Being an influencer brings you with a network of many many fellow influencers, some of which I can proudly call a friend. Lindsay of Sunshine and Stair Climbs (@sunshineandstairclimbs on Instagram – go follow her!!) is one of my good friends from the influencer world. She shares content on her adorable style that comes with her great loves of Starbucks, Lele Sadoughi, and Stoney Clover Lane. At the same time, Lindsay always makes an effort to provide her network with the importance of mental health awareness and ALWAYS seems to find the sunshine in everything that life may bring. I am SO excited for y’all to meet her in today’s interview!
Tell me a bit about yourself!
I love fashion, lattes, and anything pink! I’m an enneagram 7, extrovert, Aquarius, and mental health advocate. I was born and raised in the Midwest and love traveling – particularly anywhere warm and sunny!
So, I know you are a regular at Starbucks. I feel like you order the most ADORABLE drinks in general! What is your go to order(s)?
Oh my goodness, thank you!! My go-to is a venti hot soy Caramel Macchiato with light foam. Yes, I’m part of that rare breed that prefers hot coffee! Haha. I will say my favorite pretty drinks are iced ones though! Namely: a trenta iced Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher with light ice and a trenta Passion Tango Lemonade with light ice, unshaken. The Passion Tango Lemonade ends up looking like a sunset!
I know you’re also a major Stoney Clover Lane fan and share the cutest finds! When did your obsession with Stoney Clover Lane begin?
Thank you so much! It began around the beginning of the pandemic. An influencer I follow (@zoedokas) is a big Stoney Clover fan. After seeing all her content with their products, I had to check them out for myself! I made my first purchase in June 2020 and the rest is history!
Tell me a bit about your experience attending the Stoney Clover Lane launch party in Nashville!
It was seriously my favorite experience of 2021 and such a dream come true! The owners, Kendall and Libby Glazer, make their store openings and launches truly special events for their community of customers and fans of the brand. There was a virtual queue to get in the store on opening day. Let me tell you, it was the most fun I’ve ever had waiting for something in my life! There were complimentary cocktails, a food truck, and a photo booth. I got to meet and chat with other fans of the brand, including some people I follow on Instagram and had never met in person so that was really fun, too! The store itself is gorgeous and they had live music from local artists all day. It was an experience I will never forget!
How would you describe your style?
The two words that best sum it up are colorful and girly!
Tell me a bit about your platform – Sunshine and Stair Climbs!
I share a lot of fashion content, as well as travel, local spots, small businesses, skincare reviews, and some lifestyle content!
What made you want to become an influencer?
My love for photography, fashion, and making people smile! My mental health journey honestly is a big drive for my platform. If I can make someone who’s struggling or having a bad day smile and give them a boost of serotonin for even 10 seconds while they’re scrolling Instagram and see my post, then I’ve achieved my goal!
One of my favorite parts of your Instagram page’s bio is the fact that you strive to motivate people to find joy – your page simply gives me joy! What are some simple ways that other influencers can give their followers joy, too?
That makes me so happy to hear that! I would say being authentically yourself and celebrating others doing the same is the easiest way to spread joy! Sharing things that make you happy, things that make you laugh, some encouraging words.. those are all ways to share some sunshine with your followers and help them find their joy!
What are your 2022 goals for Sunshine and Stair Climbs?
I’d like to share more mental health content as well as dabble more in reels!
Now, that floral wall that you shoot in front of is the CUTEST! Did you make that yourself or is it located at a cafe or place near your home?
Thank you! I actually found it on Amazon! It was very easy to assemble – I am not crafty at all. It was pricey but a very worthwhile investment for how often I use it!
What have been some of your favorite brands to work with so far?
I loved working with Halo Box and Chandelli. Both are small businesses and I love sharing those with my followers, especially accessory brands like these!
Now, what brand(s) are your dream collaborations?
Lele Sadoughi and Starbucks
Speaking of brands, you have the most beautiful Lele Sadoughi headband collection! Which styles are some of your favorites?
Thank you so much! I have to say, my favorite (and most-worn) is my Magenta Neoprene. It’s the prettiest shade and super lightweight! I also adore the Lele x Lilly Pulitzer collection!
Also, which Lele Sadoughi headband(s) would you suggest for someone who is looking to invest in their first?
I would definitely recommend an unembellished version. They are more versatile and cost considerably less than the embellished headbands. A slim or Bardot Lele headband is a great option if you prefer a style that’s a little more flat. These usually cost less than the top knot styles, too. Also, look out for sales! They don’t happen often but many styles do end up getting marked down over time.
Being an influencer is not a one size fits all type of experience. Every influencer’s journey is different PLUS growth is not linear for anyone. What are some ways that you have seen your platform become successful over the years?
Reaching so many new accounts and connecting with so many people who love the same things I do – that has been a big success for me. I also am grateful for how many brands I’ve been able to work with.
I know Sunshine and Stair Climbs is not your full time job. How do you balance both your full time job and running your platform?
It definitely ebbs and flows! Working full time in retail management, there are weeks and months when I’m busier and don’t get to post as often. Setting realistic goals for myself and keeping my mental health a priority are key.
What are some of your tips for being an influencer and working full time, too?
Find what works for you! Don’t play the comparison game. Just because someone else posts daily doesn’t mean you have to. Never forget your “why.”
What is one thing that you would tell yourself before you started Sunshine and Stair Climbs?
To not worry what my friends, family, and coworkers would think. They have all been so supportive of my journey as an influencer and while that’s not the case for everyone, it’s like the saying goes, “those who mind don’t matter.”
What would you tell somebody else who is interested in becoming an influencer?
Connecting with other influencers is a game changer! Having friends that understand it and who support you (even if it’s just online and not in person) is invaluable!
Lastly, what are some ways that others can support the influencers that they LOVE including yourself?
Liking/commenting/sharing our posts, watching our stories, and shopping our links are all great ways to show support! A little goes a LONG way!
Lindsay is an inspiring force in the influencer world and someone I am proud to call a friend.
XOXO – Katie <3