If you don’t know who Clementine Lea is just yet, we’re sure you will soon, as she’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of social media.
The 16-year-old French-American content creator is on the rise on several platforms, creating lifestyle-based content that has garnered millions of views across Instagram, TikTok AND YouTube.
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Clementine Lea creates short-form videos that are super relatable to her audience, and she consistently works with brands to make content, as well. Amassing over 400k followers on both Instagram and TikTok, the young star-in-the-making is just a few posts away from earring her spot at the “it crowd” table of influencers with Addison Rae, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio and Emma Chamberlain, to name a few.
Aside from her social media fame, Clementine entered her girlboss era in early 2021 by starting her own small business, Clementine Lea’s Boutique. As a fashion-lover, Clementine wanted to create an online store full of “ready-to-wear pieces that corresponded to [her] style,” and it’s clear that her boutique has been a success!
With Clementine Lea’s Boutique, she has been able to make a steady income as a teenager, garnering enough money to independently purchase her first car. We are BEYOND happy for Clementine Lea and so proud of her hard work!
We got to know the rising star personally by chatting with her about all things social media, fashion, philanthropy work and more! Read our full Q&A with Clementine Lea below:
Celeb Secrets: For people who may not know you yet, can you explain a little bit about who you are and the kind of content you create?
Clementine Lea: “I’m a 16 year-old content creator who still goes to school full time. I am French- American and I am fluent in French. I create content mostly on Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube. The type of content I create is lifestyle and relatable. I also have my own online shop called Clementine Lea’s Boutique where I curate trendy pieces and have a wide selection of clothes, shoes and more!”
CS: I know you started out your career as a model and an actress. What made you want to switch to content creation and start working in social media?
CL: “Acting took so much time, varying from memorizing long scripts, filming auditions, driving to castings, etc. I didn’t have the time to be a full time actor because I went to school all the time and had a separate life. Social media is mostly remote and it’s much easier. All I really do is create content which does take time, but it’s less tedious than acting. I also am passionate about working in social media. I wasn’t passionate about acting anymore.”
CS: What is your favorite social media platform and why?
CL: “Tiktok is my favorite platform because it’s interactive and fun. I have more creative opportunities and the app has fun videos. I have better opportunities to create cool content.”
CS: On your social media platforms, you often collaborate with other companies. What is your dream brand deal and why?
CL: “I would absolutely love to collaborate with luxury brands such as Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels. I love the aesthetic, and the brand positioning is a lifestyle I aspire to have.”
CS: Have you made internet friends during your time as an influencer? If so, who is your closest friend you’ve connected with through social media?
CL: “That’s a tough question! I’m friendly with a lot of other teen influencers but none I consider as a close friend. Friendships tend to be more difficult with people in the industry. I typically hang out with my school friends during my free time.”
CS: Being an influencer, the things you post can have a great effect on your followers. How do you keep your social media platforms a positive space, and how do you use your social media platforms for good?
CL: “I try posting content that I find inspiring and relatable as much as possible. It’s sometimes hard finding inspiration especially since I have been sharing on social media for so long! I also try promoting charities and nonprofits I believe in and support.”
CS: I know you are very passionate about charity work, and have worked with a big cat rescue to save hundreds of cats in Los Angeles! Can you talk a little bit about this experience?
CL: “Yes! My family and I have been involved with Perry’s Place Heaven on Earth (located in NoHo) since 2018. We have adopted two cats from there and decided to help out by fostering kittens. We fostered about 50 kittens! I loved doing it and helping socialize them and getting them ready for adoption. Because one of our cats is extremely jealous, we have transitioned to the cat enrichment program, where we go to the shelter twice a month and spend time with all of the current cats!”
CS: Do you have any philanthropic goals for the future or any causes you’re passionate about, in particular?
CL: “I am not currently involved yet with other causes but I’d want to be involved with a charity helping the homeless. There has been a rise of homelessness in LA since COVID hit, and it makes me feel so bad. I would like to help out.”
CS: Aside from being a content creator, you own your very own boutique! Can you tell us a little bit about the store and what the process was like starting it?
CL: “I started in early 2021 with offering merch essentially, then I slowly expanded to ready-to-wear pieces that corresponded to my style. My mom helped me build the site.”
CS: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
CL: “One of the biggest challenges is creating demand for all of the products I offer and driving traffic to my site. I also feel people can be hard to convert sometimes!”
CS: On the contrary, what has been the most rewarding part about being a business owner?
CL: “I might sound shallow, but being able to make a decent income as a teen and buying my first car has been very rewarding!”
CS: What is your favorite piece you have in-stock right now?
CL: “I love the new crop tank tops that I offer, because they are comfortable and easy to style with anything. The material is super soft and stretchy.”
CS: It is clear you are VERY fashionable! What is your favorite fashion trend for this fall/winter?
CL: “Thank you! My favorite trend this fall/winter is definitely the ultra mini and mini UGG boots paired with ultra low jeans.”
CS: What’s next for you? Do you have any exciting projects we can expect to see in the near future?
CL: “I shot a pilot for a reality show following the lives of teen influencers, but I’m not sure whether a network will pick the concept up for a full season. Besides that, I am regularly working on creating content for different brands and it keeps me busy.”
CS: Do you have any goals for yourself in 2023 career-wise?
CL: “My goals in 2023 career-wise are to visit colleges, start a new business/line and learn more about influencer marketing. I also want to expand my fanbase and audience on social media.”
CS: Lastly, since we are Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets about yourself that fans might not know?
CL: “I don’t really keep any secret but if people don’t already know, I’m fluent in French, I go to school full time and I started driving my own car in October.”