Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Nelson
Hi Audrey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in content creation began this past summer when I took a chance and applied to a modeling agency. After multiple interviews, I was offered a contract to become a signed model. However, the reality of balancing a new career with being a stay-at-home mom and caretaker for my critters suddenly felt extremely overwhelming. Although I had considered the challenges before applying, the weight of it hit me only after it became real. So, not wanting to take on more than I could manage, I respectfully declined the contract and turned to social media as a creative outlet as it gave me the flexibility to create the career that I had been looking for in modeling on my own terms.
With the help of thrifted outfits, my trusty Canon camera, and a bit of creativity, I dove headfirst into capturing self-portrait photoshoots, successfully finding a way to merge my love of modeling with one of my longtime passions: slow fashion. As I shared this new content on my platforms, I stayed true to my roots, still sharing snapshots of nature, hobbies like sewing and crafting, and the simple joys of slow living with my family. In doing so, I was able to forge connections with an incredible new community of kindred spirits while continuing to engage with my longtime supporters.
Though I’m still in the early stages of this adventure, and my following is smaller than most, I don’t let that hold me back from putting myself out there. Through persistence and a willingness to take chances, I’ve had unexpected opportunities that have shaped my path in ways I didn’t foresee. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with brands like Kiel James Patrick from New England and Son de Flor from Europe—companies that align with my love for timeless, quality fashion. I’ve also had the privilege of working with amazing photographer Scott Fang from Arizona on multiple projects and with Big T Ranch, a historic local treasure in Frazee, Minnesota. These collaborations and relationships have been a natural extension of my work, allowing me to share more of what I love while building genuine connections with both brands and my followers.
And so, here I am, juggling the beautiful chaos of my life while wearing a wardrobe full of stories old and new. Every creative idea, snapshot, and interaction has added its own layer to this evolving venture. I may not have it all figured out, but that’s part of the fun. The best chapters are still ahead, and if there’s one thing I know, they’ll be something that’s really aud.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. If anything, it feels like driving down a road back home in Rhode Island; full of potholes.
I think the biggest bump, or hole, in the road for me, was putting myself out there when I was in one of the most vulnerable states I had ever experienced. It’s easy to think of social media as platforms where people share just photos or videos, but there is a human being on the other side of the screen with real emotions. Usually, those feelings and emotions are those of self-doubt or criticism on whether or not the content is conveying what I am trying to say. In a world where you are encouraged to be niche-specific, I felt a bit overwhelmed to share just one thing that I love, when I love so many, and decided to stay true to myself and share it all. It may make things seem a bit hectic, but that’s exactly what my life is. Along with that, I like to keep things light and humorous, especially with my captions, and sometimes I worry that it might make my commitment to my content, such as slow living and sustainable fashion, seem less serious.
Take all that and sprinkle in the chaos of motherhood, managing pets, and everything in between, and things can definitely get a little messy. But over time, I’ve grown with grace, embracing the unpredictability, and the photobombs. It’s all part of what makes it real, and incredibly rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m grandma’s secret recipe: a pinch of old-fashioned grit, a dash of eclectic passions, and a heaping scoop of love for everything from strolling through Manhattan dressed to the nines, to breathing in the stillness of Montana mountains. When you whisk that all together and bake at 350°, you get me; a one-bear band lifestyle-focused content creator. When I am not modeling, photographing, editing, or styling, I am keeping life (and my toddler) in motion.
Having lived in six states, originally hailing from Rhode Island, I’ve specialized in the art of adapting, putting myself out there, and connecting with others in authentic ways. It has shown me the importance of showing up, no matter where I am. It’s what I take pride in; I don’t wait to be discovered, I take small, intentional steps to connect directly. Rather than chasing algorithms since my start, I focus on reaching out personally. This could be a fervent email to a brand or a genuine conversation with a local business. Although it is difficult at times, I don’t consider my follower counts when defining my worth or the creativity and passion I pour into my content. In the grand scheme of things, it’s about the real connections you make and the message you share with the world that truly matters.
That approach has opened doors I never expected, from collaborations to features I’m so grateful for. Showing up and blending creativity, heart, and aesthetics, with a dash of animal antics and the lively whirlwind of life with a toddler, is what I am known for, and I’m excited to keep growing and continuing to share that.
What makes you happy?
When it comes to happiness, I am a simple gal: giggling around the dinner table with my family, cuddling with our animals (yes, even the chickens), or getting lost in my art/dressing room.
Have you ever cracked open a fresh pack of hot glue sticks or threaded the needle on your machine on the first try? Or thrifted clothing items on separate occasions only to discover they fit together perfectly in a new outfit? If not, and you’re looking for a quick serotonin boost, I can’t recommend it enough.
That said, at the end of the day, nothing quite compares to the joy of watching my son look back at me with the biggest smile on his face as he pulls his little red Radio Flyer wagon across the yard to the chicken coop, eager to say hi to his ladies and gather all the eggs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsreallyaud
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@audlymade
Image Credits
Scott Fang:
Apple Orchard photograph
Wooded path photograph
