Exclusive: Content Creator Kareema Barry Gets Real About Having ADHD, Filter Addiction And More
She shared some Instagram hacks too!
Instagram reels created several content creators over the years and one such amazing creator is Kareema Barry. This hilarious content creator shot to fame due to her humourous content and later made an appearance in Neena Gupta and Masaba Gupta’s Netflix show Masaba Masaba in 2020 and later in the 2021 web series Girls Hostel. As Instagram rolls out new features including gif comments and more, we spoke to the leading content creator Kareema Barry to share her journey as an influencer, the challenges she faces with ADHD and more. Without further ado,
Q. You’ve 1.2 million followers. You’ve been on Masaba Masaba. You’re a pro at what you do. What’s still a real challenge for you as a content creator?
Kareema Barry: Taking a break before I burn out. I always end up pushing it to the point where I’m exhausted and I need to call it beforehand. That’s something I still struggle with. It doesn’t always have to be such that you’re running on reserve fuel, you can refill it for thousand rupees earlier also.
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Q. We all use filters. But they can become so addictive, and it’s very hard to see yourself without it. Was there ever a moment when you realised you were overusing them? How did you embrace your imperfections?
Kareema Barry: I don’t think I’ve fully embraced all my imperfections. Paris filter will come at the end anyway, even if you’re taking it normally. But I think it’s a slow process. Like initially I would be like ‘Oh my God, I can never. I’m looking so bad’ and all. And now I’m like ‘Kareema, just wash your face and it’s okay, you know. Just stand in proper lighting and it’ll be fine’. It’s fine, you don’t have to use a filter that alters your facial chemistry or your entire body. So, it’s okay. It’s a slow process where you learn to separate from things that are altering your face as opposed to just adding colour or something like a dazz cam moment which is like a film camera aesthetic. So, it’s about separating those two in my head.
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Q. You’ve spoken about your struggle with ADHD. What kind of challenges does it pose for you in terms of content creation and how do you overcome them?
Kareema Barry: Yeah, it’s a challenge for everyday life including content and things like exams, studying, and existing. This world is not meant for any person on the neuro-divergent scale. Even little things like the size of the text or the positioning of it are going to trigger you a lot more than a neurotypical person would feel triggered by. So, in terms of content also the same things like being consistent and focusing on it, is tough. If I have an idea, I will forget to write it down because I will have another idea immediately and my brain will run faster than the speed at which I can write it down, much like I’m talking right now. So yeah, it’s a constant struggle to focus and make sure that I’m consistent with things but it also helps me in the way that my brain is unique and it gives me a creative perspective on things so, I think it’s a balance of both.
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Q. Confession time: If we went to your Instagram Explore section right now, what kind of reels will we find the most?
Kareema Barry: Oh, a LOT of relationship reels have been coming up on my explore feed, like a lot of them. Like the talking phase, the situationship and honestly, my explore feed is very in sync with my life. I can’t tell you how in sync it is. When I have a heartbreak, it’s heartbreak. When I’m talking about my sister, it’s more sibling reels, then it’s bestie reels. It’s just bestie reels. The algorithm knows me.
(Writer’s Note: I smell a budding romance or a situationship here but Kareema Barry says, “All crushes are situationships.”)
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Also Read: How To Get Over A Situationship Breakup? 6 Tips To Help You Move On
Q. What’s a reel hack you want to share with our readers that’s a total game changer?
Kareema Barry: Nothing is a total game-changer. Also, I think, honestly, I discovered the trending sign very late in life. I really did not know. Once you see the trending, you’re going to think of it and two days later again it’ll go back and it won’t be trending anymore. That immediate reaction and just the timing of it is important. You can’t post stale content because that’s not going to work.
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Q. If you could make a quick beginner’s guide for someone who’s starting off on their content creator journey, what would be the 3 things you’d include in it?
Kareema Barry: 1) Don’t use your sanity, it’s alright.
2) Every content creator is different, that’s the reason that they’re content creators. So, there is literally no point in comparing. It is not like any other occupation. You are credited for being who you are, literally. So relax, and be yourself.
3) Please work because it’s a job. You’ll have to work and you’ll have to think about it from that perspective. If you wanted to make it your livelihood and your rozi roti basically.
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Q. Is it possible for a content creator to go on a digital detox? How do you do it?
Kareema Barry: Yeah, but you have to be very conscious about it. Because like automatically when I open my phone in the morning, I check Instagram notifications. That’s like my general move. So you have to be very conscious. I log out or I might just delete the app for a few days. I haven’t done that but I’ll just log out of my main account and just use my private account and have a detox. I consciously try not to check it but it’s very difficult because it just comes up. Even from my private account, I’ll see my other content.
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Also Read: Exclusive: “Don’t Do It For Fame”: Ruhee Dosani Shares Tips For Budding Content Creators
Q. Which are some of the creators that you cannot get enough of?
Kareema Barry: I’ve been really digging some international creators. I’ve been following Dharna Durga’s content. She’s really cool, I think.
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Q. What’s a makeup hack that you always follow when you get ready to face the camera?
Kareema Barry: Oh, nothing. Just put the same thing on your cheeks, lips and eyelids. It’s so simple.
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Q. What’s a cool feature you wish Instagram would launch to make your life easier?
Kareema Barry: Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any but someone said, “Just put a snooze button so, everyone knows you’re on a vacation.” Agasthya has said this, this is not my idea but I agree with it. Basically, it says “Influencer on vacation.” I think it’s very narcissistic but it can be interesting.
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Oh well, our favourite girl gave us a lot of deets about content creation and life and we’re here taking notes, what about you?
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