In Episode 16 of the Turning Pro Podcast, hosts Ben Sharf and Adrian Alfieri welcome YouTuber and entrepreneur Brett Conti, who shares his incredible story of transforming a passion for skateboarding into a YouTube empire and building a million-dollar direct-to-consumer (D2C) tea brand.
Brett’s rise wasn’t an overnight success. It took him over a decade to reach his first 1,000 subscribers on YouTube. Living in a cramped New York City apartment with seven strangers, Brett began by documenting his journey, from skateboarding adventures to life in the city. His early vlogs may have been low in production value, but they captured the raw essence of hustle and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to define him.
Persistence was key for Brett. He never let the slow growth deter him from his ultimate goal of turning his love for content creation into a career. Now with over a million subscribers, Brett’s YouTube channel covers everything from travel to business building, all while staying rooted in his core passion for storytelling.
In addition to his success on YouTube, Brett has set his sights on a new challenge: publicly building a $1 million tea brand from the ground up. He explains how this venture is more than just a business—it’s a way to share the real-time process of entrepreneurship with his audience. By being transparent about the highs and lows of launching a D2C brand, Brett hopes to educate and inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs.
Brett emphasizes the importance of creating a brand that can stand independently of his YouTube fame. While his following gives him an initial boost, he’s focused on creating a sustainable business model that could thrive even without his influence.
One of the major themes of Brett’s story is balance. As a YouTuber who also travels extensively for content, managing his time between creating videos, running a business, and maintaining personal health is a constant challenge. He shares his strategies for staying grounded while traveling, such as maintaining a workout routine, eating healthily, and carving out time for meditation.
Brett also touches on his thoughts on relationships, explaining how his intense focus on business leaves little time for dating. He believes that finding a partner who shares his drive and passion is key to maintaining a successful relationship, but for now, his priority is building his business and creating content.
Brett’s advice for those looking to follow a similar path is simple: stay true to yourself, work hard, and don't give up. He reflects on how he faced skepticism early in his YouTube career, but his persistence and commitment to authenticity paid off in the long run.
For anyone thinking about starting a YouTube channel, building a brand, or launching a business, Brett’s story is a powerful reminder that success comes to those who are willing to stay in the game long enough to see it through.
Brett Conti’s journey from a cramped NYC apartment to building a multi-faceted career as a YouTuber and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to balance creativity, business, and personal well-being offers valuable lessons for creators and business owners alike. Whether it’s navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship or balancing a hectic travel schedule, Brett’s story is one of resilience, passion, and long-term vision.
Please fill your information so we can get in touch with you.
Please fill your information so we can get in touch with you.
