How TokOfTheDeen Built a Loyal Community While Championing Aberdeen's Local Businesses

How TokOfTheDeen Built a Loyal Community While Championing Aberdeen's Local Businesses

In this episode, I sit down with Lesley-Ann, better known as TokOfTheDeen, to discuss how she has built a thriving online community in just 14 months. What started as a way of exercising creative expression through creating content has grown into something much bigger. Lesley-Ann shares how she uses her platform to champion independent businesses, highlight hidden gems across Aberdeen, and create genuine connections with her audience. We talk about the importance of trust, staying positive online, supporting others to succeed, setting goals, and the lessons she's learned while growing her presence on social media. Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or simply interested in the power of community, there's plenty to take away from this conversation. In this episode: • Building a community online • Supporting local and independent businesses • Growing a social media presence • Creating positive content • Building trust with an audience • Goal setting and personal growth • Championing Aberdeen's local business scene Connect with TokOfTheDeen: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokofthedeen [https://www.tiktok.com/@tokofthedeen] https://www.instagram.com/tokofthedeen/ [https://www.instagram.com/tokofthedeen/] https://www.facebook.com/Tokofthedeen/ [https://www.facebook.com/Tokofthedeen/] Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/ [https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510] https://www.youtube.com/@SZNMediaLtd [https://www.youtube.com/@UC_RlrFo2SMEUOZ8dGQ8Dpvg] https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/] If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

What Happens When You Say Yes Before You're Ready? | TEDx Aberdeen Speaker Chloe Watson

When Chloe Watson was invited to give a TEDx talk, she didn't feel ready. Today, Chloe is a content creator, sustainable fashion advocate, and TEDx Aberdeen speaker whose talk, Confessions of a Fast Fashion Addict, challenged the way we think about clothing consumption and fast fashion. In this episode, Chloe shares the reality behind stepping onto the TEDx stage, the self-doubt she faced beforehand, and how the experience transformed her confidence. We also discuss building a platform around sustainable fashion, navigating life as a content creator, overcoming imposter syndrome, and what happens when you say yes to opportunities before you feel fully prepared. Whether you're interested in public speaking, personal growth, content creation, or sustainable fashion, this conversation offers an honest look at confidence, courage, and taking the next step before you're ready. Connect with Chloe: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chloelouisewears/] Watch Chloe's TEDx Talk: Chloe's TEDx Aberdeen Talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEDbXSdatdo]

Inside NAFCo 2026: Bringing the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention to Aberdeen

In this episode, I sit down with Kirsty Clements and Laura Harrington, Festival Directors of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo), as we explore one of the most significant traditional music events coming to Aberdeen this year. We discuss the origins of NAFCo, what makes the convention unique, and why its return to the Granite City is such an important moment for the North East of Scotland. Kirsty and Laura provide an insight into the extensive programme of workshops, performances, and events taking place throughout the festival, as well as the internationally renowned musicians and guests who will be visiting Aberdeen. We also look at the venues that will host the convention, the impact the event is expected to have on the region, and the opportunities it creates for musicians, learners, and audiences alike. Alongside the festival itself, Kirsty and Laura share their own personal journeys into the world of traditional music and event organisation, and how they each became involved with NAFCo. Whether you're a musician, a folk music enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Scotland's biggest cultural events of the year, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention. For more information about NAFCo, including tickets, workshops, and event schedules, visit the official festival website: https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com [https://www.northatlanticfiddle.com] https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/ [https://www.facebook.com/NorthAtlanticFiddle/] https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention [https://www.instagram.com/northatlanticfiddleconvention] https://www.tiktok.com/@nafcofestival [https://www.tiktok.com/@nafcofestival] https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAtlanticFiddleConvention [https://www.youtube.com/@NorthAtlanticFiddleConvention]

Reviving Banff’s Silversmithing Heritage - Drew Markou & Vanilla Ink The Smiddy

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Markou from Vanilla Ink The Smiddy for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, and community in the north east of Scotland. We explore the history of silversmithing and metalwork in Banff, how traditional skills are being preserved and reimagined for a modern audience, and the role organisations like Vanilla Ink The Smiddy play in supporting artists, makers, and local communities. Drew also shares his personal journey — from lecturing at Birmingham City University to building a new life in rural Aberdeenshire — and reflects on why creative spaces matter, especially outside major cities. We also discuss: * The importance of community-led creative projects * Opportunities and challenges facing the creative sector in rural Scotland * Why heritage crafts still matter today * The future vision for creativity and collaboration in the region If you’re interested in creativity, craft, culture, rural communities, or the future of the arts in Scotland, this is a conversation worth hearing. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Follow Vanilla Ink The Smiddy: https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk [https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk] https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk [https://www.vanillainkthesmiddy.co.uk] https://www.facebook.com/vanillainkthesmiddy/ [https://www.facebook.com/vanillainkthesmiddy/]

Building Forma Designs Collective: Collaboration, Craft & Scaling From Home

This week, Chris is joined by George Brown, founder of Forma Designs Collective in Aberdeen. We discuss how Forma evolved from a university project into a growing business, the realities of building a creative company from home, and how production has gradually taken over every spare bit of space, including industrial machines running almost constantly from a spare room/workshop. George also talks about the importance of reusability in design, working with other creatives, and what’s coming next for the brand. Follow Forma Designs Collective: https://formadesignscollective.com/ [https://formadesignscollective.com/] https://www.instagram.com/forma.designs.collective/ [https://www.instagram.com/forma.designs.collective/] https://www.tiktok.com/@forma.designs.collective [https://www.tiktok.com/@forma.designs.collective] https://www.youtube.com/@Formadesignscollective/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Formadesignscollective/]