iCKEST has a monetized YouTube channel. Born and raised in Pearl City, the ‘Aiea High School grad posted funny videos of himself back in 2006, when YouTube had only been around for a year. “It started off slowly at first because I had to find a groove in terms of what people liked. When I started coming out with these one-man shows where I played five different characters, that’s when I started seeing the response. I didn’t even know I was funny until the feedback I got.” 
 At the time, he was working for a photography studio and was able to transfer within the company to California in 2007. He’s still working as a photographer but his social media channels, where he performs original music and continues to make comedic short videos under the handle “iCKEST,” have provided him additional income, both through sponsored posts and selling his music. His ultimate goal is to post videos on social media full time. 
 
 “Around 2007 or so, when I started getting a lot of views, another [YouTube] user sent me a message and told me about the partner program. Back then, you had to gain at least 600 views to be considered for it,” says Anteola. “Becoming a YouTube partner now is difficult. They’re always changing the algorithm and analytics for what’s required; I’m just trying to keep up. You have to gain way more views than 600 now, that’s for sure.” -Honolulu Magazine