Emma Chamberlain Turned YouTube Stardom Into A Creative Coffee Empire | Forbes
When Emma Chamberlain started her KZhead channel in 2017, she had no intention of becoming an internet phenomenon-let alone the multi-hyphenate multimedia mogul she is today. But through hundreds of videos, the 22-year-old creator has shapeshifted before viewers’ eyes-going from a teen “Pulling an All-Nighter” and explaining why “We All Owe the Dollar Store an Apology” to a more sophisticated travel and fashion documentarian.
Now, the KZhead sensation earned an estimated $20 million last year while building her eponymous coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee.
Vlogging these past seven years has made Chamberlain one of the most influential creators of her generation, with more than 12 million subscribers on KZhead and 15 million followers on Instagram. And her fame has led to opportunities outside social media. She has been the face of Louis Vuitton, Lancôme and Cartier, among other luxury brands that have been drawn to the Emma-verse.
Despite living in a rarefied world of late, Chamberlain has, somehow, maintained her girl-next-door persona. Even if most of her followers will never attend fashion shows in Milan and Paris or chronicle their preparation before the famed Met Gala in New York, her authenticity is just what Gen Z craves.
These days, she’s using that relatability-along with her massive following-to scale her startup, Chamberlain Coffee. Meet the creator who’s full of beans.
Read the full story on Forbes:
www.forbes.com/sites/alexyork/
0:00 Introduction
0:36 Emma Chamberlain’s Non-Traditional Career Path
2:06 Emma’s KZhead Evolution
4:45 The Different Eras of Emma Chamberlain
6:40 Emma’s Return to KZhead
8:54 The Business of Emma Chamberlain
10:45 Behind the Brand Partnerships
12:51 The Genesis of Chamberlain Coffee
14:33 Building the Chamberlain Coffee Team
17:14 Chamberlain Coffee’s Retail Future
19:31 What’s Ahead for Chamberlain Coffee
21:35 Emma’s Advice to Her Younger Self
23:49 What Most People Don’t Know About Emma Chamberlain
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Emma’s outfit is giving the “business” outfit she used to wear in her very first KZhead spon con ads :D
I totally forgot about that haha
its giving Candace Ian from mean girls
Those were hilarious, miss that
I appreciate the interviewer! Professional and nice
They both pretty ❤
It's like she's on a high school interview assignment. Very sweet
her MUA really did her dirty though (literally lol)
This is a very smart move on her part because as gen z grows into full adulthood they will reach for chamberlain coffee rather than nespresso or Folgers
Doubtful. Her attention span isn’t long enough.
@@jramsey9690?
Too bad it's gross
@@harpazoseason no cause I tried the oat milk vanilla canned drink and it tasted something along the lines of gasoline
@@666oddess exactly 💯
You can tell the interviewer did her research and was genuinely interested. Loved this!!
im so proud of her omg
I love how they kept showing clips of her rolling on the ground 🤣
do u know what video thats from?
😂
LOL
@@destinymaymeekit’s called GROM LIFE it’s on her channel posted 6 years ago (if you’re talking abt the ocean one)
emma's clearly a very rare kind of person. a truly inspiring role model. hearing her speak is a gift. anyone who doesn't like her is missing out!
Emma is No. 1 Comfort Person on the internet! 🥺
* so happy of all her success!
😎
Farts and all 😂
@@annlatham well, everyone has their statement pieces ahahah don’t forget about the burps
This was prolly the best interview I've seen. She asked very interesting questions that we as viewers would want to know and Emma's answers were transparent!
Watch her on hot ones. That is the best interview. Sean matches his guests energy and it makes it so enjoyable to watch
@@cassandrafarquhar7354 I have watched her on hot ones. I think she was on there twice now but I definitely liked the questions being asked here more!
shes only 22?!! 😮 she speaks so matureee
😁
Literally thought she was thirty
she reads books that helps
Plus she’s accomplished sooo much at such a young age. I mean she owns a large and legitimate business not just a collar with a business but an actual consumable product that she helped create and build. She didn’t just slap her name on something, and her passion for business will help her go far in her career. Many people even older adults find the minute, nitty, gritty details boring and often just gloss over them or put them on someone else.
Slayed the interview like a boss
She is the most genuine and authentic person on the youtube world tbh. So proud of her as if she is my daughter(im 25 lol) love her wholesome personality❤❤
Emma in the suit just killed me. We all know she was laughing when she picked this out and then called it iconic. I ADORE HER.
I love how serious these questions are, not fluff. I love to see Emma growing and evolving.
Forbes, Emma is a gem that inspires us all. Thank you for sharing!
I think that is the best interview with Emma Chamberlain that is out there.
I hope she will direct or produce some sort of document or movie or something, ı like how she edits simple videos and turns them kind of an art scene
I absolutely loved this interview. I love how Emma is growing up and discovering what her current passions are. She expresses in the very end how she doesn’t know where this love of business has come from. And everything in her life is the opposite. I think, as a KZhead creator starting out, it was all creativity. It was art. She got to play and be herself & she was a kid. She has smart parents, and a team around her. Because she really understood the business aspect of KZhead and then catapulted that into Chamberlain coffee. It’s almost as if she went to “Street” business school. Instead of sitting in a classroom. She definitely experienced it in real life and she is probably gonna be more successful because she didn’t learn it from a textbook. She’s a very smart woman. I like how she’s collaborated with young businesswoman. I pray she is successful and continues to pay it forward. Great job Emma 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼☕️
Excellent interview. Shout out Alex York for a truly interesting interview.
Emma is such a great model for the current generations. I'm 26 & hope all women and girls see her as an absolute Icon. She got it right with how she handled her transition into adulthood and now she is gonna have sooooo much success. Home girl deserves it all. Also her outfit is giving director vibes, along with her current favor to long form videos - I have no complaints. Keep bossin Miss Chamberlain 💅🏻
All round great interview!
i’m so proud of emma, her pipeline is honestly so fascinating and inspiring.
I love seeing Emma’s business side but I am a little confused about people saying this is the best interview ever. Seems like they were on a bit of a time crunch - as I felt like there was no flowing banter at all or any chemistry really between the two. The “definitely and - “ onto the next question for every single question just always feels a bit uncomfortable. Maybe just nerves and time strains! But it did feel slightly too stale for how Emma likes to do things - even if she is presenting her mature business side.
Forbes, I loved this video so much, I had to hit the like button!
so proud of how far shes come 🥹 i’m so excited for her to post again
Also i love how involved emma is in her company 😊 she’s so wise
Stunning interview. So poised and professional
Always interesting and inspiring. I love how you had the guts to just go do it. I knew Emma, you’re definitely one to watch and see what’s happening next! Keep bringing it 🎉
why did no one straighten her bowtie sos
lol it’s cute tho
maybe that's the look she's going for
Por que nem tudo na vida precisa ser “perfeito” e talvez a gravata represente a personalidade dela. 🤗
Nunca tinha visto ela falando das decisões “de empresa” que ela tomou no Chamberlain Coffe… AMEI
That was hands down the best interview with Emma I've ever seen
This was such a great interview! Love Emma
Emma! We’re ready for you to come back to KZhead! We miss you ❤
The journey from KZhead to building her own coffee brand is truly impressive. ☺
💯
I found it interesting how she said she is more aesthetically driven now than she was when she was a kid, I think i just realized that can hold me back sometimes. I worry and fuss too much over aesthetic and it limits the amount of content im producing in the world lol
the questions are amazing
Great interview 🎉❤
SO PROUD OF HER!
such an inspiration! loved the interview
she is the sweetest soul, she also got leader personality you can feel the gaze thru the screen
I really admire ppl who are good in communicate things. Really love the way Emma explains her milestones. Very clear and well structured
I’m 70 and I love her channel. I know she works hard and had great support from her parents. I hope she has an incredible life and stays grounded.
I have never seen this person before, but its so interesting to watch americans have a conversation. Its so different from a normal relaxed conversation in Denmark. It must be very strenous to have to speak like this. Very facinating.
Qual seria a maior diferente? A energia?
This is a structured interview. It's not a good representation of a relaxed conversation between Americans.
why would this be a normal conversation, it’s an interview
Gosh I love her so much!
great questions! nice to learn more about the behind the scenes of chamberlain coffee
We miss your videos, Emma! It’s such a treat when you post. Excited for more great videos!
So much foreshadowing and a bit of teasing here for new upcoming amazing content from Emma. Our girl IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER
It is a pity that the company is completely neglected on the European market. Half of the regular products are missing, seasonal or new products are completely absent or only a few limited items are available. Customer service is non-existent - I asked about the availability of my favourite coffee twice and never got an answer.
AMAZING VIDEO!! Love her
Emma puts so much care and effort into what she is passionate about and it’s INSPIRING.
i just love emma everything about her is just so genuine
You just know Emma would be your best friend just by watching this. Great job Forbes!
I loved this interview! I truly do appreciate conversational reporters, you could really hear how comfortable Emma was and it made her personality shine. ❤️Kudos to you Forbes!!
I love the girl that interviewed her… very relatable ❤
This was such an excellent interview. Very thoughtful and thought provoking. 🙏 cool to be an adult now watching Forbes about the same person you grew up watching on KZhead.
I’m so happy she’s loving youtube again 🥺 I love emma so much!!
Her dad is very supportive. I love that. Being yourself is the main important thing
Great interview!
i love emma everything about her is just so genuine
I loved her last hour long video, and to hear she wants to create more of that length really makes me happy! KZhead will be waiting for you Emma!
Aww I hope so, would make me happy too 🌹
Such an inspiration ❤❤
Emma is so clever. I respect her even she is just 22. So interesting and inspiring interview I've ever seen.
So proud of here🩷
Love Emma and all her contents! Wishing her always the greatest success
So proud of my girrrrlllll 🌟huge inspiratiooooon!!!!🫶🫶🫶🫶✨
I prefer dark chocolate & coffee that is less sweet. I really enjoyed her premade latte. Mr Beast talks about how he wanted to make the first flavor of Festables chocolate dark chocolate because that’s what he likes, but he realized that a larger majority of the population prefers milk chocolate so that’s what he went with. It’s so challenging running a business where you want to make everyone happy, but everyone has different preferences so it becomes nearly impossible. If you’re giving it your best, thats all you can do.
great interview
have been watching her since 2017 since the dollar tree video until now so proud of her! also her coffee is great
Loved this interview. Great questions!
She is authentic which is why younger viewers love her. I'm not surprised by her incredible success.
The interviewer did such a fantastic job ❤
This is a great interview. I would disagree with her last point that she doesn’t have the personality of businesswoman. I work in investment banking and our biggest sharks have 2 distinct sides. One side sends dumb memes in lighthearted email chains, the other gets it DONE. She also possesses this duality. The way she speaks about her product and the Retail experience comes from passion and a deep knowledge of all facets of her business. She presents her information in a compelling and interesting way. Love to see it.
Wise beyond her years, and very self aware! Emma deserves every good thing that comes her way because she has such a great work ethic!
Emma is great! Interviewer is great!
So inspiring!!
Iconic look from Emma
So refreshing to hear a conversation and interview that doesn’t include “and like” every 5 second’s from a young person 😅
She has grown into such a beautiful, authentic, smart woman. I smile when I watch her and love that we as viewers have been able to witness her journey. Her online presence is my reality TV 🫶
I love Emma ! She inspired me to start my KZhead channel 😌
i needed to see this
She looks absolutely amazing in Thom Browne😘
Platform, Projects, Podcast. The “P’s” have it for Emma. Good for her!
"co" Founder ? Who's the other founder ?
her dad
As a fan of Emma, I am low key offended with whomever wrote the description for this video and scripted the interview answers. Please don’t tell me EC is still the relatable girl next door while presenting this image of business mogul of a an expensive coffee brand wearing high fashion sitting in a well appointed kitchen being interviewed by Forbes magazine. Fr?? Do they think we are stupid? Check this! Plus I was also surprised car/jen was referenced. So not it in what I would expect EC branding to be imo. Ppl are out here struggling and we are expected to buy into this too? Just stop the all the ‘relatable’ branding nonsense and then I could possibly be down with that. This messaging and act are not genuine. To be fair, it’s not possible to not change as we emerge into adulthood. It’s good and normal. Just accept it and brand accordingly.
This is making me very very emotional. I’m so proud of you.
So proud of you Emma ❤
i love the crooked bow tie
Whatever, You are doing, It must planned to protect, Social and reliability maintaining your Image of Personal Character. Said, It is true "No intoxication is a reason of WINE or WHISKEY" Until and If "You are Confident in Own Self". I think, a Good Relationship "What we all are desired after our Parental Family". It must stay with sincere Interest. This dress is Awesome. 🌹
I can feel the anxiety of the intervier, she was so professional. She's got some spark going on!
What a talented young woman. Smart cookie alert. Love you always Emma
Fav person 🤎 Emma Chamberlain so proud
Emma’s all grown up. The journey is rad
I did want her to say something more personal in that las question
I love Emma Chamberlain!💕💕💕
The interviewer said she co founded the coffee brand? I thought she founded it, who’s the other founder? Or did they get it wrong?
janis ian at prom slay
lol
Emma is honestly THE influencer a lot of other influencers should take notes from she went from regular unknown KZheadr to every other popular KZheadr to a list celeb and she really shows people that you can grow ur platform and ur content as you grow and also if ur known for something in ur vlogs or videos make a business out of it and actually fully be involved in the brand that you make
It's interesting you say this cos there was a time when almost every vlogger/ person on KZhead was trying to copy her but she has redefined herself and branched out more successfully than other people which to me, reflects her relatability. I remember how fast she grew, it was quite unreal.
Why the kitchen setup??
Coffee
Women.😂
I love how Emma is able to tell us that the change of edit in her videos is her growing up herself. I definitely feel like her not continuing to thrive in the education system is playing a big part in her life. Many of our lives as well. I believe the education system definitely teaches humans to mature and somewhat know how the world is changing. And I’m glad she had enough motivation to change by herself and to become more of an adult. (Btw I’m not hating on her bc she didn’t want to continue her education lol)
I agree with the comments, shes a gem❤