Moments before she walked the red carpet of the iHeartRadio Music Awards last year, graphic design junior Stephanie Clavin was in distress over what to wear. However, Clavin left the red carpet with a new perspective on fame.
It all started when Vine star Shawn Mendes revined her singing cover. She was previously a shy high school student who didn’t publicize her singing abilities, but once she started sharing her music on the internet, her classmates, along with thousands of other people, noticed her innate talent.
When Clavin was a junior in high school, she began posting Instagram videos of her singing along with her Vines. One day she woke up and her phone was exploding with notifications — a popular Instagram account had reposted her cover once again.
“Social media is a great platform for getting your name out there,” Clavin said.
When she was younger, her mother would sing Disney songs to her every night and play Christian music, which kick started her music appreciation. Clavin is active in her church and is a part of Christ the King’s ministry team at the University. Her favorite music to sing is Christian music, which is something she does often in her church. She enjoys the intensity of music and the effects it has on people.
“Faith is the main inspiration for where I’m at right now,” Clavin said. “It keeps me humble. It has helped me realize that life is about so much more than being liked and looking good.”
When Clavin was invited to the 2017 iHeartradio Music Awards, she realized just how impactful her Instagram account is. To go from zero to 123,00 followers is an accomplishment in itself, but to attend an award show because of it is another thing. Her obvious talent and diversity in song covers brought her all the way from Harahan, Louisiana to Los Angeles in under a year.
“I remember feeling so shocked that my name was next to Jacob Sartorius,” Clavin said.
Clavin makes sure her account is family-friendly and a good representation of who she is. She occasionally has followers recognize her in public, which has taken some getting used to, she said.
Since she is humble about her following, she was shocked that Instagram had brought her to the red carpet. Her account isn’t something she boasts about, but it is something she is proud of. When she arrived at the music awards, she saw all kinds of social media stars, some with millions of followers. In the midst of all of this, there was one moment during her trip to California for the awards that stood out.
“It was in that moment that I realized that I didn’t want anything to do with that lifestyle,” Clavin said. “There is no reason for a dress to be so important. I didn’t like how superficial it all could be, and that’s why I don’t think I’ll sign to a label. Some of the friends I made through Vine have signed with labels and it really changes things.”
Though Clavin is passionate about her music, she doesn’t let it define her. Since her Instagram account blew up, she has remained focused on her school work and plans to have a career in design. However, when Clavin was a freshman, she was still a mass communication major and hadn’t given design much thought.
“I quickly realized that I had a brain wired for design and engineering,” Clavin said. “My dad is an engineer and my mom does everything for everyone. I’d love to have a career where I can help people. I have a passion for problem-solving — I definitely get that from my parents.”
Clavin was born and raised in Harahan, outside of New Orleans. She attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School, where she discovered her artistic talents.
“When I was a freshman in highschool, I remember learning that I could draw and not wanting to stop.”
Her love for music, God and art is prevalent on her Instagram page. She plans to keep posting covers on her Instagram of not only religious music but R&B and pop. With over 123,000 followers, she encounters a variety of followers, most of which have her best interest.
“Even amongst all the bad things in the world, there are good people out there that want to support you,” Clavin said. “When people comment nice things on my videos, it really makes my day.”
LSU graphic design junior Stephanie Clavin sits in front of the Art and Design building on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018.
