Why I stopped helping people with 'exposure' brand deals

Last week a big brand reached out to collaborate. They wanted 12 posts, 3 reels, and a testimonial video. Their offer? N80,000 and 'massive exposure on our platform'. I laughed out loud in my Lekki living room.

When I started in 2020 during COVID, I took every 'exposure' deal. I was desperate. I worked for free for 6 months straight. My electricity bill alone was more than what they were offering. My father kept asking when I would get a 'real job'.

Now I have a rule. If you cannot pay my rate, you cannot afford my reach. The exposure they promise does not pay my rent in Lekki. Does not send my siblings to school. Does not buy data. I learned the hard way that your time is the only currency you cannot print more of.