If your weekend plans don’t include Beyond the Feed, we have just one question: wyd?

This Saturday, at 2 PM, The Bell Inn will be buzzing as Durban’s creators swap endless scrolling for real conversations, fresh ideas and the kind of networking that could spark your next collaboration (or, at the very least, a new creator bestie). Because let’s be honest, there’s only so much you can learn from a 30-second TikTok.

The women behind it all? Nikki Haneef and Abi Downs. Two creators who looked at Durban’s content scene and thought, “There has to be a better way.” The result is Beyond the Feed: a creator workshop tackling everything from brand deals and contracts to consistency, confidence and community, all while proving there’s room for everyone to win.

Ahead of the big day, FEMME caught up with the duo to get the inside scoop on how it all came together, what attendees can expect and why, if you’re still on the fence, your Saturday night might end with a serious case of Instagram Story-induced FOMO.

First things first: for those who don’t know you yet, who exactly are Nikki and Abi? Give us the elevator pitch.

Nikki: I’m a lifestyle, and family creator, founder of Rekt Activewear & Hosted By Nikki, a wife, mom, and a huge animal lover. I’m passionate about bringing people together, creating meaningful experiences, and helping people feel seen and supported. Through content creation, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with incredible brands, but my heart has always been about creating genuine connections and inspiring others along the way.

Abi: Abi is a lifestyle, travel, and fitness creator. I’ve built a beautiful online community through authenticity, consistency, and showing up as myself. I created Girls Who Dinner, a luxury women’s dining experience; Reset with Abi, a wellness program and community; Abi Road Designs, a lifestyle and design label and, most recently, Beyond the Feed, which is the event we’re talking about today. Building brands and building community is really what drives me, content is just the fun part.

Spill the tea… What is Beyond the Feed and what can attendees expect from the moment they walk through the doors this Saturday?

Nikki: Beyond the Feed is more than a workshop—it’s a space where creators can feel seen, supported and inspired. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a room filled with people who genuinely understand this industry.

We’ve got incredible panel speakers covering everything from brand deals and UGC to legal contracts, taxes, mental health, consistency and personal branding. There will be networking, content opportunities, beautiful goodie bags, and hopefully a lot of meaningful conversations that continue long after the event ends.

Every great event has an origin story. What was the group chat message, voice note or coffee catch-up that sparked Beyond the Feed?

Nikki: Honestly, it started with a conversation about how isolated content creation can feel.

People often see the glamorous side online, but they don’t see the questions, the self-doubt, the rejections, the uncertainty around contracts or pricing, or how difficult it can be to find creators who genuinely support one another.

Abi and I both kept saying, “There has to be a better way.”

That simple conversation turned into Beyond the Feed—a place where creators don’t have to figure everything out alone.

Be honest… what made you look at Durban’s creator scene and think, “Okay, it’s time we made this happen”?

Nikki: Durban has incredibly talented creators, but there’s been very little opportunity for us to come together in one room and actually learn from each other.

We wanted to create something that wasn’t intimidating or exclusive. Whether you have 500 followers or 500,000, everyone deserves access to education, networking and community.

We really believe collaboration is more powerful than competition.

You’ve packed a lot into one afternoon, from brand strategy and contracts to content and consistency. Which session do you think is going to have everyone thinking, “Where has this advice been all my life?”

Nikki: I honestly don’t think there’s just one.

The legal session is something creators rarely get access to, especially around contracts, usage rights and taxes.

The brand strategy conversations are going to completely change how people think about creating content.

And I’m really looking forward to the mental health discussion because we don’t speak enough about cyberbullying, burnout and how to protect your peace while still showing up online.

I think everyone will leave with at least one moment where they think, “I wish I’d known this sooner.”

The networking session is just as exciting as the panel. What’s the dream outcome for someone walking into the room? A future collaborator, a dream brand partnership or maybe even a new creator bestie?

Nikki: All of the above!

If someone walks away with a new creator friend, a future collaboration, a business connection or simply the confidence to keep going, we’ve done our job.

Community is really at the heart of Beyond the Feed.

Without giving away too many spoilers… what’s the one moment you already know is going to flood everyone’s Instagram Stories?

Nikki: Definitely the networking and content opportunities throughout the venue.

We’ve been intentional about creating beautiful spaces where people can create content together, meet new people and capture the day naturally.

And I have a feeling the goodie bags are going to make a few appearances too!

Complete the sentence: The creators who skip Beyond the Feed this Saturday will…

Nikki: …probably experience a serious case of FOMO when they see everyone’s Stories on Saturday night. (laughs)

But more importantly, they’ll miss the opportunity to invest in themselves.

There will always be another Reel to film or another trend to jump on, but opportunities to learn, connect and grow in person don’t come around nearly as often.

And finally, for anyone who’s still on the fence… give us your best “Don’t message us afterwards saying you wish you’d been there” pitch.

Nikki: If you’ve ever said:
“I wish I knew how to land more brand deals.”
“I wish I had creator friends.”
“I wish I understood contracts.”
“I wish I was more confident posting online.”

This event was created for you.

Beyond the Feed isn’t about follower count—it’s about growth, education and community.

Come as you are, bring your notebook, bring your questions and come meet people who genuinely want to see you succeed.