We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Carolynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started posting on social media—YouTube in particular—my junior year of high school as a creative outlet. Growing up, I loved taking pictures and videos in a casual setting. As a younger teen, I religiously watched lifestyle YouTubers (which many would argue was the golden age of YouTube). I had always wanted to emulate what Bethany Mota, MakeupbyMandy24, Alisha Marie, and MyLifeAsEva were doing. And at sixteen, I took the leap into creating my own lifestyle YouTube videos. For the first few years, I posted what I thought other people would want to watch. I didn’t have a firm sense of what I wanted to create. It wasn’t until the 2020 lockdown that I truly found my way.

I went through a phase where I posted many editing tutorial videos. I had one video reach over a million views, which triggered the realization that I could view social media as more than just a hobby. I quickly realized I should be posting on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. And after a ton of research, I learned I could monetize my hobby through brand partnerships.

Three years later, I create daily social media content on Instagram and TikTok. I have a strong sense of what I enjoy creating and what my audience enjoys…which is mostly romance books and Taylor Swift theories 🙂

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create social media photo and video content, which I post daily on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. I started content creation as a creative hobby, and it took me about five years to find my corner of the Internet per say. If I had to describe the type of content I create in one word, it would be lifestyle. Using a lot more words, it would be romance + fantasy (romantasy) book reviews, Taylor Swift lyrics + theories, DIY tutorials involving the aforementioned, travel diaries, digital scrapbooks, thrifted fashion, home decor, dessert baking—and that’s just to name a few!

Aspiring content creators are often told to pick a niche/topic and solely focus your content on that one particular field of interest. As a person with MANY interests and passions, I spent years trying to narrow down my social media niche to fashion, books, DIYs, etc. When I did this, I felt as if I was excluding the large majority of my interests. It wasn’t until last year that I realized my niche doesn’t exist in the typical sense. My niche is every single one of my individual passions.

The aspect I love most about content creation is the fluidity of the field. I love how social media is this constant flow of creativity. You are always brainstorming new ideas, and there is always a new trend to explore. I thoroughly enjoy that I play every role. When I create content, I’m the director, producer, videographer, editor, sound tech, hairstylist, and makeup artist. I love that I am able to work from home and completely manage the business side myself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in Denver, Colorado almost my entire life. I am finishing my senior year of college in NYC right now, and I love bringing my college friends to Colorado. The must-do of any Colorado trip is the mountains. No matter what season it is, I’m bringing a visitor to the mountains, specifically the Winter Park/Fraser/Grand Lake area. If it’s summer, we’re hiking, exploring the ski resort’s downtown, paddle boating on the lake, flying down the alpine slide, and going to Hernando’s in downtown Winter Park. Remember to drink plenty of water!

Back in Denver, Bonnie Brae ice cream is an essential! You have to order the Lemon Custard ice cream. I’ve eaten at Bonnie Brae since I was a toddler, and I have never tried a different flavor. Lemon Custard is too good!

Downtown Denver has so many fun things to do as well. It’s great to take the Lightrail to Union Station, catch a Rockies/Nuggets/Broncos game, walk around Larimer Square, 16th Street Mall, and Civic Center Park, and visit the Denver Aquarium.

Finally, as an avid bookworm, I do have to mention the best bookstores. It’s essential to go the Tattered Cover, one of Denver’s local bookstores. The Bookies on Colorado Blvd has amazing children’s books. I love going to 2nd and Charles in Aurora for used books. And the Barnes and Noble in Southlands has a wonderful selection.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, who always supported me both personally and professionally! My mom always emphasized the importance of a creative outlet, which is what prompted me to start creating content. I also want to give a huge thanks to them for allowing me to use the family’s guest bedroom as my filming space!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susancarolynn/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SusanCarolynn

Other: https://linktr.ee/susancarolynn https://www.goodreads.com/susancarolynn https://www.tiktok.com/@susancarolynn

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