Tee Pillay: how an investment banker became a leading content creator

In an era where digital content creation has become a significant career path, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Tee Pillay, a talented content creator and entrepreneur.

At just 28 years old, she has transitioned from the corporate world of investment banking to the vibrant and dynamic landscape of social media, where she connects with audiences through humour and relatable storytelling.

Pillay's journey into content creation began in 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown.

While working in investment banking, she found herself yearning for a creative outlet.

The uncertainty of the pandemic pushed her to explore her passion for performing arts, which had always been a part of her life.

"Making videos during such an uncertain time gave me purpose and helped me connect with others through humour and shared experiences," she recalls.

The shift from the trading floor to creating light-hearted TikTok videos was monumental.

Her days were once filled with tracking market movements and analysing equities, but she soon found herself creating humorous content after work and on weekends.

This contrast reignited her passion for performance and entertainment, leading her to leap into content creation full-time.

Embracing unconventional paths

Coming from a family of medical professionals, Pillay's decision to pursue a career in content creation was unconventional.

"One might expect that my brother and I would follow traditional career paths," she explains.

However, her parents encouraged their children to explore their own routes, fostering an environment where creativity could thrive.

This support has been instrumental in shaping her approach to both life and work.

Pillay has collaborated with numerous leading brands, including L’Oréal, Amazon, and Checkers.

Among her proudest achievements is her involvement in a global campaign with Meta to promote the release of Meta AI.

"Being part of that launch was surreal - not only because of the scale, but because it pushed me creatively," she shares.

The importance of connection

What drives Pillay to wake up every day and continue her work in the content creation industry?

"It’s the people," she states emphatically.

She thrives on connecting with audiences through relatable moments, whether through humour, storytelling, or sharing snippets of her life.

The knowledge that her content can bring joy, laughter, or comfort to others serves as a powerful motivator.

Despite her success, Pillay remains grounded and approachable.

She often encounters misconceptions about her persona, with many people expressing surprise at her height when they meet her in person.

"I don’t consider myself that tall, but apparently, I come across much shorter on camera," she laughs, showcasing her down-to-earth nature.

A love for South Africa's cities

Pillay's connection to her home country is profound.

She holds a special affection for Durban, where she grew up, Cape Town, where she studied, and Johannesburg, where she currently resides.

Each city has played a significant role in shaping her identity and career.

In Durban, she cherishes the warmth and support of her family and community.

"Nothing beats being surrounded by family," she reflects.

Cape Town, on the other hand, was pivotal in fostering her independence during her university years.

The stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the city continue to inspire her creativity.

Johannesburg has been where Pillay truly began her professional journey.

The city's energy and diverse community have pushed her to expand her horizons and embrace new experiences.

"It’s busy and buzzing, but it has pushed me to meet amazing people and grow as a person," she says.

Exploring new horizons

Beyond her work in South Africa, Pillay has also spent considerable time in the Netherlands, where her long-term partner resides.

This experience has allowed her to appreciate Dutch culture and the ease of travel within Europe.

"I love discovering new towns and experiencing different cultures," she explains.

This exposure not only enriches her personal life but also fuels her creativity as a content creator.

Looking ahead, Pillay is excited about her upcoming projects.

Together with her brother and their co-founding team, she is working on Groops, a digital platform designed to help people forge meaningful friendships based on shared interests and values.

"We’re excited for its launch in the near future," she shares.

Words of encouragement

For those aspiring to enter the digital content creation industry, Pillay offers valuable advice.

"Fear held me back in the beginning - fear of judgment, fear of not being ‘enough'."

However, she emphasises that the first step is simply to start.

"Create content that brings you joy, and your audience will find you," she encourages.