Shawn James isn’t your average YouTuber. He’s a man whose love for the outdoors has captured the attention of over two million people on his channel, ‘My Self Reliance’. Living in the woods near Huntsville, Ontario, Shawn has turned the wild Canadian outdoors into a homestead, showcasing his journey for all to see. Luckily, his hobby pays well as My Self Reliance has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
Shawn’s Background
Originally from Barrie, Ontario, Shawn’s love for nature has always been a part of him. But it was the financial crisis of 2008 that pushed him into the spotlight. After losing his contracting business, Shawn decided to turn back to his roots, quite literally, by starting his YouTube channel in 2013. It was a chance to escape the busy city life and share his peaceful existence with the world.
A Visual Diary
His channel is a visual journal of a life led in harmony with nature. Each video, whether it’s about crafting a log cabin from a hundred trees, fashioning a copper sink, or cooking a unique meal, encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Through his lens, viewers are transported to the woods outside Huntsville, Ontario, where Shawn has created a haven amidst the unforgiving Canadian wilderness.
In a world grappling with inflation and the relentless pace of modern life, Shawn’s serene existence emerges as a soothing balm. His narrative is about slowing down, embracing simplicity, and fostering a direct connection with nature.
How My Self Reliance Makes Money
In 2017, Sean began building a log cabin in the Canadian woods, without power tools. His content has amassed 2.12 million subscribers and over 450 million views on YouTube, making him a boatload of ad revenue.
On average, ‘My Self Reliance’ attracts around 160,000 views every day, based on a $5 CPM, he makes an estimated $24,000 per month in ad revenue on YouTube. This translates into an annual income of $288,000!
Sean also monetizes his brand through merchandise sales on Teespring.com, selling shirts, hoodies, and mugs. With an average price of $31 for his merch, he’s making a modest profit margin through the venture. In addition, he has a Patreon channel where 163 members pay $8.99 per month to subscribe to premium content. Combining all of his income streams, My Self Reliance makes well over $300,000 per year.
The Allure of Simplicity
The growing allure towards homesteading isn’t a passing trend. It reflects a deeper societal yearning for simplicity. As Toni Smith, a professor and fellow homesteader at Vancouver Island University, mentions, the appeal of a simpler life often resurfaces when societal challenges become overwhelming.
Personal Life
Shawn had to leave his original cabin because of an issue with a neighbor. They complained about the noise and the YouTuber was worried he might harm his family. As a result, he moved to a new location and started from scratch again!
James is married and has two young daughters, there was speculation online he got divorced but those rumors are false. He’s still happily married and not everyone wants to appear on camera. His daughter, Emily Aisling is also a YouTuber creating similar content.
