The Manager Behind Brooke Monk: 'We Spent 2 Years Building Her Product—Here's Why'| Ep. 293 with Devain Doolaramani Founder of Friends In Reality
In this episode of Founder’s Story, we sit down with Devane, founder of Friends In Reality and a Business Insider Top TikTok Power Player, to unpack how the definition of “celebrity” has fundamentally changed. From managing Forbes Top Creators to building creator-led brands from the ground up, Devane explains why trust, community, and product authenticity now outperform fame alone—and how creators are quietly becoming the most powerful businesses on the internet.
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Show Notes
Devain Doolaramani shares how Friends In Reality evolved into a next-generation digital talent management company, representing elite creators like Brooke Monk while helping creators transition from brand deals to long-term, scalable businesses. Drawing from years inside the creator economy, he explains why digital creators have replaced traditional celebrities in the eyes of younger audiences and how that shift is reshaping marketing, commerce, and influence.
Key Discussion Points
Devane breaks down how celebrity has shifted from red carpets to phone screens, explaining why Gen Z recognizes TikTokers and YouTubers more than traditional actors. He shares why creators don’t need massive followings to launch successful products—only a deeply connected core audience—and why trust is built through engagement, not fame. The conversation explores the two-year process of building Brooke Monk’s upcoming product, emphasizing quality, storytelling, and patience over rushed launches. Devane also reveals how creators should think like operators, not influencers, expanding beyond platforms into real businesses. He closes by explaining why LinkedIn has become an unexpected but powerful channel for creators to build credibility, partnerships, and long-term value.
Takeaways
Creators are businesses, not just personalities. Trust and community drive sales more than audience size. The best creator brands come from products creators genuinely use. Digital talent has surpassed traditional celebrities in influence for younger generations. Long-term success comes from thinking beyond platforms and building real companies.
Closing Thoughts
This episode highlights a quiet but massive shift happening in real time: creators are no longer just marketing tools—they’re founders, operators, and brand builders. As Devane shows, the future belongs to those who treat influence as infrastructure, not attention, and who build with intention rather than chasing quick wins.
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