Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzie Simpson.
Hi Suzie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in fashion. When I was in elementary and middle school, people always asked me what I wanted to do in life, and I would tell them I wanted to be an editor for a fashion magazine. That passion never went away growing up; however, my passion for what I wanted to do in the fashion industry has wavered. I grew up in rural Ohio, in a town called Coshocton. Most people in Ohio don’t even know where it is, so it definitely does not scream FASHION.
When I was sixteen, I was invited to go on this trip sponsored by Seventeen Magazine. During this trip, I learned two things about myself that still stand true today. 1. I wanted to move to NYC 2. I wanted to be in the fashion industry, but I didn’t want to be an editor for a magazine anymore- instead, I wanted to do something more “creative.” I put “creative” in quotations because every job doesn’t fall on one end of the spectrum; however, what I mean by “creative” is moving from writing to more of the online, social media, production side. At this point of my life, it never crossed my head that I could make money from social media.
When I was 18, I decided to put my dreams of moving to NYC aside, and I decided to attend Syracuse University. As soon as I got on campus, I knew I made the wrong decision. I saw one of my friends from high school attend a University in NYC, and I wished that was me every day I was at Syracuse. There was nothing wrong with Syracuse at all – it just wasn’t a good fit for me. So, in 2019, halfway through my sophomore year, I started applying to universities in New York City. I learned that I was accepted into NYU during quarantine. I decided to quarantine at home in Ohio, so it was nice to have my family around during this crazy time. In July of 2020, I moved to NYC. Most people call me crazy for moving to NYC during COVID, but for me, there were more pros than cons to moving during this time. The biggest pro being the decrease of rent.
I always loved creating content: posting on Instagram, making videos, creating graphics; like I said above, I never knew I could make money from it. It wasn’t until I moved to NYC and started posting more on Instagram that brands started to notice me. From here, I started making money and getting free products from brands. One day, in the near future, I hope to make social media and content creating my full-time job.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth rude. Moving to NYC was a struggle in its own because I moved to NYC with nothing but a couple of suitcases. I didn’t know anyone, and I had no idea what to expect. My social media channels are all based on fashion and living in NYC, but sometimes living in NYC is super hard. Not only is the lifestyle hard to maintain – in other words everything is super expensive: rent, groceries, going out, etc. But ultimately, I think the biggest difficulty has been dealing with people. People in the fashion industry, especially other influencers, aren’t always what the seem like online. In some ways, it feels like a competition between me vs. them, especially when it comes to the other NYC fashion influencers. For example, during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) it isn’t as fun as it seems because it feels like a competition between everyone. People always asking you what your schedule for the week looks like, so they can compare it theirs, to see if it is “better” or “worse” than their schedule. Or it is the greeting “how did you get invited here,” that makes it seem as you are beneath them,
Also, another struggle I have had is struggling with creative slumps and the moral dilemma of not wanting to spend my whole life online, but also realizing it is a “job” and I need to make it a priority. However, I don’t want this to come off as I am not happy. This is my dream job, even though I still haven’t made it a reality. I wouldn’t want any other passion, and the pros always outweigh the cons.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a content creator. I create content: pictures, videos, graphics for my social media channels. I’m mostly known for fashion and lifestyle (living in NYC). I am most proud of myself. I never thought I would do this, and I never thought I would be where I am today. Even though I would love to grow my channels and do this full-time. This is my passion, and I am forever grateful for the experiences I have gotten through content creating. I think what sets me apart is I try to be as open as I can be. I never try to hide anything. In 2023, I hope to grow on this with a podcast/YouTube channel. This would allow people to get to know me for me better, instead of just seeing my face on Instagram or a short clip on TikTok.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
All I want people to know is I am extremely grateful for all the experiences that content creating has given me, and I only hope to grow. But my main goal in life is to shed a light on how different things can be on social media, so I hope girls and boys don’t compare themselves to anybody they see online.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suziesimpson_/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzieinthecity?lang=en
