Behind the Stream with XIHasCheeksX
With the encouragement of her husband and a new found sense of adventure post pandemic, Cheeks went from shy introvert to streaming to over 500 subscribers on Twitch. Reading the interview with her it’s easy to see why, as her compassion and self of humor shine throughout. This is Behind The Stream with, xIHasCheeksx (Go follow her right now!)
Twitch handle: XIHasCheeksX
Nationality: American
Preferred System: PC
Current games streaming?
Fortnite, Fall Guys, Dead By Daylight & World of Warcraft
I learned that sometimes things don’t go as planned, however you can change it at any time. Growth is a beautiful thing.
When did your streaming journey begin?
April 2022! ONE YEAR Streamer-versary next month! YAY!
[Same anniversary month of this website woot!]
What or who inspired you to want to start streaming games and building a community?
Honestly, a mix of my husbands encouragement and myself. I genuinely love gaming, love connecting with people, but I have GAD (Generalize Anxiety Disorder). I was diagnosed as a teen and I tend to be quite introverted in real life. I am great at one on one conversations, but when it comes to lots of people/group settings, you’ll find me quite quiet. My husband encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone many times and the pandemic kind of shifted my perspective on a lot of things, especially when it comes to doing things I genuinely love. I thought, “Why not stream?” I made my Twitch account and then got cold feet. I second guessed myself, my game play, what kind of streamer I wanted to be, if I would be accepted, etc. I realized I’m human, I’m a mom, I’m a plus sized woman, I’m a person and gaming is for EVERYONE! Why shouldn’t I stream? Are there people like me? The mom at the end of a long day who just wants to game and hang with friends? The person who is healing her inner child by having fun and connecting with games and the way they make you feel? The average gamer who takes a lot away from those few hours in the evening spent with her friends sharing moments, laughter and the very human experience we are all living? Why shouldn’t I stream? That’s when it hit me; I have absolutely no reason not to. Last year, I just internally said “Fuck it” and went for it! Hoping to connect with authentic people along the way and so far, I genuinely have! I love the growing community of people that I have met and continue to meet. They’re supportive, encouraging, helpful, kind and loving people. I couldn’t ask for a better community, really. I appreciate them tremendously.
Do you have a type of genre of game you prefer to stream?
I feel like it’s definitely a mix and I like trying different games.
Do you have a schedule?
Currently, I am in the process of trying to stream a bit earlier than my normal schedule, which was very late. Now, it is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7PM-Midnight EST.
What was the first game you streamed?
World of Warcraft
Do you have other streaming partners?
I do not. Solo woman show here!
What is the most outlandish thing that has happened to you while streaming or while you were watching someone stream?
I had someone new follow me, then tip me mid stream asking for xxxx rated content in return. I also had a male streamer look me up while I was in his chat trying to be supportive, DM me inappropriate things and when I didn’t respond, curse at me on his stream and use insulting and suggestive wordage for red haired women.
What is your ideal Twitch community?
This is a great question! I love the community of people that I have gravitated to now, but expanded! Inclusive, respectful, understanding, compassionate, encouraging, authentic people. A community of people looking to grow not only as a streamer and/or content creator but as a person, too. A community of people who make others feel seen and heard, while also having those same things reciprocated. A community that gets that we’re all human in all different walks of life and we can come together in support of one another!
What do you like to see in your Twitch community?
When people connect and support each other and that blossoms into friendships! It seriously warms my heart. When people who are normally very quiet open up and chat, knowing its taken them a bit to get comfortable and they finally are!
What are some things Twitch needs to address?
I’m sure this answer for me will changes as the years go on, but as of now I feel like Twitch could find a way to better the chances of discoverability for small streamers. A highlight section? A day of highlighting small streamers only?
What makes your streams unique?
This is a hard question for me to answer and I love that it’s pushed me further into thought. Honestly? My streams show me as I am. The most authentic, silly, sassy, potty-mouthed woman, who equally shows love, compassion, empathy and encouragement for all. I genuinely do my best to get to know every person that comes in, wants to genuinely know how your day is, how you’re feeling, etc. Also, I definitely have a habit of encouraging people to play new games!
What would you tell a brand new streamer or wish that someone told you when you were first starting out?
Breathe and know that whatever you choose to do, is perfectly okay!! We are all different and bring different things to the table. It’s absolutely okay to be yourself! Try new things. IF it fails, that’s okay too! Knowledge comes from experiences and the beautiful part of growing in this process is all the many things you’ll challenge yourself to do as a streamer, the connections you make and the amazing experiences you’ll have. Don’t let the bad things set you back, keep pushing! Also, take breaks when needed. Self care is so damn important! Take in your surroundings and network. Network and see how others are, so that you’ll know what kind of supportive community you want, you want to be a part of and the kinds of people you want to be associated with. Be mindful of yourself and others. Lastly, KNOW YOURSELF. Seriously, know your boundaries, what you want and don’t want and find your voice and use it! Ha. Sorry, I feel like I could give LOTS of advice to new streamers.
What is rewarding about streaming?
For me personally? I’m growing as a person. As odd as it sounds, I didn’t care to have a cam on for months when I started because anxiety, but now? I don’t mind it so much. Yeah, I get the rush and butterflies just before I turn the cam on, but I find myself more calm moments into it and then proud of myself when I hit the “Stop Streaming” button. Also, I’ve learned so much about myself and my community in this process. I learned what it takes to step out of my comfort zone, but also what it takes to be a better supportive friend within this community. I learned that sometimes things don’t go as planned, however you can change it at any time. Growth is a beautiful thing.
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1547980770
Parting words/ shout outs?
Shout out to the friends and community of people that I have met. I appreciate you all and happy to have crossed paths with each of you!
As I always say, “Be yourself and the right people will gravitate!”