Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethania Locke.
Hi Bethania, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I was always a creative person. I wasn’t allowed to watch television or have social media until after I had graduated high school, so reading and writing was my only source of entertainment. I think that is what allowed me to develop the creative imagination I have now. I was really confused as to what my career path was going to be when I started University, so I married my two passions: writing & photography, and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Multimedia Journalism. I had no real plan as to what I wanted to do within the field, I was just happy to check “college” off my list of accomplishments. Throughout my time at the University, I was very involved in Atlanta’s creative scene. I had worked as a freelance model, I worked with friends on independent films and projects and anything that was creatively stimulating I was involved in. It was during this time that I signed up to be an extra for film and TV to make some extra money. I ended up working as a witch on the originals and got a small role in Adam Sandler’s film Blended. These experiences introduced me to the world of television production, and I absolutely fell in love. From then on, I decided that I wanted to be a part of that world. Fast forward a couple of years, and I’m asked to be a part of a reality show called Buckhead Shore. This experience definitely took my life on a detour, but one I’m grateful for. Since the show’s premiere, I have had so many amazing opportunities, and it allowed me to start on a new path of social media influencing and management. I’m currently in the process of starting my own podcast, so I’m excited that life has continued to bless me with jobs that are also a creative outlet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I struggle with bad anxiety; there are days (more often that I would like to admit) where getting out of bed is difficult. Being on a reality show is essentially welcoming the public to openly judge and critique your life, looks, and choices. There were times it was hard to even watch because I hated how I looked in a scene, and that insecurity would be validated by random people on Twitter. What has helped me overcome my anxiety is getting a therapist around the time that Buckhead Shore was airing. I’m officially one of those people who swear by therapy.
Another struggle along the way for me was just toxic distractions. I was in a toxic relationship that required so much of my mental energy that I didn’t have any left to pour into myself. After my last relationship, I was scared that I had lost my free-spirited, bubbly spark because I was living in such a dark space for so long. Prioritizing myself and my mental health has been key in putting myself on a path where those struggles are less likely.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I work as a freelance social media consultant & influencer. I have clients whose social media pages I create content for and manage. I love what I do because I get to help companies grow their digital footprint the same way I’m trying to grow my brand as an influencer. I feel like I’m most “known” for Buckhead Shore. I’m sure that’s where the majority of my following comes from. On the show, I was referred to as the “heart of the lake” because of my ability to connect and empathize with everyone I worked with. This has always been a trait of mine that I’m most proud of. I really do make an effort to sit with people and understand them, which not a lot of people have the patience for. I think empathy is a superpower; it drives you towards kindness and compassion first. I really believe that everything good that’s happened for me in life is because I lead with empathy and grace.
How do you think about happiness?
As I’ve gotten older, my idea of happiness has simplified. The peace of being financially independent makes me happy. The fact that I have a community of family and friends who genuinely care about me makes me happy. I was just on a family beach trip a few weeks ago, and I remember having a moment where I just felt so content. I was surrounded by my loved ones, the beach, and positivity, and simple moments like that gave me peak happiness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanialocke/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethaniaLocke
