Opening up Instagram, TikTok, or any other social media platform, video after video pops up on your feed. These short videos could cover anything from a funniest fail video, to a thrift haul, to even a review of the latest Crumbl cookie flavors. As you mindlessly scroll, your For You page seems like the usual mix until a video catches your eye and you stumble upon a familiar face. 

Sophomore Vivienne DeWater is a rising influencer filming and posting short videos called reels on Instagram. Since starting her account this past June, DeWater has gained over 87,000 followers and is on track to reach 100,000. Her content varies from embracing curly hair, advocacy for scoliosis, and other fun videos, including her new series called “Styling Weird Items in My Closet.”

Although DeWater only started her account recently, she has always had a knack for making and editing videos. 

“I have always loved to edit little movies with my brother. Over COVID, we made a ton of these homemade videos that are just hilarious and got my editing skills from there,” DeWater said. 

Starting an account and putting yourself in the public eye can be a bit nerve-racking, especially when there is a possibility of critical or negative feedback. 

“I wanted to make videos for a long time, and I kind of knew that, but I was always a little scared because I don’t want people to think I’m cringe. Then over the summer, I was not busy at all, and so I was like I’m bored, I’m just going to start it now. So I did my first video and showed it to my sister, and I was like, ‘Do I do this, do I not do this?’ and she was like, ‘Yeah, you have to do it,’” DeWater said.

Social media is a way many people share ideas and advocate for things. Recently, many influencers on social media platforms have been posting content about their struggles with curly hair and how to embrace it, including DeWater.

“I post hair content because I want people to feel confident with their curly hair, and it also helps me be more confident with my hair,” DeWater said.

Embracing her curly hair hasn’t always been easy for DeWater.

“She used to be so insecure about her curly hair. I remember when we used to be in dance, she wanted to straighten her hair. I never understood why, because her hair is so cute,” junior Annabelle DeWater said. 

As others began posting about curly hair on social media, she was able to gain confidence, change her mindset, and share it with others. 

In addition to hair content, DeWater also posts videos about scoliosis and her experience with it. Since she was diagnosed at four years old, scoliosis has played a significant role in her life. 

“Scoliosis has always been a struggle of mine, especially wearing a brace. I always felt alone, so it is really hard when you don’t see anyone representing you,” DeWater said.

By spreading awareness on her account, DeWater can connect and build a sense of community with others who face similar challenges.

“It is nice to see people have the same thing as you because it makes you feel seen. Seeing that people can connect with me makes me feel like I am actually not alone, and they’re not alone now. They feel like they have someone they can relate to,” DeWater said.  

Social media can lead people down a rabbit hole of comparison. Putting herself out there has allowed DeWater to shift the mindset of some of her viewers and build their confidence. 

“I post the things that I feel most self-conscious about because people accept them. I am not confident with this part of myself, and then I put myself out there and I show everyone that part of me, and they accept it and think it’s cool. They can relate to it. It is a good feeling because it’s the part that I feel the least confident in, people can also connect to, which makes them not feel alone, makes me not feel alone, and makes it normal,” DeWater said.  

DeWater’s followers enjoy watching and relating to her videos, often leaving comments filled with support, curiosity, and shared experiences.  Sophomore Tera Zimmermann, Dewater’s first follower, has enjoyed watching her grow from this platform. 

“She’s grown so much as a person, and she has never stopped being so positive,” Zimmermann said. 

DeWater has also received lots of support and approval from her family, especially her sister, who has been there from the very beginning. 

“I feel like this has been a nice platform for her to share her voice and be a little bit more secure, which is really nice to see,”  A. DeWater said. 

Looking forward, DeWater intends to continue to post and spread her inspiring messages to the world. 

“The goal was never the followers. It’s just to make people feel more confident and make people feel united,” DeWater said. 

With a bright future ahead, DeWater will carry her positivity, self-confidence, and empowering mindset  as she continues to leave an impact on the world.