An interview with Milton Keynes Influencer: Sydney Elverson
Every single person has their insecurities - they shouldn’t, but this is reality. Platforms grew through the pandemic that inspired and reminded people to love the bodies they are in. TikTok through lockdown was the place to go and Instagram bloggers thrived to empower their bodies and make you realise you are perfect the way you are.
Charlotte Moyle, Community Manager of Milton Keynes Girl has been following Sydney Elverson’s platform on TikTok (20.6k followers) and Instagram (3.4k followers) since the start of the pandemic. The empowerment and love she showcased to women was inspiring, highlighting Plus Size Fashion and now she has become a family of three with her gorgeous baby girl, Arabella.
All about you
What do you do when you're not working as an influencer?
At the moment I’m a full time mummy! I’m on maternity leave and honestly loving every minute of it with my little girl. She's honestly the best! But I will be going back in the new year, which is sad to think about but has got to be done. Being a mum has changed my life and I just don’t know what I’d do without my Arabella now, I really don’t!
What inspired you to start your empowering platform?
I started because I knew I didn’t want other girls or women feeling the way I used to feel about myself. I want to inspire young people and help them love who they are. No child should feel low or hate their body; they’re children and shouldn’t worry about those things, but I did, so I know it happens. The world can be cruel.
We’re all beautiful and deserve happiness, so I want to spread that, I want to make sure people see the good in the world and that no matter what you look like you can do and be who you want to be. All body shapes should be celebrated, you should be able to wear what you want and feel amazing, not fear being judged by others or even yourself - we all deserve to feel like the main character in our lives.
Also mum tum is beautiful too! Spreading the message that mum life can be so hard, I want to make sure other mums know they’re not alone and that we can be ourselves as well as a mum.
Building your brand
How did your platform start?
On TikTok, I made a video about being body positive as a plus size girl and I never thought people would see but now I have 20k+ followers! I can’t believe it! I then started to aim my platform towards pregnancy and mum life, which then showed me a whole other side to TikTok and Instagram and helping mums.
It’s a scary time becoming a mum and seeing the change your body has made can be sad, but learning to love it and knowing what your body has done is amazing. So now I also focus on mum life too! But my main goal is for everyone to feel body positive.
In your opinion, what's the best way to build a sustainable influence?
Just be YOU! I think worrying about followers, likes, brand deals and money shouldn’t be the motivation for being an influencer, it should be to spread your message, to be true to yourself and to inspire others. Of course it’s also a great way to get out there if you’re a singer or want to work in tv as well!
But stay true to yourself and know what it is you want to spread (make sure it’s positive!). I love following people who inspire me or who make me feel motivated or make a positive change. I love when people want to make others laugh with comedy. It’s so much fun, someone making you laugh can change your whole mood of the day!
What would you say has been the highlight since starting your platform?
I’ve loved working with brands, that’s so cool! Obviously I’ve got a long long way to go and would love to build my platform, but I would have to say when people message me saying I’ve helped them or inspired them it means a lot because that is truly what I want to do. It’s honestly the nicest thing!
What's next for your brand?
Honestly I have no idea! I’m still a small influencer so I just want to see my platform grow and I have lots of goals, but doing this whilst having a baby is hard. I include her into my socials as well because she’s such a cutie. But I do feel like 2022 is going to be my year!
An influencers insight into their city
Are there any hidden gem clothes stores in Milton Keynes we should know about?
CHARITY SHOPS! They are amazing. You can find SO much stuff in them and Milton Keynes and the little villages in Milton Keynes have so many. Charity shopping also helps the planet too which is a bonus. I’ve found so many amazing things in them! There is NO shame in second hand clothes or second hand things, it’s super cool.
Where is best to take photos in Milton Keynes?
The car parks near the train station. It can be such a struggle changing outfits in a car, me and my friend go once a week and it’s FREEZING. Oh what we do for the gram hahaha! But yeah the car parks, or by the business part of Centre MK so near Wetherspoons (pub), there are some really nice parts around there. But honestly if you get the right angle, Milton Keynes is great for photos anywhere. Make it your own.
And your top 3 places to go for drinks with the girls?
Slug and Lettuce at The Hub Milton Keynes - the girls and I love going there. That’s number one for sure and during the day you can get such lush pictures in there, it’s so cute! Banana tree is another one of my favourites, the food is AMAZING and 2 for 1 drinks?? YES PLEASE! Also Revs de Cuba, such fun vibes in there and great for a boogie.
Share the love
Which influencers should we be talking to next?
@jessjesscraig, my best friend! She’s an amazing person, has such a cool style and is true to herself; she’s also the kindest person you’ll ever meet. Her Instagram is one of my favourites!
You can find Sydney Elverson via TikTok and Instagram.
Interview by Charlotte Moyle
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