What exactly is an influencer—and how do they make money doing what they love? In this episode of Coasting, Celia sits down with Ashley Weller of @southernchicstyle, a powerhouse content creator with 45K+ followers and a fresh take on fashion, lifestyle, and building a brand after 50. From her roots in Texas to carving out a digital empire here along the Carolina Coast, Ashley shares how she turned social media into a legitimate business, how life on the Grand Strand fuels her creativity, and what real influence actually means. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or ready to launch your own side hustle—this one’s for you.

👉 Recorded live on the Tea Patio of the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Chapters:

00:00 - Episode Preview

00:15 - Welcome to Coasting

01:02 - Intro

00:34 - Driving in Myrtle Beach

04:24 - Big things in February

09:36 - Aunt B's Yummy to the Tummy Segment

17:00 - Kids Art Programs

17:37 - Celia's PR Background

19:07 - Welcome Ashley Weller

19:37 - Whats an Influencer?

20:37 - Moving from Texas

21:41 - Alligators in Pawleys Island?

22:15 - Transitioning work from Dallas to Myrtle

23:18 - How Ashely Made friends after moving

24:27 - How to Grow your Social Following

25:44 - How did you Become an Influencer

26:33 - Gaining Confidence as an Older Influencer

27:33 - How to Get Business as an Influencer

29:28 - How Brand Deals Work

31:24 - The Collectors Event

32:22 - Free Perks

36:47 - Who Plans the Content

39:27 - Working with Bask Away

41:14 - What is it like being an Older Influencer?

42:38 - How to say No to a Company

43:19 - Odd Product Requests

44:12 - Shifting her Followers

45:27 - How Hard is it to Become an Influencer?

47:25 - Inside Scoop on whats Next

48:33 - Interview Wrap-Up

49:26 - Episode 7 Preview

49:34 - Ending Credits

Important Links:

Real Estate Website : http://www.bytheseashorerealty.com/

Myrtle Beach Art Museum: http://www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/

Ashley Weller's Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/southernchicstyle/

Luigi's Restaurant : https://www.luigismyrtlebeach.com/

Podcast Website : http://www.coastingpodcast.com/