AMIDST the Coronavirus pandemic, persons are looking for various ways and means to stay afloat and ride this wave.

Young Guyanese YouTuber, Candasy Layne-Thornhil, said that vlogging can have a positive effect on you during this time, specifically with your mental wellness, as it has proven to be therapeutic for her.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the young woman said that she has been creating vlogs for the past 13 months.

Being a traveller by heart and also a former flight attendant who travelled very often and has been seeing much of the world, sharing her knowledge about places she travelled and experienced, with the world through vlogging, became a hobby.

In addition to it being a hobby, vlogging transformed her life for the better.

“Vlogging has definitely helped me in the area of time management; I am more disciplined in completing daily tasks and projects. It has also helped me to stay mentally active since I’m always researching new trends related to my niche. Creating vlogs can be therapeutic as it keeps me occupied positively and helps me to stay focused on my goals,” Candasy said.

She noted, too, that there are a plethora of benefits that come with vlogging, which persons are in need of at this time.

“You are provided with a platform for sharing your views on matters relating to your niche via YouTube. You can share your knowledge by creating “how to” videos which can give someone the knowledge and direction on what they are researching. Becoming consistent on YouTube can gain the interest of collaborators (companies, businesses and people). This can greatly benefit you and your channel. There are many YouTube creators who have successfully created a full time job via vlogging on YouTube and have become influencers in their niche. But whether you succeed at being a vlogger or not, just doing it is a blessing,” the young woman said.

With persons at home now, with a lot of time on their hands, she advises that this time be used fruitfully, by capitalizing on what is available to us to make our day and lives productive.

“Free time must be used constructively is my general advice to all persons at home. Take some time to learn a skill in relation to technology; for example, website creation. Start a YouTube channel (online marketing) and other technology-related skills (logo, flyer creation etc). These skills can earn you an income from the comfort of your homes,” she said.
In relation to persons at home, starting their own vlog, Candasy said, “First you have to identify what you like and what you’re good at. Find your niche and start filming. No need to expense yourself and buy a camera; the best camera is the one in your pocket– your smartphone. Just start!”

Adding to that, she pointed out, “Due to the pandemic, there has been a major loss of jobs and this has frustrated many people, mentally, since this was their only income. But from what I can see, the world is moving to a digital state and more and more entrepreneurs are creating YouTube channels and taking their businesses online. This way they can make an income by working from home or any part of the world and are not affected by most circumstances.”

Similarly, persons can use the platform, not just for commercial purposes, but to have an outlet to express themselves and feel good about it.

The name of her YouTube Channel is ‘Dream Travel Write’, and this is so because those are the three things she loves to do. “I believe in my dreams, I love travelling, and I enjoy writing,” she said.

In the same manner, anyone can identify the things they love, and start vlogging about them.