Sarah Merrill | Comedic Content Creator @BigKidProblems
Sarah is a comedic content creator and the personality behind the Instagram account and new podcast, @BigKidProblems. Through a mix of wry wit, pop culture, and relatable memes, BKP provides daily humor and guidance to those trying to navigate life in the adult world.
SO HOW'D YOU GET STARTED?
I started Big Kid Problems in the basement of my sorority house during finals week my senior year of college. I was getting ready to graduate and felt completely unprepared for the real world, so I started making anonymous tweets on Twitter about not knowing how to “adult.” At the time, Big Kid Problems was a placeholder name until I could think of something more creative. Of course, it ended up sticking.
BIGGEST AHA MOMENT?
One of my biggest aha moments was when I realized Big Kid Problems could be a business. It wasn’t something I planned for. I didn’t even think it was possible. But then I started seeing other accounts doing it and I realized, that if I did it right, I might be able to turn Big Kid Problems into a business and not just a funny place to put my commentary.
"I realized, that if I did it right, I might be able to turn Big Kid Problems into a business and not just a funny place to put my commentary."
ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU'RE MOST PROUD OF?
I was asked to teach a social media course on The Steve Harvey Show. It was filmed in front of a live studio audience of 200 people and of course the legend, Steve Harvey, himself. It was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done. It taught me a lot about pushing through fear and how to project confidence even when you don’t feel confident. I ended up doing the show three times.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
For me, success is getting something done. It’s about finishing things and not being so concerned about outside perception. Just the fact that I’ve accomplished something or finished something that I put my mind to is a success.
WHAT ROLE DOES FAILURE PLAY IN BEING SUCCESSFUL?
Failure is a huge part of the process. When I first had the idea to create the podcast, I met with agencies and podcast networks that were looking for female-run shows. I thought they’d definitely want my show. I already had an established audience, a great concept, and confirmed, awesome guests. But nobody wanted it. I was rejected in every way possible. People told me I couldn’t do it the way I wanted to or that the show would be too hard to produce. I had a moment of thinking I was a failure. But the next minute, I reminded myself that I believed in it and I found another way. I hired a team and produced it myself. Failures aren’t a hard stop. They’re an opportunity to recalibrate and figure out another way.
ROLE MODELS OR MENTORS?
Sara Blakely is my role model. She built a billion dollar empire, with no experience, from her apartment at 27. She had a vision and went all in. There was a quote she said that made me quit my job and pursue Big Kid Problems full time. It was something like, “You’ve got one shot at life. This is not a dress rehearsal.” It just hit me so hard. I was putting so much time and energy into a job and I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Hearing her say that was a catalyst for me.
"A lot of the things I’ve been able to accomplish in life are thanks to manifesting. It’s been a secret weapon for me."
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
When it comes to content, I’m inspired by little things throughout the day. Anything that’s relatable. My own life experiences, my friends’ experiences. I use a lot of mistakes as inspiration. Big Kid Problems has always been about making people feel better about their struggles. So making people laugh and helping people is definitely an inspiration.
ULTIMATE LIFE HACK?
Manifesting. A lot of the things I’ve been able to accomplish in life are thanks to manifesting. It’s been a secret weapon for me. I set really high goals for myself and envision myself achieving them.
PIECE OF ADVICE?
Don’t let the word “no” hold you back. You will hear it again and again. If there’s a big roadblock, be smart about how you move around it, but don’t turn around and give up.
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
I make sure to do things I love and that bring me joy almost every day. If I need a few extra hours of sleep, I take it. If I’m really stressed and want an afternoon yoga sesh, I do it. Working for myself gives me that luxury.
MOST UNUSUAL ITEM IN YOUR HOUSE?
My boyfriend. [Laughs] No, I’m kidding. It’s probably his little rock statue that’s displayed in the very front of our home. I don't know where it came from or what it means. I don’t think he does either.
FAVORITE SELF-CARE PRACTICE?
Leaving a party early to go home and be by myself. I think self-care is all about being self-aware and knowing what your body needs.
FAVORITE WAY TO LET LOOSE?
Dancing or an espresso martini. Or preferably both.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?
I just launched the Big Kid Problems Podcast. I’m very excited to have a new platform where I can actually help people solve their “big kid problems” instead of just joking about them.