For years, content creator Amira Virgil longed for an online space that could offer support for other Black female creators. So she decided to make one. 

In 2021, the Brooklyn-based Twitch streamer launched Noir Network.

“The more I learned about the business side of being a creator, the more I realized that this was information that my peers needed to know as well,” Virgil says.

In the first six months of Noir Network, the community was able to bring in more than $50K in brand deals for its members.

“I think community and having people to talk to, relate to, learn from, and collaborate with is very important," says Virgil. "I hope that Noir will continue to inspire others to create, whether they're creating collectives or collaborating in smaller creator groups.” 

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Better known online to her thousands of followers as Xmiramira, the 32-year-old has consistently pushed for inclusion and representation within the gaming community.

Beyond Noir Network, Virgil is the founder of The Black Simmer, a digital community for Black Sims players, is the creator behind the Melanin Pack for The Sims 4, and serves as a consultant for various gaming publishers. (Also worth noting is that Virgil was featured on the Mash101 in 2025 — Mashable's list of the top content creators who are helping to shape our digital spaces.)

We caught up with Virgil to learn more about the gear she relies on when it comes to making content, which games she can’t live without, and what her goals are for the future.

What are your content creation essentials?

Sony A6400 mirrorless camera

Virgil: It has been my primary camera for YEARS. I love the quality and ease of use. Once I discovered that you can use mirrorless cameras in OBS (streaming program), I never looked back. I will always recommend that creators get a mirrorless camera if it's in their budget.

Shure SM7B Microphone

Virgil: The quality [of this microphone] is unmatched. I will say though, it takes some additional setup based on your environment — things like a Cloudlifter and a nice rug in your office space — to minimize noise. So, keep that in mind. 

Sabrent 5 Bay Docking Station

Virgil: It helps me store and organize files and assets for streams, YouTube videos, and gaming mods.

The Hohem iSteady X3 Gimbal stabilizer

Virgil: I'm currently making the transition from long-form content to short-form and it has been SO good for Instagram stories. It has really good battery life and it fits perfectly on my desk and vanity. Later this year, I'm starting reels and this will be the main tool I use.

The Neewer ring light

Virgil: When you're a creator, lighting is super important! It helps to keep my quality on point. It's easy to set up and get straight to work. I love the different color panels that allow you to change the tone of the lighting. 

Sigma 16mm lens

Virgil: It gives my content a look that I LOVE, and captures my room really well. If you're taking the dive into DSLR cameras, be sure to look up the different types of lenses that are out there. The default lens (if you have one) may not be your thing. 

Wireless Lavalier Microphone

Virgil: Other than being super cute, it has great sound quality, it's really good with noise cancelling, and it is a nice, affordable starter microphone for creators looking to dip their toe into short-form content. 

How about your favorite gaming gear and accessories?

Virgil: Logitech G705 mouse, and my G715 keyboard — or any Logitech products really. One thing about me, I'm always going to have a Logitech mouse and keyboard in my office.

Sony Earbuds

Virgil: I love a nice pair of Sony earbuds. Oftentimes I wear big hair, so me and headsets don't typically get along. This is where earbuds come in. My current earbuds are the Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud Headphones.

What are your top five desert island video games?

1. The Sims 2: TS2 was a game truly made with love. From the little things. Even with minimal mods, I can very easily get immersed.

2. World Of Warcraft: A lot of people don't know that I had a WoW binge in high school. It was bad lol.

3. Dynasty Warriors: Any of them really. The most recent title is SO good.

4. Assassin's Creed 2: I still remember the feeling I had when my brother introduced me to that franchise.

5. Diner Dash: Any games in that genre really. If you know, you know. 

What do you love about what you do?

Virgil: The thing I love most about what I do is how unconventional it is and how unpredictable it can be. This line of work has given me experiences that I never thought I would have. 

Who is your ideal audience?

Virgil: My ideal audience consists of people who love FUN. People who know how to have a good time and find the whimsy in life. The world is not in a good place right now for a lot of people, and the state of the internet really reflects that. I think that it's important to try your best as an entertainer to bring the good vibes and to make people happy. 

What goals do you have for your digital footprint?

Virgil: I have a few actually. For over a decade, I created content and I never made archiving a priority. Last year, I decided to change that.

I have had so many different experiences that are gone forever because I didn't make the proper efforts to archive them either locally or on YouTube. So, the goal is to play everything I've ever played (again), alongside new titles, and make sure ALL of them are available on my YouTube channels.

But my general goal is to inspire the young women and girls who come after me and for them to know that they can do whatever they put their mind to, even when things may not be in their favor. 

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices, and tell us about your favorite creators today.