Lucy Guo, founder of Passes, aims to redefine the creator economy by providing tools that empower content creators to build sustainable businesses through direct engagement with fans. Her platform allows creators to explore multiple revenue streams, such as membership communities and live interactions, addressing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, marketers recognize the evolving landscape, with nearly 40% planning to increase budgets for creators, reflecting the growing competition among 27 million self-identified income-earning creators in the US. Generation Z is particularly influential, as 83% identify as creators, prompting platforms like YouTube to adapt their offerings, including mobile-friendly tools and monetization features for short-form content. Additionally, AI technologies are reshaping the creative economy by enhancing content development and audience engagement, necessitating a strategic embrace of these tools for creators. The lines between creators and traditional journalists are also blurring, suggesting emerging opportunities for independent voices within established media.