I think you've got it! Build up the account by getting votes on your posts and comments (unless you want to actually pay for Steem to put in there.)

Earning from curation will come as you get bigger. I only earn about 8-10 SP a week myself (though I don't actually try to maximize this, just vote when I want on what I want.)

As a motivator...I started my account with nothing. While I'm not the biggest person on here...everything I have is from posting. I've not paid for anything here.

You can definitely get there!