First Stream Checklist Under $100

Set the foundation

Start with the room before touching tech. Wipe down your backdrop, clear clutter, and add one focal prop that matches your persona. Place a full-length mirror behind the camera so you can adjust posture between segments. This costs nothing but instantly increases polish.

Lighting on a budget

Buy two clip-on LED lamps (around $15 each) and a pack of warm diffusion gels. Position one lamp at a 45-degree angle for key light and bounce the second off a white wall as fill. A strand of fairy lights adds depth behind you. These notes are expanded inside the StartRight kit’s lighting checklist.

Audio that flatters

Use wired earbuds with an inline mic instead of your laptop microphone. Wrap the mic in a tiny piece of foam to soften sibilance. If you have $20 left, invest in a desktop gooseneck stand so you can position the mic consistently.

Ambience and scent

Light a candle that matches your room story—vanilla for cozy, sandalwood for luxe. Keep a fan or AC unit off during the show to avoid noise. Prep a hydration ritual so your voice stays silky when you switch between show scripts.

Final rehearsal

Do a 15-minute dry run using one of the StartRight kit scripts. Practice your intro line, your first tip goal call-out, and the closing gratitude routine. Capture a screenshot for your claim submission while you rehearse so it’s ready for concierge review.

You can create magic on a tight budget when every detail is intentional. Use this checklist alongside the full 14-day launch plan we send after your claim clears.