometimes. Vulnerability is so important in times when we’re struggling. You are so incredibly loved and supported by your community, I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling, but you will bounce back and the algorithm is evil🤗 All the love in the world sent out to you🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Irene! I’m obsessed with you but haven’t watched anything of yours in a minute- Fuck the algorithm. But also, I am speaking from my core as a person who loves your personality, I remember seeing reels about your pod abs thought it was an amazing concept, but as someone who enjoys you, I didn’t get reeled in ( I could be the most extreme outlier) but. EVERY time I see an Insta story from you I saw in my head damn I wish there was avenue I could just hear Irene talk about life, current events, general dumb or occasionally poignant commentary. NO IDEA IF IM ALONE IN THIS. And no idea if algorithm/my perception of what content is “clickable” to hit my Irene dopamine rush makes me not push forward, but. I would listen to Irene talk every day of my life! And glad I wound up here. Box of thoughts meant a lot to me bc of you specifically and had watched your content for a while because of that! Specifically you! You are full of splendor and special.

I love all your videos ❤️ you’re so real and absolutely adorable!! You inspired me to make brown butter rice crispys with sprinkles! And my family LOVED them!!

The amount of confidence and courage it takes to decorate a cake in your white living room. I wish. Also Irene, sometime it takes a mental breakdown in order to go up 💕

"maybe a little cry was involved,, who knows??" is so relatable tho lol

We all down bad. But it does get better. WE BELIEVE IN IRENE ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

The cake came out SO cute! Who cares if she's a little lopsided, just name her Ilene! She will still be freakin' delicious 😘

Oh girl, I feel you! As someone who owns 2 businesses, I rely heavily on content creation/social media for customers. When the algorithm is against me, it affects everything. Your content is amazing, genuine and such a comfort to me. I come here to feel at home. This is just a rough patch, it won’t last forever. We will always be here to support you!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Irene. You are so pure and so genuine and I love you.

❤ just keep swimming you have to keep going be consistent and don’t ever stop! I’ll miss you terribly ❤

We love you so much Irene!!

It's a beautiful thing to be vulnerable and be aware of your feelings. I am so proud of you, and I absolutely love all your content. Please keep going. I know you will. You are so strong and resilient.

Love you, Irene! Thanks for all your efforts. You're one of my all-time favorite RU-vid personalities!

I could tell ur spirit was down .. Don't give up girl!! Find your light again, the flame! 🔥 You got this and I believe in you! You're human and aloud not to be super happy all the time but I hope you can bring it back and get your confidence back. We all love and adore you and appreciate you! Don't let anyone including yourself let you believe the negative talk. Love ya girl ❤️❤️❤️ can't wait for next vid

Irene, I absolutely love your baking videos, I have tried making many of your recipes! I would totally buy a cookbook if you wrote one! Your feeling are absolutely valid and I’m so glad you shared, but I want you to know that every single video brightens my day! Im still secretly hoping you bring back the “your families recipes” segment and make my grandma’s butterhorns recipe! Either way, you are so loved by so many! 💙

This was so honest / real I really enjoyed it I could watch you decorate cakes for jours

I appreciate you and your vulnerability, Irene. Watching your videos (your cooking/baking and podcasts alike) genuinely feels like I'm hanging out with a friend and learning something new together. You've got a forever viewer in me!💕

Awe Irene 😢 I couldn’t relate to you more! I’ve been so overwhelmed and struggling with patience lately. Hopefully things get better. No one deserves success more than you. Also the cake looks tasty AF! Red velvet is my jam

I am salivating over your cake 🥰😍🤩🤗😘

Thank you for your vulnerability. We love and appreciate you so much. I wouldn't take your views personally, I feel like there are fewer views all throughout RU-vid as there are so many other social media platforms to use and view.

We love you, Irene!! ❤ thank you for being vulnerable with us

Hey Girlie! Thank you for sharing your feelings. I wanted to let you know that my mom and I watch your videos together and we are both sending you hugs

You’re fine. You’re okay. RU-vid is tricky. You’re doing better than you think you are. If you cooked a cake or chicken in my kitchen and dropped it, I would still eat it. 😊

Hey! Haven’t seen your videos in a year and it popped up for me today ❤ I’m a designer trying to get off the ground and the cake was very relatable 💕

I find it difficult to stack and fully decorate a cake with just cream cheese frosting since it's so loose. I usually use cream cheese as a filling only and decorate with buttercream or make a cream cheese/ buttercream hybrid frosting so the frosting will get more stability from the butter when it is chilled. Maybe you can also use one of the cream cheese frostings that Sugarologie made to help with its stability! You can make a video on trying out one of her frostings? To see whether the extra effort is worth doing for an extra stable frosting.

I love your cake and the vulnerability you shared. I would watch any content you put out for us.

This video found me today in my home page, just subscribed! 😁🥰

Irene you deserve so many viewers! I try really hard to show engagement so that your videos will be seen by others 😢 Ugh sometimes I feel like the algorithm pushes bigger creators and it’s lame

While it's so discouraging to be pulled away from your creative passions to get by, please don't let yourself think FOR A SECOND that it means that you're bad at what you do. Your content is so genuine and uplifting to sooo many people. You are truly a unique, wholesome presence on this hellsite and we're lucky to have you. Sis, have as many mental cake downs as you need

Aww Irene, I'm sorry you are having a hard time. Sometimes things are like that but they do tend to end up working out. Keep going, do what you love and you'll never be doing the wrong thing. Soon you'll be like "what was I even worried about"

I think this video was indeed meant to be🥰 God bless your heart🤍

I wish you could get more views. Your shorts content is so good!! Wish I had advice because your content is perfect to me. 💜

Thank you for opening up about your feelings. Personally sad that I've been locked out of my Instagram and missed you so much! Love you Irene! Keep going, and keep growing. 💜💪

We don’t hear this stuff from creators. It’s nice to hear the hard parts too ❤

The cake is tilted because it FELL for you ❤

My aunt would always say the imperfections made homemade things extra special because that's how you know it was made by someone you loved and not a factory or machine. Also, thank you for being so vulnerable. Being a creative or content creator full time is NOT easy and there are so many ups and downs that I don't think people realize. Seeing you struggle is so real and I think will ultimately help a lot of people❤️ hope you start to feel better soon

Thank you for making content for us! Things will work out! ❤

I think I'm going to try to make a layered cake this year. I've never done it before. Also, thank you for being so open with us. I'm sorry it's been rough lately.

Love you Irene ❤ your content brings me so much joy. I’m happy you were real enough to post the breakdown, bc I definitely have cried in the kitchen and all the other baking channels act so perfect. Makes me glad I’m not alone and it’s okay, just keep going

I love you and your videos! I can’t wait to grow along side you! Thank you for sharing your frustrations! It’s ok to share them every once in a while! We are all human🫶🏻🤍

Sending you so much love🫶🏼

I appreciate you showing the reality that things don’t always go as planned and to make the best out of all the situations! Don’t give up keep pushing forward 🥰

i am glad she put this video out with the raw emotions because she is a human and she always gives us the real irene and thats why we are here and watching every video and commenting what we found funniest and interacting. its like having a friend.

Love you Irene 💛💛

Irene, sweet heart, we are all so lucky to have you! I appreciate you so much. Your style of video, the way you speak, the content you create… it’s all unique. I feel like you are very unique compared to other RU-vidrs. You have remained your authentic self compared to the other RU-vidrs I used to watch from soo many years ago. I remember first seeing you in one of Gabbie’s videos when she was filming something in her apartment and I’ve loved you ever since! I hope you get all the viewers you want and so definitely deserve. Love you lots ❤ Always keep being you 🥰

Things don’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. ❤ I also have wanted to ask, does watching a video within a certain time frame of it going live make a difference for you? I usually save your videos to watch while I’m getting ready for work or doing homework, but would it help you more if I watch them right away? Thank you for being vulnerable with us. It’s okay to be open and honest. We love you. ❤

I don't comment too often on videos but I just wanted to let you know how much I LOVE your content. Your podcast is honestly such a bright spot in my week. I just started a new job and I'm still getting the hang of it so podcasts during my commute really help pump me up and yours is so cute and fun and full of history tidbits (which I love) so I literally (LITERALLY) always smile when I see a new one because I know it will lift my spirits and destress (even the ones with some serial killer stories, lol). Your videos are also like a warm hug to relax. I also have a lot of big creative dreams and so I know it can be really crushing to feel stuck. Please don't lose your confidence!

Wishing you nothing but the best!!

So I have my Master's and have worked as a high school counselor for most of my adult years but I resigned at the end of last school year because it was just untenable in every way and I had/have no idea what I'm doing next, which was briefly exciting and now is incredibly stressful. I am still underemployed at the moment and it fucking sucks. All that to say - I am not, nor have I ever been, an influencer/content creator but I think I understand what you're going through and I want to say that your channel brings me so much joy and I'm sending you so much love as you navigate this chapter.

I don’t even know where to start. First of all…please know how much you are loved. I’m sure I speak for so many others as well, but you are definitely my comfort RU-vidr. Whenever I need a calming presence I turn your channel on and know I will find my smiles again. Plus I genuinely learn things from you! Your kindness, passion, talent and sense of humor are all *chef’s kiss* top notch. Obviously, this is without actually knowing you, but I feel that type of sincerity if hard to fake. Believe me…I work in tv/film production in LA so I see a lot of fakes. Also speaking of that…from what I can see, you were meant to be an entertainer, so don’t get too hard on yourself. You’re such a natural. The algorithm failing has nothing to do with you. It’s heartbreaking that social media let’s so many with no talent become millionaires, but those who actually deserve it get looked over. My only guess is that maybe you resonate with us millennials more, and the algorithm favors the 12 year olds? Who knows. It’s all a guessing game. But I totally get feeling like a failure. Like I said, I’m in the film industry and it’s taking me longer than most to get to where I want to be. It’s so frustrating when you work so hard and love what you do, but the luck part hasn’t fallen into place yet. It will…for both of us! And maybe you getting an outside job will actually give you more freedom and relieve some stress. Because maybe then you won’t have to be checking analytics and views all the time worried if you’re going to make enough in a certain month. (No idea how it works, I’m just guessing haha) Now you can create solely for fun and for you :) although I have a feeling you’ll be back to doing it full time again soon. This is just the current plot twist in your movie! (sorry sometimes the film nerd comes out in me lol). Anyway, didn’t mean for this to be so long! It just kinda poured out of me even though I rarely comment on anyone’s videos haha. Just wanted you to know how much you’re cared about and appreciated. Ps. Side note…I lost my dad this past thanksgiving (and my mom when I was 19) so I also relate to you on that level and appreciate your vulnerability regarding that. So thank you, and remember you’re never alone. (I know that sounds weird and creepy since I’m literally a stranger on the internet, but, I had to be truthful). Sending you all my love and big hugs 💗 If you ever need a friend, we’re all here.

I never comment, rarely subscrbe and don't thumbs up videos. But for you, I will because you work hard and deserve it. I think you're a total natural re: youtube. You're one of my few comfort watch creators. I know sometimes you just hit a wall. It's easy to lose motivation/faith in yourself - sometimes you just don't have enough left to fill up your own cup. Those are the moments we should reach out to our loved ones or our little village to help build us back up. That's what you did here and I'm glad you did. I hope you're feeling the love!

Thank you for making this. I’m not going to lie, this video made me feel so much less alone. It is so refreshing to hear that someone being so real and vulnerable.

we love you, Irene

guess who’s inspired someone to bake again this weekend, yes youu! love u❤️

I've been a fan since you started the channel but haven't been watching lately because my life got too hectic. For about a periodoftime, the DDK episodes were such a comfort to me that I'd pull up the spaghetti and meatballs video whenever I was sad just because your energy would always cheer me up. I'm sorry you've been frustrated about your channel, but I'm so glad I clicked the video when it I saw it. I hope things get better for you. You have such a beautiful soul 💛

The cake is cute as hell. Don’t give up Irene!

It's perfect 🥲🎂

I love you Rene🫶🏼

Love you, Irene!!!

Oh honey. You've worked so hard & deserve more favour from the Algorithm Gods. I just want to give you a big hug. You keep making them, we'll keep watching. Sending you loads of love from across the pond. 💜💜💜💜💜

That really sucks, my dude. I'm not an influencer so maybe this is common knowledge but I learned recently that commenting on other people's content consistently is one of the ways that's within your control for growing an audience because it creates links to your content. But anyway, I hope you know how much we love you. You're an absolute gem of a person and I adore you so much. Also that cake is adorable. Ilysmmmmmmmmm❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰

I went to pastry school and worked as a cake builder/decorator for a couple years, and I STILL cry almost every time I make a cake - it's not your fault 😊 Is that cream cheese icing for the red velvet? it's the most frustrating type to work with because it doesn't really harden as much as it does liquify the second you touch it after the fridge gets to it... 😑

You’re amazing and we love you so so so much and things will get better! And we will def keep watching 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤

It's really valid to feel frustrated in the way you do I hope that things start looking up for you- im rooting for you

I love you Irene! There’s a vibe going on in the universe I feel you I used to love my job and it’s now becoming a job. I hope you find your love again 💕💕💕 I knowwww you’ll find it girly you got this!!!

commenting to boost your channel im a new subscriber and i think your cake is beautiful

The funny thing is the vulnerability is what drew me back in to watch again for the first time in months. I love you tons and attach to different creators sporadically but you are always so talented, wonderful, and lovely. Please continue to share your feelings and frustrations. Life is hard sometimes for everyone. That’s the end of the sentence. Much love to you 💜

We love you so much Irene!💗 we appreciate your so much for your vulnerability and honesty!

I love you irene! Your positivity is beautiful just like you! I love watching your cooking videos and you are an amazing person!

My feelings exactly babe. Your cake is freaking PERFECT❤

IREEEENE! The cake is beautiful and so are you ❤❤❤ please don't stop making videos! There are ups and downs in RU-vid. This is just a dip. Your content is wonderful

🤍🤍 all of your videos and podcast episodes are my favorite to watch, stay determined 🤍🤍

Like you, your cake is gorgeous! I love your content ❤️ Virtual big hugs from me ❤️❤️🫶

Everything is going to be okay. Content and stuff has gone down since everyone has been going back from the pandemi. P.S. Made the vanilla cupcakes from the other day from the "perfect cupcake" series and they were delicious. 😺

Good job! It's so cute. 😍 I'm definitely making one. Thank you for the idea.

I love your cake. so cute. I appreciate you want to keep this channel light and upbeat but I also appreciate you being honest. Enjoyed this video 💕

I love watching your videos right when I wake up with my coffee, you’re funny and relaxing..just like kickin in with my girlfriend ❤ love you Irene…to think I started following you when you met Gabi 😂

honestly, this cake is reminding me of the brighter aesthetic of the Matilda cake, I low-key would buy that

"Ehy, do you want a _Pisa_ cake?" Get it? Cuz it's tilted like the Pisa tower, but it sounds like "piece of"...No? Ok, sorry. :( Bad jokes apart, we love u Irene, and we're proud of you

I tried having a RU-vid channel a few years ago and it was INCREDIBLY hard and I felt like a total failure and I gave up and I’m still sad that i gave up because I did have a few people comment nice things and I wonder what would’ve happened if I stuck through it. I hope you continue to stick through it even if that means you have to get a second job so you can do this one because we all love your videos and you ❤️ I wish you all the success ❤️❤️