Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Carriveau.
Hi Emily, 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?
I actually joined social media because of my kids. When they got their first iPhones, I downloaded all the apps so I could understand what they were using and keep an eye on what they were doing. Along the way I started seeing different creators sharing their outfits, unboxing, and pieces of their everyday lives, and I remember thinking… I want to do that too.
I love fashion, styling outfits and creating beautiful things, but I never really felt like I fit the traditional influencer mold. Then one day, I bought a Prada bag specifically for garage saling. Instead of doing a perfectly styled curated unboxing, I sat on my bedroom floor in my gym clothes and spent the entire video explaining why my Prada bag was perfect for garage saling.
That video took off on TikTok and something clicked. People weren’t looking for a perfectly created version of me… They connected with me just being myself.
From there, it felt like one video after another started reaching new people. My videos included gift wrapping ideas, garage sale finds, seasonal decorating, crafts, and everyday vlogs. My content has never fit neatly into one category and I think that’s actually what makes it mine. I share a little bit of everything but the common thread has always been creativity…. Whether I’m expressing it through fashion decorating my home, transforming a garage sale find wrapping a gift or making something random in my craft room.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think one of the biggest struggles was not having a specific niche. Over the years I’ve had so many people try to make sense of my account…. To categorize it, organize the chaos, or even create a schedule for which days I should post certain types of content. But every time we tried to put it into a box it just didn’t work.
People don’t necessarily come to my page because they know they’re going to get a craft on Monday or a garage sale haul on Wednesday. They come because they want to be inspired discover something unexpected, and hopefully laugh a little along the way.
The common denominator has always been fun and creativity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
If there is one thing I’m known for, I think it’s finding the creative potential in ordinary things. I love taking something inexpensive or unexpected and turn it into something special… Whether that’s transforming a garage sale find, coming up with a unique way to wrap a gift, decorating a space or finding a creative solution to an everyday problem. I want people to watch something I create and think. “ Wait – I could totally do that.!”
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself and stay true to your vision. It’s so easy, especially on social media, to look at what everyone else is doing and think you need to follow the same formula to be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smalltownme.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownme
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19aLm7mVXR/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-carriveau-9152412a9
