Anybody can go viral on the TikTok algorithm. Before Katie Fang was a content creator with over 7 million followers, she was an overworked and miserable restaurant server. In 2023, she filmed herself crying while getting ready for yet another long shift—a video that unexpectedly went viral. People came for the relatability but stayed for Fang’s makeup tips and unfiltered personality. Now Fang, who is still an undergrad at NYU, raked in an estimated $4 million in earnings last year as a beauty influencer. Her fellow sophomores probably marvel at her doing brand deals with the likes of Dior, becoming the face of skin care company Cetaphil’s campaigns or appearing on billboards for cosmetics brand Kosas. What’s her growth strategy? “My brand is all about being unapologetically yourself and not being afraid to show the raw emotions,” she says. “I don’t plan my content; that feels too curated. I film when I’m in the moment and have something to say.br br br Subscribe to FORBES: br Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to select products including NFT drops and more:br br br Stay Connectedbr Forbes newsletters: Forbes on Facebook: Forbes Video on Twitter: Forbes Video on Instagram: More From Forbes: br Forbes covers the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, business and lifestyle with a focus on people and success.