Bran Flakezz Says He ‘Made Double’ His Corporate Salary in One Summer as an Influencer

**Former Corporate Employee Turns Full-Time Influencer, Surpassing Earnings Expectations**

Brandon Edelman, widely recognised as Bran Flakezz on social media, has made headlines for his bold transition from corporate employee to successful content creator. His decision to leave a stable job in April 2022 has since proved to be a lucrative one, with Edelman sharing insights about his financial journey and offering advice to those considering a similar path.

At the time of his departure, Edelman had amassed savings of £15,000, a financial buffer he believed would sustain him through the summer if necessary. He acknowledged that if his new venture into content creation fell short, he was keen to return to his previous role at Anthropologie, a position he held in high regard. Fortunately for Edelman, his first summer as a full-time influencer led to earnings of approximately £150,000, which he described as a remarkable achievement, effectively doubling his corporate salary.

Before embracing this new chapter as a content creator, Edelman garnered experience in the corporate world, working with the Urban Outfitters portfolio and later managing social media for GoPuff’s private label brand. His corporate background not only endowed him with valuable skills but also instilled in him a sense of relatability towards his followers. In conversations about his previous experiences, Edelman stated, “I know what it’s like to get up in the morning and take the subway to work.”

As an influencer, Edelman frequently fielded questions from aspiring creators about when it might be prudent to leave their traditional 9-to-5 jobs. His advice is straightforward: one should only make the leap when content creation demands so much time that maintaining both jobs becomes unfeasible. Moreover, he encourages burgeoning influencers to ensure that their income from content creation surpasses that of their corporate salary, except for those with high-paying roles such as sales executives.

Edelman highlighted the importance of timing when considering a departure from corporate work. He strategically planned his exit to benefit from his yearly bonus, which provided an essential financial cushion. Reflecting on a pivotal moment before his resignation, Edelman recalled a particularly unenthusiastic meeting regarding social plans for the upcoming quarter, which made him reconsider his corporate commitments. It was during that meeting that he realised his passion for content creation was far greater than his current corporate responsibilities.

After this realisation, he sought advice from his mother, who encouraged him to take the leap. “What if you’re irrelevant in a few months and you look back and wish that you tried it?” she asked. With her support, and the assurance of obtaining health insurance, Edelman decided it was time to leave his corporate role and pursue his passion wholeheartedly.

In a fast-evolving influencer landscape, Edelman believes that having a grounding in corporate experience sets him apart. He recognizes that many new influencers jump into the field right after college, lacking the insights that come from working in a structured environment. His perspective underscores the complexities and challenges faced in both corporate and creator economies, highlighting a nuanced view of what it means to “make it” as an influencer.

Moreover, Edelman’s journey is a testament to the rapidly changing dynamics of work in today’s economy. As more individuals explore content creation as a viable career option, the experiences shared by creators like Edelman serve to enlighten those at the start of their own journeys. With dedication and informed decisions, others can navigate this landscape, potentially achieving financial success like Edelman has.

As social media continues to grow in influence and importance, Edelman’s story exemplifies the balance between risk and opportunity. His elation in diving into full-time content creation reflects a broader trend of individuals reassessing traditional career paths in favour of more flexible, passion-driven professions.