If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be approached for a reality show as a creator — this post is for you.
A couple years ago now, I was invited onto a Reality TV Show… about influencers. It was a whirlwind offer that I genuinely entertained, but in the end enough red flags stood out to me that I decided to pass.
But I want to share the story because honestly, I think it’s a pretty good storytime. And I ALSO think that there are a ton of lessons for creators in my experience.
So buckle up.
This post is a companion piece to my YouTube video, which you can watch below. If you prefer a quick read or want the behind-the-scenes breakdown in written format, keep scrolling.
How It Started: The Mysterious Reality Show Email
Let’s rewind to August 5, 2022.
I had just quit my day job and gone full-time as a content creator three months prior. Then, totally out of the blue, I got an email from a producer working on a reality show called Influence Me — an influencer reality show that would be shot in a $20 million mansion in Vancouver.
They were looking to fill their final cast spot. And apparently? They wanted me.
At first, I thought it was a scam (because… obviously). But after clicking through to their site and promo materials — which featured names like Pia Mia and Tana Mongeau — I realized it was (probably) legit.
What the Show Was About
From what I gathered, Influence Me was sort of a cross between Big Brother and a brand collab bootcamp. Think:
- Creators living together in a mansion
- Weekly content challenges
- Competing to create branded content
- Judged on creativity, storytelling, and audience engagement
The producers said the show would start with a pilot, but if picked up by a network, it would become a full-fledged, months-long series — likely with live posting elements and interactive voting.
Oh, and the grand prize?
$100,000.
The (First) Catch: No Pay, Just “Exposure”
Like many reality TV shows, participants weren’t paid. The idea was that the exposure would be more than enough compensation—if the show blew up.
And honestly? That logic wasn’t totally off.
We’ve all seen how quickly contestants on shows like The Bachelor or Love Is Blind can grow their followings. It’s a proven fast-track to influencer status.
What Made Me Say “Maybe”
There were definitely things that intrigued me:
- The concept: It wasn’t just drama for drama’s sake. It seemed like they wanted to highlight creativity and content strategy.
- The compliments: The producer said they liked my “brightness and positivity” and the quality of my content (but let’s be real, they probably said that to everyone ).
- The opportunity: As a creator trying to grow, the idea of being “discovered” was tempting.
And the fact that it was happening in Vancouver, where I lived, made it feel even more serendipitous. Even though that was realistically why they were reaching out to me to fill this spot so last minute.
What Gave Me Pause
But then came the red flags — or, at least, the yellow ones.
No Payment
I know I mentioned this above, but it started to bug me the more I sat with it. Even if the show got picked up and ran for months, there was no guarantee of income. As a full-time creator, that’s a big ask.
Contract Concerns
The participation agreement included in perpetuity clauses, meaning the footage and my likeness could be used forever. Not ideal when your brand is your business.
Loss of Creative Control
I didn’t want to risk being edited into a character. I’d worked too hard to build a thoughtful, authentic presence online.
The Reality TV Machine
After chatting with a friend who had actually been on a reality show, I learned more about the behind-the-scenes. From producers creating drama to manipulating storylines, it just… didn’t sit right with me.
She said something that really stuck:
“You don’t need a shortcut to build your career.”
And that was when it clicked.
Why I Ultimately Said No
I realized I didn’t want to be on a reality show. I was just tempted by the shortcut — the idea of skipping the grind and jumping straight to the top.
But at the end of the day, I’m a creator who:
- Reads contracts line-by-line
- Is picky about brand alignment
- Values sustainable growth over overnight fame
And honestly, the idea of giving up control over how I was portrayed — especially as someone whose entire livelihood is built on trust and intentionality — felt not just risky, but stupid.
So I declined. Politely. Respectfully. And honestly? The producer was incredibly kind in response.
What Happened Afterward
Here’s the part I didn’t expect:
After saying no, I felt awful.
Not regret — just… sad.
Like I was mourning a version of my life that could’ve been.
I felt stuck. I couldn’t create. I stayed in bed. It was a weird, heavy feeling that I couldn’t quite explain.
But here’s the thing:
In the year and a half since, everything has still worked out.
I’ve:
- Gotten a commercial agent and landed commercial work
- Worked with some new incredibly-aligned brand
- Continued to grow — on my own terms
And honestly? Being on a reality show might’ve made some of that harder. Especially the credibility I’ve built helping other creators navigate this whole thing full-time.
Final Thoughts: Should You Join a Reality Show as a Creator?
Honestly? Only you can answer that. But here’s what I hope you take away from my story:
Think critically.
Not every opportunity is the right opportunity — even if it looks glamorous.
Protect your brand.
If your online presence is your business, don’t hand over control lightly.
Trust your gut.
Even if it’s scary. Even if it feels like you’re walking away from something big.
Sometimes the best “yes” is a “no.
And that’s the story. Let me know if you think I should have gone for it!
And if you want to hear another creator’s experience with the production team for this very same reality TV show, watch this video from Swell Entertainment: