I Have No Idea What I’m Doing Anymore 

Sorry that you're going through this job crisis. I think stuff like that happens when your hobby is also your job - it's much more difficult emotionally than when your job is just your job and never was your passion. Especially because hobbies can change. Anyway, I'm curious about the books you like! You could do book reviews, just telling about what you think about the book without giving too much away, if you'd like. That would lead to more people wanting to buy the book, rather than 'stealing away' readers.

Maybe this is a sign to just slow down and enjoy your time growing Kai.. I will support you in whatever capacity you find joy 💟

High key here for your self exploration era … and not monetizing your kid lol. Looking forward to this journey!

Hi Ashley I have been a subscriber for years you taught me so much about my own plants! Everyone goes through different life changes, you’re no longer in your plant era and that’s ok! I come to hear from you and don’t think you need to niche yourself down, I know that’s what YT likes the best but there are many RU-vidrs who do many different types of content and over time your numbers will go up if you’re posting things you’re passionate about because you’re the star of the show not the plants haha!

You are very good at docs, maybe something like Snoops, with your own spin would be awesome. Definitely would watch. Plants, books, life vlogs, etc here to support you. Your openness, honesty and authenticity is refreshing. Sending positive vibes, be patient with yourself. I’m 52 and still trying to figure it all out. It’s an evolution, a journey. Enjoy it and be kind to yourself.

As someone who reads a LOT of books, I think if you put out synopsis videos, I’d really enjoy it! That would help me figure out what to read next! This is YOUR channel! You do what YOU want to! I enjoy the majority of your content!

Hey Ash, I'm sorry to hear you are going through this, but more than that, I am excited to see how you grow yourself as a creator! RU-vid hates when a creator attempts to change what they do and I think the next while of your new content is going to be rough. However, that does not mean you should not persevere through it and prove them wrong. Lots of people love variety content, it's my personal favorite, and what you are talking about wanting to do has me excited! Sending you all my love and support

There are channels I watch to escape that have little actual substance and are just “fun” and there’s channels I watch that I’m there for substance and to learn something. I think the plant shopping videos are total escapism, just like plant shopping irl can be. Shifting gears will probably lead to some growing pains but I 100% think it’s worth making that move to start cultivating the audience you want asap. You could make plant shopping vids forever and probably grow views quickly but I think you’ve grown into a more intentional period in your life and staying true to that will help you sustain it for the long haul because you won’t be limited to such a narrow way of expressing yourself. I think some people are very good at doing an aesthetic/ vibe for their videos that creates a feeling for their viewers but I feel like those creators also seem to burn out and struggle to keep that magic alive for themselves. I could never do it. I’m way too all over the place with my interests and mood 😂

Ashley, the love you will feel for your child will be nothing you’ve ever experienced. Don’t resist it. I tried to hold on to my own identity for too long. The idea that someone else is more important than you is the most freeing feeling ever. Dont let anyone make you feel guilty for embracing motherhood.

Dude, it sucks to be directionless. But I think you’re right - a passion channel is the way to go. Viewers can tell. AdventureDenali is someone who started out niche, but then expanded to her changing passions and I really enjoy the honesty that comes with that. Stuff’s about to change big time, but also not really with a baby - please do take your time (a fourth trimester, if you will). My absolute favorite people to follow are people I found via their niche, then I STAY for who they are (their passions, ever changing as we all do). Keep it up and thanks for sharing, Ashley.

The channels I've personally followed the longest and will watch until they quit tend to be lifestyle vloggers. Yes they normally include being a parent but the ones i enjoy don't show the kids too much, like the kids aren't content but cleaning their room, organizing their things, cooking, running around to do errands and that stuff even if it includes "this is my plant collection and how i care for it" or "this is the book I'm reading" and such as part of it. I guess i find that i watch things more relatable. I get my kids are now adults but i still can relate to the whole wake up feed the baby change a diaper, pick outfits, trying to budget, cleaning the house etc. Like it's relatable and it's about the MOM not about the kids. My due hard favorite is Kristen Kasper. Ive been watching her since she was making the mommy mistakes showing the kids but she's def grown and i think it's been ten years of watching 🤯 another creator i enjoy watching regularly is Marie Love Asbury. She is a mom of 4 but SHE'S the content with her kids making up the things she does, like laundry, meals, cleaning, etc. In reality, i guess these lifestyle vlogs are technically boring, but boring seems to work for them bc all of us want to know we aren't alone and have that person we relate to. If i was you, i would totally move more into lifestyle while still sharing plant hauls or care but as part of your daily life and not as a forced thing or forced expense. I think you'll find coming up with content way easier if you're sharing your life and yes, your pregnancy woes should be documented and you should monetize them! Most ppl gain a ton of followers when pregnant and it's not morally wrong to make money off of your life! You're not selling your son's life, you're making money sharing about your own life. Part of the issue you may be having is that if you don't turn on monetization, RU-vid does NOT push that video out and you basically become shadow banned bc why would they recommend you if you're not going to try and make them money when there are something like 500 hours of monetized content uploaded per minute that they can push that will make them more money. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I hope you find a way to get back to enjoying RU-vid and are able to put more of yourself and real life into it. I think it would be really hard to have to do these videos where the background plants look great and everyone is wanting you to share perfection when plant perfection is freakin rare! ((Hugs))

Ashley, I miss you so much!! I wish I could help you with what's happening and despite what you are going through, I'm so proud of you for not giving up entirely on what I believe is part of your passion anyway; youtube videos. Not that you need it, but you have my full support in whatever you end up doing anyway. I can't wait to see your creations, but take your time and don't stress yourself over it! You have a gift for making things amazing and beautiful and I love that you decided to not limit yourself to one topic. Be free and playful always! Above all, you deserve happiness and peace of mind. You have so much to offer and explore and who knows, you might find in the future, you have more creative and fun ways to incorporate plants again in your videos. If nothing else, you are very couragous for doing videos on youtube to begin with. I love you and Chris and love love love how amazing and cute you guys are together and love love that you gave him such a shout out too! You guys will be amazing parents! I agree with your decision to not 'monetize' your child in ways (I believe) some youtubers exploit their kids for fame and fortune. Hi Chris!!! Miss you too!

Hi Ashley, I found your youtube channel today and want to say that you're doing a great job. Thank you for the transparency and for being vulnerable. Keep doing what you're doing man.

Hi Ashley, I have been watching your videos for several years now (maybe since the beginning?) and you are a very intelligent and talented young woman! You've also been through many changes and have handled them graciously! I think books sound like a great idea if you would enjoy that. Then if you feel like it you could do something from time to time about plants. What about something educational like taking some type of plant and saying where it's from originally, when it came to this country or was available commercially or something like that? I know I would enjoy learning more and you know so much!! Anyway, I know you'll sort out what's best for you and we're all rooting for you whichever direction you go! Take care and thanks for the fantastic content!

I hope someday soon you feel planted, Ashley. 💚💕💚

We have the same personality we have a lot in common! ❤ I feel the same way about everything you said!!! And my fiance and I are the same way! He doesnt put any pressure on me to be a certain way! But we take initiative it's a team effort. And It's okay I'm still going to follow you! I'll still support no matter what direction you go

Sending virtual hugs and clarity vibes!!! I love watching your plant content. You are such a good 'teacher' , 'explainer' etc. I would appreciate you helping the non-marketing smart folks. I enjoy watching influencers on how to start, grow, manage social media to assist others in becoming an influencer,blogger, etc. Just a thought!

Definitely get you on evolving beyond the plant era; I still love plants but my hype has shifted to other hobbies like reading as well! Can’t wait to see what you make, definitely here for your personality and creativity more than the plants. And I hope you have fun making new content as well, I know it’ll be fun to watch! 😁

Hey Ashley, we don't know each other. All your thoughts and emotions are valid. So whatever you decide to do, end up doing, we'll be here. I literally watch every single video of yours, regardless of what it is. Your content makes me feel relaxed and chill. I watch only two creators consistently and you are one of them! Anyways. You will be giving birth which will be a whole new thing to focus and worry about, sleep deprivation, cries, you name it. If you are lucky to have the energy to shoot and upload during post-partum, it should be at least something you care about.

I loved your video focusing in on specific plants! I definitely come to planttube to learn new info and advice about plants. Educational content is my favorite from you and others!

Try arts and crafts.... diamond painting, regular painting, crocheting, whatever Crafts you want. It can be sped up with music in the background on days you don't want to talk.

It’s okay to like multiple things and grow out of other hobbies. 😊

Sorry you are going through a rough time with your channel. I have been experiencing career dissatisfaction and burnout related to my career too, so I can empathize. I thought about starting a plant channel, and did some analysis on other successful plant channels to see what kinds of videos get the most views, and shopping videos and plant tours of collections, as well as care guides/tips seemed to be the most often searched for/viewed. And avoiding drama. Also, honestly, the most significant factor seems to be consistency of posting. And posting more content during peak periods. (Like Vlogmas).

Hey Ashley, I'm sorry that this transition has been so difficult but I'm looking forward to seeing what you put out. I came for the plant content but I stayed for your personality so I'll definitely keep watching.

I totally understand what you feel in terms of what RU-vid wants to recommend and push. Sadly it’s the mindless videos that are recommended when one is not logged in RU-vid. Keep doing what makes you happy. I’m trying to revive my page as well. I fell out of love with plants but recently started to love them as well. Wishing you clarity and peace and know that you’ve got people who will be watching your content you want to post.

I love watching cleaning/ chores videos, that + books sounds so good!

I'm excited for your new content! Being passionate about what you're talking about attracts viewers too, I think! Wishing you all the best with your change of course :))

Your mindset is going to completely change once your child is born.

Good luck Ashley. I’m so excited about your baby coming in 2024. Life goes by really fast, just enjoy the gift of your child and family time. The early years of development are such a wonder, like helping a child to smile, laugh, walk and talk.

The quality of your content reflects how you feel making it. Make what brings you joy, and the people will come.

Do what you love and you’ll find your people 💕

It's okay to post a variety of different topics that interest you. I totally agree with you about parents posting and profiting off their kids. My kids like those videos watching other kids play. But as a parent I think they are so creepy!

it’s ✨Rebrand time✨

Good luck! Sometimes things change, our passions change, and sometimes we just need a break.

You got this. It will all come together once the baby is here and you get a nice routine. Its had emotionally when pregnant hugs we are here for ya xox

Im not going anywhere Ashley I will be here when you Decide to do what ever you put out here I Love You, Like i said earlier your young and experienced. Lets see what happens after the Baby Is Born you're in for the ride of your life. Just like today My Son Ronny is 36 and My other son is going to be 43 in February time is Cruel so Decide what is BEST for you Honey. Your Not Alone❤😊 Merry Christmas Ashley And Chris.

I'm excited to see what the future holds for your content!! I've honestly lost my passion for the plant content myself, like I still love plants but I don't consume plant specific content anymore. It will be awesome to get to see other sides of you and your passions as I know there is so much more to you than plants. Sending lots of love to you, you got this!!

Ok so I guess the question is what is the main goal right now? If the main goal is to make money and get views then for the rest of vlogmas (if I were you) I would take myself to every Lowe's and Home Depot and do plant tours of ALL the plants set to Christmas music. No talking. Put one out daily. It would give you time to figure out what's next.

Hey ya, When I first started watching you you were in college and this wild woman running around with plants. What I loved most about your channel was your traveling around with friends or when you went to local places or like checked out pottery in yor area. Then you traveled to different locations or visiting your parents and you gave footage of where you were visiting and the plants and people you met there with their businesses and you always knew the names or a interesting thing on that plant. You have tons of options because your life is changing in so many ways all at once right now. Have you met any other youtube book review channel hosts? Like I know PeaceLoveandBooksxo, polandbananasBOOKS, ThatTallBookGirl, and thousands more they do like podcasts with other channels discussing books they have read. So you might find likeminded book friends to get together with and each say what you loved or disliked on the books. I kinda jump all over the place when trying to find a book from going online to my library and checking out their audiobook selection, to finding a audiobook uploaded on youtube, or finding a author on Epup to read for free - cause sometimes I just cannot buy a book but still wanna read all the work on that writer. At this point you're setting your own adventure on your channel. A lot of viewers tune in for your personality and will follow to see where we go next with you.

Yassssss, girl..... do YOU

Can you do a series where you interview other plants content creators? I would love to see you become a “Houseplant Journalist”

I do believe that many other RU-vidrs of houseplant content, are also experiencing a similar situation in lower views on their channels. I truly believe a lot of people got into houseplants during Covid quarantine. And once life after quarantine started to feel normal, people no longer had time for the hobby. So don’t take it personally, it’s not you or your content. Give yourself some grace. When I was pregnant, I also reanalyzed my work life and passions. I think having kids makes you look at life through a new lens. Do what is right for you. Passions and interests change, and that’s okay. Wish you the best, on the next chapter in your journey! 💚

Just so you know, I love your videos. I go out of my way to find them. The algorithm they put on the content we receive sucks. I bought compression socks and now all my commercials are about expensive socks. How many socks do they think you need? The video you did on the plants being killed by the machines was actually very informative for me.

See if Fern needs some help! She’s cranking out vids and honestly, the collab vid you guys did is how I found you! Whatever you do, I’ll watch cuz I love you ❤️

Hi Ashley just got around to watching this video. Soon you will be a new Mom and in all honesty you may not have the time for making videos on the regular as Kai will be your main focus. Easier said than done, but if you can afford to, focus on you, your baby and Chris. A video once a week May be all you can handle in future and that’s okay. Things will figure themselves out in time. All the best in your future adventures.

I would love to hear about books. I read books all the time. It would be great to see what you like to read and how you enjoyed it. You have to be happy at what you do so if you do not want to talk about plants anymore then you do need to change it up. I agree with you about not showing your baby because I am sure they would not like it. You have a great voice and you are so honest on your channel and that is why you have a lot of subscribers. You have a lot of Passion on what you enjoy to do. I love your channel and I am not leaving your channel. I can not wait to see what you do next. Good Luck to you in whatever you choose in life. Your awesome.

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You can try a book repot with me/do house chores kind of video you just tell us about a book or like something from a small author. Like people do with true crime and haunted stories.

Who are some of your favorite RU-vidrs? Are you familiar with Emma Chamberlain? I started watching her when she was like 17 and she had nothing in particular that she made her RU-vid channel about. It was just about her then whatever she felt like talking about etc. I think you are hilarious and I have been following you for years and I agree about the plant tour videos! If you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all I actually think you’re better than that in a little bit too knowledgeable for that kind of content 😊 I think you should just go with the flowbecause I think you’re very captivating no matter what you’re talking about. Yes, pregnancy is not what it’s cracked up to be but when your baby boy is here, you’ll understand that was worth it.

I think daily vlogs would be great because it can be of all the things you're interested in (cleaning, books, cooking, any other hobbies you have, and still a little plant content thrown in like watering days/plant chores). I love watching WildFern's vlog channel because there's lifestyle content mixed with plant content.

I’d love to see book content!! ❤ I’ll watch whatever you post

Don't put too much pressure on yourself, you're about to enter a new phase of life, as you have the energy you could experiment with a range of content and feel your way into what works for you. You don't have to have all the answers right now.

You can show how you are doing being a mom. There are a lot of new mom and dads out there that can learn from u how u being a parent

Okay I have a few things to say: I still like watching plant stuff but I really like plant chores and daily life stuff bcuz I’m not trying to expand my collection anymore- example:Ferns vlog channel- fern and olive, she includes plants, reading and whatever else in those videos and I like that. I used to watch a few family channels when my son was younger (he just turned 7 yesterday!) but now I see all the bad behind those family vlogging channels and it’s made me sad for those kids (plus a lot of those kids are just….. strange….) I have also heard of some REALLY bad things about posting your child online, the predators are seriously seriously out there……, there is one family channel that I am borderline convinced the mom is trying to use her kids (who consent to be online currently) in a predator way… (side rant) Anyway, I love reading and recently discovered book tube.. so maybe going down the road of daily life mixed with the plants and reading and eventually baby life (just keep Kai blurred or out of view). 🤷🏼‍♀️ Most of the time (and I think I speak for a lot of us viewers) I’m doing my chores and just need a “friend” to get me through it. AND even if RU-vid doesn’t work out, I work at a co-op part time and it’s great 😌 I call working my mom time 😅 I get to hang out with other moms and non moms and make food while i do it. It’s pretty chill. You will figure it out though, and once you have Kai life is really going to to change, and you will also change as well, so don’t really dwell, just make whatever videos you wanna make and see how it goes!

I hate to say it…but maybe it’s time to get regular job for the time being and use this as a side gig…also plants are not really a big deal anymore to a lot of ppl after all the pandemic plant groupies have subsided…I notice a lot of plant influencers are leaning more towards daily lifestyle plant content, bc people are more interested in other people daily life more so than only specifically plant content….

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I agree with a lot of people: The plant craze has slowed down a bit and people might just be stepping away from the hobby a little. My favorite type of videos are hauls, something people used to do a lot more of and aren't lately which is okay but I'm just not watching as many videos now... Also you have a big life change coming up. When I had my baby a year ago plants kind of went on the back burner and that's okay to step away and focus another more important things. You can maybe post different topics on different days of the week? I also love books and you're not taking away from people buying books by talking about them, if people want to spoil a book for themselves they will, and if they want to read it, they will read it instead. I don't think you should worry about that! Also if you're saying you'd rather work at a grocery store at times, that might be indicative that it's time to step away for a little bit and find your passion again, focus on your family and let the inspiration come back later! I think you should have enough loyal subscribers that they will stick with you no matter what you decide!

i feel like when baby comes to you from future, it will all fall into place,youre making strong choices, keep going, money is from the war god anyway

This is a problem I think most content creators go through. Maybe you can do less videos on this channel and then create a second channel for book reviews. It may be hard to start over on this channel since youtube already has you in the "Plant box."

I think you should brand yourself and every part of your interests, I think you could make the channel more focused on Ashley and less on plants or any other single thing, you're interesting!! do you do any sort of vlogging content? i kmow you said you dont do it much, not that you should fully pivot but I think you could do less structured videos more often about your special interests!

Maybe try to do video for what u want to do. Plants videos or mouther hood life videos. Or cooking videos things u like to make. Or art videos or whatever you want to make. I love watching your videos. Any thing u make. I love watching.

Honey just do what you can. Right now you can make a schedule. Once you have the baby, your schedule is going to change. You’re gonna have to get a new routine. which I’m sure you already know. Just focus on being a mom right now. Don’t stress out about other things too much. Also, If people like you, they will watch your videos, no matter what the content is about.

Hey mama u can do vlogs skincare routine also plant content rearranging ur plants or furnitute

Ashley Maybe take some time and be a new mom and maybe show up a few times just to show us youre alive and maybe show us life with baby and plants lol And i definitely understand about wanting a career. But youre still so young and with a new baby youre gonna be overwhelmed a bit. (Naturally we all are babe) Take a beat. You will figure it out

The salacious book talk 🤤

I love your for book content. I respect that you're putting Kai before making money. I totally understand losing interest; you been at awhile and good that you want try out new things.

Would 100% watch book content!

My husband watches a lot of RU-vid algorithm stuff. Apparently, if you gave different types of content, the algorithm doesnt push your content as much. So a lot of creators have multiple channels that each specialize. So, for example, you keeping your plant channel. Then starting a book/tv channel, etc.

Can I make a suggestion for content that I think you'd be good at and love as well...gaming ....😊

Everyone, well most, experience job burnout. You're lucky. I wouldn't make any major changes until the baby has arrived. My opinion.

Once you give birth, you are going to have no time to edit your videos. So I suggest maybe doing 1 video a week so you don't get overwhelm and burn out, speaking from a 6 month old mama

Maybe start reading some plant books, or plants for healing the body. Show a plant a week.

Second channel

My favorite video you made was the one about Roberto Burle Marx. I think your loss of interest in plant videos is temporary. I would like videos on different subjects and will stay subscibed because im sure you're videos will be fun.

U can watch other youtuber to give u ideas but with your own twist 😊😊😊

FinalFantasy content?

Would you enjoy making daily vlogs?(not with Kai just like your hobbies, errands food etc)

It's a transitional period. Audiences have changed, you've changed. You lost your passion . That's life. Your focus is elsewhere. Move on.

You’re totally allowed to change what you’re interested in and more importantly you’re allowed to experiment and change your content if you want to. An audience will find you because you’re being authentic and not forcing it. A good example of this is @Artsymadwoman who’s subject and focus changed so much but because she has joy about what she’s now doing and experimenting with it was really fun to go on the journey with her.

"I unfortunately have a moral compass" 🤣 but also 🥲 because same and corporate/capitalist culture functions off of people not caring. It's hard to find work that is meaningful to you and also not harmful to others. For what it's worth, you can get work as a videographer/video editor for orgs that might be more aligned with your values. I work for a hospital system and we have two videographers creating health, wellness and patient stories. I'm sure there are lots of roles out there like that, if something like that is of interest to you. Also, I appreciate your honesty and hope you find ways to enjoy creating content again and find out what you're passionate about! It is a constant discovery because no one stays the same throughout life.

I also love watching people discuss shows and media. If you choose to go that way I’d continue to watch.❤ I understand not feeling fulfilled with your current career patch.🫂

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