The world of media has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, and few people have navigated that evolution as seamlessly as Shira Lazar. From red carpets to viral sensations, Shira has built a career by staying ahead of digital trends, making her a leading voice in social media, content creation, and mindfulness.
In a recent conversation with entrepreneur Mike Mann, Shira shared her journey, insights into the business of digital content, and her latest mission—bringing mindfulness to the masses.
From Traditional TV to Digital Pioneer
Shira’s career started in traditional entertainment journalism, where she covered red carpets and celebrity news for outlets like MTV, E! News, and CNN. But as digital platforms gained momentum, she recognized a major shift.
🎥 Key Moments in Shira’s Digital Journey:
Started covering entertainment news in Hollywood.
Saw the potential of digital video and began interviewing YouTube and social media stars before they hit mainstream.
Launched What’s Trending in 2011—one of the first media brands focused on viral culture and online influencers.
Expanded her brand into gas stations, movie theaters, and airports, ensuring content reaches audiences beyond traditional social media platforms.
🔹 “I realized no one was interviewing digital creators in real time. Talk shows would bring them on months later, but I could get them first.”
Her instincts were right—social media stars became the celebrities of the future, and What’s Trending became a go-to source for internet culture.
The Business of Digital Content: How to Monetize an Audience
Many aspire to become digital influencers, but few truly understand how to make it a sustainable business. Shira breaks down key strategies for monetization:
💰 Revenue Streams in Digital Media: ✅ YouTube Partner Program – Earning revenue from ad impressions.
✅ Brand Sponsorships – Partnering with companies to create branded content.
✅ Content Licensing – Distributing media across various platforms.
✅ Strategic Partnerships – Expanding reach through collaborations with major networks.
However, Shira notes that monetization isn’t just about numbers:
"It’s not always about quantity—it’s about having the right audience. Brands want engagement, not just views."
For creators looking to grow, she suggests focusing on niche audiences, as smaller but highly engaged communities are often more valuable to advertisers.
Peace Inside Live: Bringing Mindfulness to the Digital Age
As Shira’s career evolved, so did her interests. While continuing to run What’s Trending, she has also launched a wellness-focused initiative: Peace Inside Live.
🧘♀️ What is Peace Inside Live?
A virtual platform offering meditation, mindfulness, and movement classes.
Designed for corporate wellness, providing companies with customized mindfulness programs.
Hosts virtual retreats and masterclasses with leading wellness experts.
Shira emphasizes that mental wellness is the next big movement, much like digital media was in the early 2000s:
"Wellness and mindfulness are becoming mainstream. Companies are realizing that supporting employee well-being improves productivity and retention."
🔹 Interested in mindfulness training for your company? Visit PeaceInside.live to learn more.
What’s Next for Shira Lazar?
Looking ahead, Shira plans to: ✅ Expand What’s Trending through strategic brand partnerships.
✅ Launch an LGBTQ+ video series in collaboration with Reverie.
✅ Grow Peace Inside Live to reach more corporate clients.
✅ Continue leading conversations on social impact, digital trends, and well-being.
Mike Mann praised Shira’s ability to anticipate cultural shifts:
"You’ve ridden the wave from the first days of digital content to where media is today. And now you’re ahead of the curve again with mindfulness."
Lessons from Shira’s Digital Success
Shira’s story is proof that adaptability and foresight are key to staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. Some key takeaways from her journey:
🚀 How to Stay Ahead in Digital Media: ✅ Follow emerging trends – Don’t wait for trends to become mainstream; lead the charge.
✅ Diversify revenue streams – Relying on a single platform (e.g., YouTube) is risky—branch out.
✅ Engagement over numbers – A loyal, niche audience is often more profitable than a massive, disengaged one.
✅ Integrate passion into your work – Shira blended her love for media and mindfulness to create new business opportunities.
The Power of Digital Real Estate: Mike Mann’s Domain Training
The livestream wrapped up with Mike Mann’s domain name training, where he appraised domains submitted by viewers.
💡 Why Digital Real Estate Matters:
Owning premium domain names is like owning valuable real estate—their worth appreciates over time.
.com domains remain the gold standard in online branding.
The best domains are short, easy to remember, and brandable.
Mike shared his expertise in buying and selling domains, explaining that just like Shira saw digital content’s rise, domain investors must anticipate future trends.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Digital, Mindful, and Purpose-Driven
Shira Lazar’s journey highlights how digital media has evolved—and where it’s headed next. As content consumption shifts, the demand for authentic, engaging, and meaningful content will continue to grow.
🔹 For aspiring digital entrepreneurs: ✔️ Stay adaptable.
✔️ Build real engagement.
✔️ Follow trends—but set them, too.
And most importantly, find ways to integrate your passion into your business—because that’s where true success lies.
