An Indian-origin lifestyle influencer based in the United States has sparked significant online discussion by publicly disclosing her substantial earnings from brand collaborations in the past year. Shivee Chauhan, a working mother residing in San Francisco, revealed that she made close to Rs 40 lakh (approximately $48,000) in 2025 solely through partnerships with brands on Instagram, where she has amassed over 2.2 lakh followers.
The Breakdown of a Content Creator's Income
In a detailed video posted on her social media platform, Chauhan provided a month-by-month account of her brand partnership revenue for 2025. She clarified that these figures represent only brand deals and exclude any income from digital sales or other avenues. Her earnings showcased notable fluctuations throughout the year.
According to her breakdown, January started strong with Rs 3.8 lakh, followed by a quieter February at Rs 20,000. March saw a spike to Rs 5 lakh. The subsequent months continued the variable trend: April brought Rs 3.8 lakh, May peaked at Rs 5.26 lakh, and June earned Rs 2.6 lakh. The second half of the year included Rs 3.3 lakh in July, Rs 5 lakh in August, a dip to Rs 1.8 lakh in September, Rs 2.1 lakh in October, Rs 3.7 lakh in November, and Rs 3.5 lakh in December, culminating in the impressive annual total.
The Strategy: Patience and Authenticity Over Pursuit
Chauhan's journey underscores a strategic shift in how creators can build sustainable careers. She emphasized that she did not actively chase brand deals in the initial phases of her content creation. Instead, her focus was squarely on consistent and authentic content centered around her everyday life in the US, which resonates deeply with Indian families abroad. Her posts cover relatable topics like skincare, food, travel, careers, and parenting.
This commitment to genuine storytelling eventually made brands come to her. Responding to a follower's query about how she connects with companies, Chauhan stated, "I focused on creating content, and generally brands reach out to me via my email in the bio." This approach highlights a modern success formula in the influencer marketing sphere, where value-driven engagement often trumps aggressive sales tactics.
Clarifying Visa and Monetization Queries
The revelation of her income naturally led to questions from her audience regarding the legalities of earning money in the US on certain visas. Addressing a direct question about visa restrictions, Chauhan provided crucial clarification. "That's right, we can't monetize on H1B, L1, or F1. I am a US permanent resident," she explained. This point is vital information for many aspiring creators from India living abroad on work or student visas.
She also noted that her income is received in both US dollars and Indian rupees, suggesting a 50-50 split between the two currencies for simplicity. When asked about her growth trajectory, Chauhan shared that she has been creating content for five years, with her annual income showing steady growth—from roughly Rs 25 lakh in both 2023 and 2024 to the Rs 40 lakh mark in 2025.
The story of Shivee Chauhan offers a transparent look into the potential of the creator economy for Indian professionals overseas. It demonstrates that with a dedicated focus on niche, authentic content and a patient build-up of community trust, significant brand partnerships and financial success are achievable milestones.
