Trading suits for sandals: how Siphelele ‘Popi’ Sibiya became a travel vlogging sensation
Siphelele “Popi” Sibiya, a dynamic travel vlogger, has taken the digital world by storm with her adventurous spirit and captivating storytelling.
Originally from eQonce in the Eastern Cape, Sibiya reflects on her childhood as a mix of stability and boredom. "It was a very boring, stable, secure childhood," she recalls.
"I remember always just wanting to be an adult because when I'm an adult, I won't have to ask for permission. I won't have to ask for money. I'll have my own money and I'll do my own thing."
At 30, Sibiya's journey has been anything but conventional. After following a linear path of attending university and securing a corporate job, she quickly realised that the corporate world was not for her.
"I got this job in corporate, but it was too stressful for me," she explains. Seeking a change, she ventured to teach English in China, only to find that it was equally unfulfilling.
"I felt like my brain and my talent wasn't being utilised enough," she admits.
In 2019, everything changed during a transformative road trip from South Africa to Kenya.
"During that trip, my audience responded very well, and I thought, ‘I think there's something here’,’’ Sibiya shares.
This newfound passion for travel vlogging blossomed further when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.
Faced with a “no work, no pay” policy at her school, she made a bold decision: "I thought, okay, let me quit this job, go home, and start a travel vlog." The leap of faith paid off, and she has since built a successful platform around her adventures.
Sibiya's academic background in industrial engineering initially set her on a traditional career path as a business analyst. However, her desire for a less stressful job led her to China, where she hoped to find a better work-life balance.
"I still wanted to work 9 to 5, just a less stressful version of it," she explains. Yet, she soon realised that the ease of the job left her feeling unchallenged.
"It was too easy, too boring," she reflects, prompting her to embrace the freedom of travel and content creation.
When discussing her family's reaction to her unconventional career shift, Sibiya reveals that there was little discussion on the matter.
"I think they just sort of swept it under the rug and watched to see how it would pan out," she says. Her parents, supportive yet logical, chose to observe her journey without pressure.
"They were very patient because between quitting my job and really making money on social media, that was three years," she recalls.
This unwavering support has been a cornerstone of Sibiya's journey, allowing her the freedom to explore her passions.
A significant aspect of Sibiya's travel experience is her preference for solo adventures. "I travel completely alone," she notes.
"If I wasn't enjoying it, then I suppose I'd be travelling with people." This independence not only enhances her enjoyment but also facilitates connections with locals.
"One solo woman isn't a threat to anyone," she explains, noting that her presence often makes it easier to forge new friendships and find accommodation.
Financing her travels is another crucial element of Sibiya's journey. She has established a subscription model on her Instagram, where followers can access exclusive content from "The Popi Show".
"The reels you watch are just trailers to the full episodes which air exclusively on my Instagram Close Friends," she explains. With thousands of subscribers, Sibiya has successfully turned her passion for travel into a sustainable income source.
When it comes to choosing her travel destinations, Sibiya's motivations are deeply rooted in her interests. Her first major trip, the road trip from South Africa to Ghana, was inspired by her love for Afro beats.
"I wanted to see the country where Afro beats originate, which is the best genre of music in the world for me," she shares. This trip not only enriched her understanding of the music but also laid the groundwork for her future adventures.
Sibiya's travels have taken her across continents, including South America and Asia. However, her current focus is on exploring South Africa, a decision driven by the growing interest of her audience.
"I believed South Africans wouldn't want to pay to see South Africa," she admits. Yet, as her platform grew, she realised that her audience was eager to engage with her home country.
"Indeed they are hooked. This is the biggest selling season of all," she states.
Despite the joys of solo travel, Sibiya acknowledges the potential dangers that come with it. She recounts a harrowing experience in Cameroon, where a miscommunication with a male host led to an uncomfortable situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges solo travellers can face, particularly women. However, Sibiya's resilience shines through as she navigates these obstacles, often turning them into valuable content for her audience.
The online community surrounding Sibiya has its ups and downs. She has encountered criticism, particularly the slogan "Popi is stressing me out," which she finds frustrating.
“At what point do you get that this is just a show," she asks.
"If the show wasn't in this format, you wouldn't be watching it as much as you do."
Despite the challenges, Sibiya remains optimistic, recognising that her growing platform has attracted brand partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Netflix.
"A lot of brands have reached out and they are willing to pay," she shares.
As a rising influencer, Sibiya has experienced both the benefits and drawbacks of fame.
"I'm making more money now," she notes, "But it's a lot of work."
The influx of new followers has made it difficult for her to maintain the personal connections she once cherished.
"Unfortunately, you do drift from the audience," she reflects. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her craft, focusing on creating authentic content that resonates with her audience.
One common misconception about Sibiya is the belief that she comes from a wealthy background.
"What I come from is a stable family," she clarifies. "My parents structured their finances in such a way that they allowed us to have confidence in their ability to provide for us."
This stability has enabled her to take risks without the burden of being the primary breadwinner in her family.
When asked about her motivation, Sibiya candidly admits that money plays a significant role in her decision-making. "I enjoy the money. I want to make as much as I can while I still can," she states.
However, she also longs for the passion-driven exploration she experienced earlier in her journey. "The whole money thing has taken the passion out of it, to be honest," she admits.
Looking ahead, Sibiya has exciting projects lined up for 2025, including an exhibition showcasing her work with indigenous tribes.
"I'll be speaking on the work that I've done with indigenous tribes in the places they have travelled," she shares. This event will provide an opportunity for her audience to engage with her experiences on a deeper level.
Sibiya’s approach to challenges is rooted in her understanding of the importance of content creation. "Charging a subscription is very good for me because it helps to keep me honest," she explains.
When faced with feelings of stagnation, she finds that movement is the antidote. "Whenever I'm moving, I'm on the road. I feel much better," she states. "The antidote to feeling stuck is to do something."
For aspiring travel vloggers, Sibiya's advice is straightforward: "Just do it. I think people overthink this thing."
She emphasises the importance of taking action rather than overthinking every detail. "Start with what you have. Start where you are," she encourages. "The way will light itself up as you take the next step forward."
In conclusion, Sibiya's journey from corporate life to travel vlogging is a testament to the power of following one's passion. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of adventure.
As she continues to explore the world and share her experiences, Sibiya inspires others to embrace their own journeys, reminding us all that the adventure begins when we take that first step.