Are you struggling to be authentic on social media? Either personally or professionally? Learn how @sheiscelestee keeps it real, as a writer for platforms such as Refinery29 and as a digital creative, specifically on TikTok (with her 87k+ followers).
For a while, I stayed off of TikTok. Why? Because I struggled to find creators and content that I related to. Well, TikTok heard those thoughts. Suddenly, I got on the "relatable 20s" for you page, and my relationship with the app changed. One account that I found through my journey of being obsessed with TikTok was @sheiscelestee. I could relate to her videos SO much more than sixteen-year-old dancers. She is a big part of the reason why I have started to produce DD content on TikTok. So, who better to ask about their experiences as a writer in today's world and how to stay authentic on social media?
DD: Introduce yourself to our Dear Diary readers.
Celeste: “My name is Celeste. I am a full-time contributing writer and digital creative living in NYC. I have contributed to several publications like InStyle, Refinery29/Unbothered, Byrdie, XoNecole, and more.”
DD: How did you become a writer?
Celeste: “I started writing several years ago (possibly back in 2013/2014). I had a personal blog back in college that I was just having fun with. I’d write about anything that I found interest in beauty, lifestyle, shared stories, etc. At the time, I was interviewing my friends and sharing their personal life stories. My small blog landed me my first two internships at Fuse Television and Dash Radio in Los Angeles, California. This (then) set me on a radio hosting track that I pursued for several years.”
DD: What is the origin story of your popular TikTok account @sheiscelestee?
Celeste: “Hmm, that's a good question. I don't think there is really much of an origin story. I didn't know precisely what TikTok was for a while...like a while. During the early days of the pandemic, I kept hearing about this fun app that people were blowing up on. I gotta admit, at first, I didn't believe it. One day I got curious if the hype was real. I told myself to see if I could get to 10k and did. On my journey, I fell n love with the app. I'm not much of a dancer, but I know I have a story to tell, so I decided to make my TikTok more about lifestyle/wellness.”
DD: You focus on "mindfulness with a little realness" on your page. Do you think social media has lost its realness?
Celeste: “Absolutely, I feel like people (and I have been guilty of it too) rather portray a particular lifestyle instead of sharing their story. The problem with portraying a particular lifestyle is that it's most likely not relatable. If people shared their real stories on social media, people would be able to resonate with social media more and not feel like they have to set unrealistic expectations for their lives.”
DD: How do you keep it authentic on social media as a creator?
Celeste: “It's not easy. There are moments I get tempted to do the whole "perfect aesthetic content." I believe what helps me keep my content authentic are the people who support my content. I love when people send my comments, DMS, messages, emails, etc., on how my content has positively impacted them. This lets me know that people resonate with my content and give me the motivation I need to keep going.”
DD: What advice do you wish you would have known as a post-grad?
Celeste: “One piece of advice I wish I would have learned as a post-grad is to create my own content. In college, they told me to network...a lot. However, I don't feel that networking got my foot in the door. When I started creating my own content and putting my work out, opportunities began to come to me. I guess what I'm trying to say is that sometimes you have to build your own chair to have a seat at the table.”
DD: Where can our Dear Diary readers find articles you have written?
Celeste: “You can find my articles in a few publications. The DD readers may find my pieces at the following publications: InStyle, Byrdie, XoNecole, and Unbothered/Refinery29.”
DD: Now, for our final question of each interview, what now?
Celeste: “Although I am blessed to be a published writer, I still feel like this is only the beginning. I have so much I still want to accomplish in both journalism and as a content creator. As of right now, I want to continue to grow as a writer and digital content creator. I'm learning every day is an opportunity for growth and expansion both in my career and internally.”
XO