TUS student to host social media afternoon in Westmeath

A TUS Athlone student and social media lover has put her skills to good use by creating Content and Coffee afternoon to "foster a supportive community where content creators, aspiring creators or small business owners can connect, collaborate, and share ideas in a safe, judgement-free space".

Twenty-year-old Alex Slevin, from Castletown Geoghegan, is a second year student studying Digital Marketing at TUS, Athlone. She is a former pupil of Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan, which is where she developed her love for social media.

Her first job was as a part-time waitress in Browne’s on the Green, Tyrrellspass, when she was 16, and it wasn’t long before the establishment was trusting her to run their social media accounts.

Alex recalled listening to one of her school teachers discussing entrepreneurship. something which encouraged her appetite to do her own thing.

And, while it was school that fostered her love of business and entrepreneurship, family really helped her find her niche.

"I always admired my cousins’ makeup, they were always the most glamorous people in the room. I would stay up late every school night (even when my parents thought I was asleep) just to practice my own makeup. Eventually, I gained enough confidence to start posting the results on social media," Alex said.

"After a lot of late nights and consistency, my hard work started to gain some recognition from beauty and fashion brands, which has led me to over 10,000 Instagram followers."

Alex is currently a student ambassador for brands Pretty Little Thing and Biabelle Beauty.

"The beauty of social media that not everyone seems to understand is that not only can you use it to impress people, but you can also use it to impact people and that’s why I love it so much," said Alex.

"Specifically in secondary school, I didn’t feel like I fitted in, but social media has given me the platform to connect with like minded people."

As well as her Instagram account, @AlexSlev, Alex has recently launched a "passion project", Studio Slev (@StudioSlev), which she says is "a creative space dedicated to empowering brands to achieve their goals in a fast-evolving digital landscape".

"Guided by our tagline, ‘where authenticity meets aesthetic’, we combine visually compelling content creation with genuine storytelling to create meaningful connections between businesses and their audiences," said Alex.

"Studio Slev is about more than just building a career, it is about building a legacy, which is why I have been inspired to host the first Social Media ‘Content and Coffee’ afternoon in the midlands.

"We believe in building an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to express themselves and grow their brand authentically."

The event encourages attendees to develop their social media skills, brainstorm content strategies and find inspiration, while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere over coffee. It will take place on March 9 in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar and, while it is a free event, all tickets were claimed within three hours, and the event is fully booked.

On the day, the lineup of guest speakers will be leaders in the Irish social media field, among them Jim Flanagan, Jane Swarbrigg and Sarah Jane Foster (one more speaker is to be confirmed.

"Their insights promise to inspire, educate, and engage attendees, offering valuable perspectives on every aspect of social media. Whether you’re social media savvy or new to the digital world, this event provides a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders and gain meaningful knowledge," Alex said.

"We will also have goodie bags, an opportunity to network and gain followers and aesthetic photo stations done by the incredible Aisling at Ashwood events on the day."

And, of course, Alex will bring her own knowledge to the event by discussing her personal experiences in the social media industry and the invaluable lessons she has learned from her college lecturers who have been "a huge source of guidance and inspiration" to her.

"Their expertise in both the social media and business industry has helped shape my understanding in many areas, which I plan on sharing with all of the attendees. I aim to combine these insights with practical advice and real world examples to make sure the event is both educational and empowering," she said.

"I was incredibly humbled by the response to this event and how quickly it booked out. It shows there’s a huge demand for opportunities like this in the midlands, where not only creators but aspiring creators and small business owners can connect, learn, and grow together."

Alex has huge plans for Studio Slev: "I know this dream was planted in my heart for a reason. Because of this amazing response, I’m already thinking of what’s next. I want to keep providing a platform for creators to connect and collaborate, but most importantly to support one another as opposed to viewing each other as competitors.

"This is just the beginning for Studio Slev, and this booked out event is only the first step."

Alex would love to get more local businesses involved.