Streamer Spotlight: @purranna
Anna, known to her community as PurAnna, is a full-time content creator on Watch Mixer. Before streaming, Anna went to college and graduated with majors in Religion and Psychology. She also played for her college soccer and lacrosse teams and loved the feeling of being on a team and pushing her limits. Read on!
What has been a memorable streaming moment for you?
When I hit 100,000 followers! To me, interacting with my community, making connections, and forming a sanctuary for people in my stream, no matter what is going on for them in their lives, is the most important thing. That’s what I have worked so hard to build, so when I hit 100,000 followers, it didn’t feel like I was hitting that milestone alone, it felt like we all were. It was a perfect reflection of how my community and I are in this together. We’ve overcome so much adversity in the form of tech problems, trolls, toxicity from other streamers, etc. This continued support I’ve received has allowed me to thrive and focus on doing what I feel destined to do.
What does your current setup up look like?
My current setup is very mismatched but also incredibly badass. I intend to make some upgrades and am open to partnering with some companies if they want to try and woo me LOL (no but seriously). Anyway, I have a two-monitor setup of 27 inch curved Samsungs from Walmart that were very reasonably priced. My keyboard and mouse are the Rose Quartz edition from Razor—I absolutely LOVE them—and I love my Astro A40 headset, I could not be happier with the comfort level and sound quality that they give me. I also have a Go XLR audio mixer and Shure 7MB microphone. Both are fantastic. Last but not least, I have my Xbox One X, my Elite Series 2 controller, and my sexy Corsair Vengeance PC that I affectionally call Wall-E.
How do you see gender disparity happening in the gaming industry? How can we change the male-dominated narrative?
This is a tough one. I don’t talk too often about this because it is a big topic to dive into, but it is extremely needed. While it might be easier for girl gamers to get views, it’s harder for us to get respect. The types of trolls and intense sexual harassment, as well as condescending, disrespectful comments we receive, is just something you could never fully understand unless you are a female streamer. It is very trendy to shame female streamers for being “E-girls” no matter what they are wearing, etc., and I think changing the narrative has to come from us female streamers. I was raised to appreciate every part of myself—and that extends far past my body. I think developing talents and focusing on your character is a better message to send to the younger generation. I push hard in my stream for respect for all streamers, females included, and I hope that other female streamers do the same.
Who are other streamers that inspire you?
In no specific order; King Gothalian, KingBaileyBomb, and Ninja.
How do you balance mental health and the pressures of streaming?
This is a fantastic question. I have severe anxiety that I have been dealing with ever since a traumatic life event—which was actually, in many ways, the main reason that I started streaming. It was my escape, my way to connect with people and be social while still feeling safe in the comfort of my own home. I overcome my mental health struggles by reminding myself that streaming every day, smiling, and creating positive vibes, can help someone else with their struggles and potentially make their day.
I think taking time to focus on yourself and self-care is also important. When you’re grinding the stream, it’s easy to get out of healthy habits mentally and physically. However, it’s important to remind ourselves that a balance of self-care and work dedication is necessary, as it all intertwines.
If you could live in any video game world, where would it be?
There are so many awesome gaming worlds! My first thought, though, is actually Assassin’s Creed since I’d be able to hop in the animus and go to different historical periods. That would be incredible! I’ve also always secretly wanted to be an assassin, so…there’s that too, haha!
Thanks, Anna! You can check out her streams here or follow her right here on Tumblr!