Creator of the Month Interview – @thickles__

1.) How did you create your online name and brand identity?

I used to go by “Pickles” and I had a friend who started calling me “Thickles” based on my larger behind 😂 I told my chat that if I input the name into COD and it didn’t get flagged as profanity, I would do a whole rebrand. I input the name and my game restarted which meant- it was a usable name. The rest is history! 

2.) Where did your gaming journey begin and how did you decide to turn that into online streaming?

I have been gaming with my older brother since I was a little girl and could hold a controller. When I turned 19, I got a serious back injury at my then current job which had me out of work for about two years in serious pain. I ended up being diagnosed with a life long lasting injury and my life got really dark.

I was playing Fortnite on my Xbox with my best friend on one of my mentally hard days and I accidentally went live on “mixer.” I had no idea what I was doing, I didn’t even know I was live until my friend pointed out the chat box on my screen! She looked up the website and BAM, I was live! I didn’t choose streaming, it chose me. It genuinely saved my life when I thought everything was over and that I’d never be successful in a life where I had this long lasting disability that would follow me everywhere.

Streaming became my safe space and my community gave me hope.

3.) What was the best video game and worst video game you have ever played? Why?

I think the best video game I have ever played would have to be Call of Duty: Black ops 2. I think the worst game by far would have to be Rocket League. I just can’t stand that game. I will take heat for this but that’s okay😂

4.) If you could collab with a brand, community, or influencer, who would it be?

I would absolutely love to collaborate with Corsair or Logitech in all honesty. They’re two companies that I have huge amounts of respect for and all of my streaming gear is split between the two!  The influencer I would DIE to collaborate with? Hands down, it would have to be BBJess. I just know lighting a joint with that woman and living a free night dancing and singing would heal every part of me that’s broken inside. 

5.) A lot of creators love your brand of harsh truths, telling it how it is…..how do you balance this with the needs of your community?

I will never not be myself. On or off camera, you’re getting the same person. I don’t play when it comes to reality and when it comes to helping people. The only way I know how to truly help is by telling the truth. Even if it isn’t what they want to hear, I would want someone to keep me straight and narrow. If people don’t like it? They are free to leave.

6.) What do you absolutely hate/dislike seeing on your feed on any given day?

The drama. I will stand up for myself no matter what but when it comes to streamer drama? I can’t stand it. Half of them are 30+ years old acting like 14 year old freshmen daily on the timeline and it makes me want to take a fat nap. I can’t stand it.

7.) What does the future hold for you – more gaming or online personality?  How close to your offline persona does this align?

I am me always. Screen or no screen, you are getting the exact same person. On my good days and bad days, on my chill days or my busy days, I am always going to show and be my true self. I hope to always make time for games with friends but it seems the more I share just who I am and how I live my daily life, the more interaction I get. I love being real with people with my daily struggles and how I get through it.

8.) What advice would you give to the next new creator that you wish you were given?

Be yourself. Do not let the influence of others make you feel like you need to be anyone else. The best creator is the creator who is true to themselves, not true to the money.

9.) You get to go on a vacation anywhere. Where do you go and what’s the first thing you eat/drink?

I would go somewhere warm for sure. No specific location but possibly a resort? I will have a cold crisp Dr. Pepper first and foremost! To eat, not 100% sure but I can tell you it’ll be a snack