Amplifying a Voice Beloved on Social Media - Saasha K

Amplifying a Voice Beloved on Social Media: How Saasha K Uses TikTok to Raise Awareness and Inspire Change

In today’s digital world, social media has become a powerful tool not just for entertainment but for raising awareness and sparking meaningful conversations. Among the numerous influencers making their mark on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, one name stands out for her authenticity and commitment to addressing important social causes: Saasha Karunarathne, or as she’s known to her growing TikTok following, Saasha K.

Known for her vibrant personality as a TV announcer, Saasha’s presence on TikTok has taken her influence beyond the traditional bounds of television, reaching an audience of millions across various demographics. But for Saasha, TikTok is not just about popularity—it’s a platform she’s harnessed to raise her voice on issues she’s deeply passionate about, from colorism to period poverty, and much more.

A Platform for Change

For someone who began her career in the realm of television broadcasting, expanding her reach through a platform like TikTok, with its short-form video format and ability to engage directly with followers, has been a game-changer. "TikTok has allowed me to reach a much larger and more diverse audience compared to TV," Saasha explains. “With TV, I was mostly known to a limited English-speaking audience. But TikTok reaches so many different people—it's a platform that doesn’t restrict you, and I’ve been able to connect with people I otherwise would have never reached."

In fact, this expanding reach has made it possible for Saasha to use her growing platform for something far more significant than entertainment. One of the causes that Saasha feels personally connected to is the issue of colourism, something she has struggled with since childhood. TikTok, for her, has been a space to confront these challenges head-on, and, more importantly, to help others embrace their own beauty. "Girls, especially, reach out to me to say that seeing someone like me, with my skin tone, portrayed in a positive light has helped them see that there are no beauty standards when it comes to skin color," she shares. "I’ve made it my mission to show that your worth and beauty aren't determined by your complexion. It’s about the work you’re willing to put in to constantly improve yourself on all aspects; be it beauty or skill."

Saasha’s TikTok platform also offers her the opportunity to shine a light on causes affecting women, including the ongoing battle against period poverty. She collaborates with brands like Fems to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, working towards ending the stigma and ensuring that women have access to essential products. While she has also expressed concern about street harassment, Saasha remains cautious about addressing this particular issue on social media, preferring to focus her energy on causes she feels more equipped to tackle.

The Versatility of Saasha’s Content

But how does a creator like Saasha manage to juggle such a variety of content while keeping her followers engaged? As a lifestyle content creator, Saasha embraces diversity in her posts—ranging from beauty tutorials and fashion insights to travel vlogs and food reviews. Her ability to weave such varied topics into a cohesive narrative has become one of her defining characteristics. “I’ve always been told that you should stick to one niche," she admits, "but I don’t see myself doing that. I want people to know me as me—I’m not just one-dimensional. I love fashion, sports, beauty, and travel. I want my followers to see all these different sides of me because that’s who I truly am."

The key to keeping it all consistent, she believes, is her content style. "Whether it’s food or fashion, I keep the style consistent. That’s how people identify my content." And it's this consistency that has led to the massive engagement she enjoys today, even when she posts about topics her followers may not initially be interested in. "If someone follows me for fashion content, and they see me posting a food review, they may not care about food, but they still watch because it's the same Saasha style they've come to love."

Why TikTok Works for Saasha

TikTok, favoring viral content and quick engagement, has proved to be a great platform for Saasha to amplify her voice and connect with people on a deeper level. "TikTok is great for sparking conversation," she says. "While the platform doesn’t encourage long-form discussions, it’s a place where you can quickly share thoughts and opinions. The comment sections often serve as a place for further dialogue, allowing me to engage with my audience in real time and even develop new content based on their feedback."

Saasha points to a viral moment that significantly boosted her profile—a video where she responded to a comment claiming she couldn’t speak English. “I listed out my entire career portfolio, showing that English had been the backbone of my professional life. That video didn’t just go viral on TikTok but across other platforms as well, which helped people identify me and understand what I do.”

It wasn’t just professional achievements that resonated with her followers, though. A recent interview where Saasha shared her personal life story became another viral moment, with countless viewers reaching out to say how much they saw themselves in her struggles. TikTok, with its raw and unfiltered nature, made this connection possible. "TikTok allows me to be real, to share my life as it is—unpolished, raw, and authentic," she says. "And when I share my story, people open up about their own lives. It's this connection that has made the platform so beautiful and impactful."

Saasha’s Message to Aspiring Creators

For aspiring influencers looking to make a difference, Saasha’s advice is simple: "It has to come from a genuine place. People can easily tell when you’re not being authentic. If you want to make an impact, tie your message to your own story. Don’t just preach about things you’ve never experienced. Share from a personal place, and people will resonate with you." It’s clear that authenticity is key to Saasha’s success—and for those looking to follow in her footsteps, it's a lesson that cannot be overlooked.

As Saasha continues to inspire and raise awareness on issues close to her heart, she remains a beacon of empowerment, showing her followers that social media can be used for so much more than just entertainment—it can be a platform for change. Through her work on TikTok, Saasha isn’t just amplifying her own voice; she’s amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard, encouraging her audience to rise above societal constraints and embrace the power of self-expression.